Dedicating the Wall
Nehemiah 11:1 - 12:43
Introduction
- Nehemiah is a great study of leadership; shows faithful obedience to God
- Last week we discussed the pledge that all citizens took
-- It was a pledge of faithfulness to God, and to one another
-- “We will not neglect the house of our God”
- Once the wall was built …
∆ WALL SLIDE
- Nehemiah knew that the only sustainability they would have is a population
-- A population that not only honors God; but is able to sustain itself
- Note: We will move through a lot of scripture today, hang with me
- Pray
∆ Point 1 – Repopulation of Jerusalem
- Read Nehemiah 11:1-2
- Jerusalem needed to have citizens come and reside there for several reasons
-- Sustainability, protection, and to provide a thriving economy for example
-- Without people, a city has no hope of ever flourishing past 1 generation
- There were already an adequate number of ruling class in Jerusalem
-- APP: There were plenty of leaders, but not enough people to be lead
-- Jerusalem would’ve naturally drawn leaders since it offered prosperity
-- EX: Nehemiah 5:17 already told us there were 150 that ate with Nehemiah
- So now, they needed a general population to sustain the city
-- Their belief was always around fact God decided all life and luck didn’t exist
-- Therefore, casting lots was acceptable in determining God’s will
- Family representatives were grouped in small groups of 10
-- Those lots determined that one out of every 10 group would move
-- IMP: No families were separated for this; family of “x” would all move
-- Those who were selected moved their family to Jerusalem
- And due to this, the people were commended (v2) for volunteering
-- They were more “voluntold” – but nevertheless cheered for doing so
-- It was believed they were following God’s will, and this was a good thing
- If you notice, each person is listed specifically … (often done in OT)
-- Why? They are special to God, and God never forgets them (or us)
- TRANS: From here, Nehemiah begins to lists all those who relocated
-- Some of these were Israelites, priests, Levites – coming together for the city
∆ Point 2 – Outside Jerusalem
- Read Nehemiah 11:25-30
- At this time, Jerusalem was still under the domination of Persia
-- When Nehemiah scans the horizon, he sees the potential of these people also
-- This gives great hope to fulfilling God’s promise to bring His people in
- These towns all represent people that Nehemiah knew could be beneficial
-- Also, by being considered outliers presented Jerusalem with added security
-- EX: If you want to protect MGM from the North, Prattville is needed
- IMP: Additionally, the list represents something critical to the Jews
-- It shows them their inheritance, and reminds them of God’s promises
-- The temple was restored, the walls were rebuilt, and the law was affirmed
-- And now, the people were settling into their ancestral towns
- TRANS: Also of importance are those who will lead in religious positions
∆ Point 3 – Priest and Levites
- Nehemiah provides us also with a comprehensive list of priests and Levites
-- But, why is this important? These provide a legitimacy in the community
-- Faith is critical to the lives of these in Jerusalem at this time (12:1-26)
- Remember, Nehemiah travelled here based on burden God placed on him
- His vision was to restore what had been destroyed; inc. people’s hopes
-- The priests and Levites would provide ceremonial things needed
- No different than a new town might build a church; pastor needed
-- They have the temple, leaders/servants are also needed to minister
- The temple was a central part of their lives; this shows great importance
-- APP: If the government put value in it, the people would respect that
-- Caveat: It has to be something possessing morale authority: Re: LAW
- TRANS: Now we come to the pinnacle of our story
∆ Point 4 – Dedication of the Wall
- Read Nehemiah 12:27-43
∆ WALL SLIDE
- Nehemiah’s vision was always to rebuild the wall for God’s glory
- The wall signified great importance to God’s promise; security for all
-- This wall also represented Israel’s purpose and distinction
-- For this special event, as many as possible Levites were brought in
- Before the dedication the priests would ceremonially cleanse themselves
-- This included sexual abstinence, washings of clothes; and bathing
-- It was meant as a separation from the things of this world for holy purpose
- All the leaders were brought to the top of the wall
-- Two large choirs gave thanks (sang praises of God)
-- They would circle the city in opposite directions
-- Behind the choir, half the leaders followed in each direction
-- Behind them, would be the priests – then the musicians
- Just imagine for a moment, the size and grandeur of this procession
-- For the glory of God, to the honor of God’s promise, they sang/worshiped
- The first group was ended with Ezra, the second with Nehemiah
-- They would walk around, climbing down/around where needed, worshiping
- Joining at the temple, their joy would be listed as unrestrained
-- Read 12:43 again … consider the praise and honor given to God on that day
-- The sound of joy and worship could be hear far away
- APP: These people needed no reason to worship, they saw it themselves
-- But don’t we have opportunity to worship what God has done also?
- TRANS: When we consider the accomplishments here, 4 things are clear
∆ Big Idea– x
• Each person is valuable to God (names listed specifically)
• Everything done for His kingdom is remembered (He never forgets)
• Spiritual growth requires time to pass, and for people to be led
• God, no matter is happening, should always be praised
- This wall was constructed in 52 days … consider how that’s possible?
-- We cannot even build a house to code in 52 days!
- These people did, with God’s ordination, and it was spectacular
-- Because of it, they marveled at the majesty and praised God’s name
- Do we worship at the marvelous splendor of God daily?
-- Will we delight in God’s accomplishments and not in our own?
-- Nehemiah gives us great instruction for living for God; if we will submit
- Pray
