Nehemiah Confronts the Same Problems

In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people. And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin. Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives? Nehemiah 13:23-27

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

A number of years later, Nehemiah is granted special blessings by Artaxerxes, King of Persia, to go to Jerusalem to help them rebuild the wall and get the people and the city into good shape. What Nehemiah found was that the people’s hearts were still in rebellion and chapter 13 of the book of Nehemiah describes the general sins of the people which translated out to inertia regarding building up the wall and the city. The people rebelled against God on several specific points: First of all the priesthood had united with the worldly powers surrounding the city and were willing to compromise principle for financial and political gain. The second point was that the people were not supporting the priesthood by their tithes and offerings and therefore the people were not getting educated in the principles of the Word of God. Third, the people were working on the Sabbath, the 7th day of the week – Saturday, for financial gain, thus neglecting the works of God. To reject God’s Sabbath was to reject Him. Lastly, the people were again intermarrying with non-believers. When this happens the people have not ability to establish the principles of God in the house and the understanding of God, the “Jew’s Language” or the true understanding of God’s Word and teachings, were totally neglected and the children did not learn of God. As long as the people chose to rebel against God on these points the building of the city, and the wall, would not be accomplished. The first priority of business is to be right with God.

Prayer for Today: How many times have we read about these problems in Bible history. God, we are no better than our spiritual fathers, and only You know how many times we have rebelled against You. Today, we want to come back again, and apologize to You, and ask for more help. It is embarrassing Father but yet it is needed. Help us to believe by faith that You welcome us back again. Please help us again, and help us to be more mature and stable this time. Thank You for Your grace and mercy toward us.