This chapter finalizes the wall rebuilding efforts and recounts all of the returned exiles (their genealogies). All together, just under 50,000 people had returned (there original population was in the millions).
“Now when the wall had been built and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many. And I said to them, ‘…Appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, some at their guard posts and some in front of their own homes.’ ” (v1-3 abr)
Now that some of the physical rebuilding was complete, Nehemiah begins the more critical work of rebuilding their society. Roles are appointed, and people begin returning to their towns/homes. God-honoring people are put in roles of leadership.
The main reason Judah was sent into exile was they had lost their way, and turned away from their God. Part of this was the fault of individuals, though a large part was due to ungodly leadership. Nehemiah knows that appointing God-honoring leaders is integral to successfully rebuilding the lives of God’s people.
Who are you listening to these days? God? God-honoring people? People of the world who pretend to follow God? Or maybe those who don’t even pretend to follow God? Perhaps you’re just following your own lead, not knowing who you can trust.
I highly encourage us to research our sources of influence before taking any teachings to heart. Whenever we hear a philosophy or teaching on a topic, no matter how interesting / appealing it seems, it’s critical to verify the source and the accuracy of what we’re being told. The best way to review what we’re hearing is to pray for the Spirit’s discernment, and compare the person / teaching to scripture. If everything lines up to God’s word and heart, great. If not, we should not obey that teaching.
There are so many false teachings running rampant in our culture right now that seem good on the surface, but if you look into the underlying core, you will discover they are not biblical or God-honoring. Please, take a few minutes to research teachings / sources before obeying them – it may save your from an eternity of regret. Just because someone else is taking a teaching at face value, doesn’t mean you should blindly accept it too. Spiritual discernment is always wise, and never a waste of time. I even encourage you to weigh my writings against scripture – I am far from flawless, and can make mistakes.
Father God, our Wise and Discerning Lord, thank you for granting us Your teaching Spirit. May we seek Your guidance regarding teachings and those who are teachers. May You help us discern what teachings we should obey, or not, and graciously with all gentleness explain to others why we’re choosing not to obey something / someone. May we have learning spirits like a child, teaching spirits like Jesus, showing our love for others through our conduct and choices. We praise, honor an glorify You, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training