I don't recall hearing or learning much about the rebuilding of Jerusalem so when I read through Ezra and Nehemiah I was simply amazed. Amazed at Nehemiah's leadership, amazed at God's faithfulness, amazed at the passion and zeal the people had in order to rebuild their city in just 52 days! The second person on my "want to meet in Heaven" list (after the apostle Paul) is Nehemiah because he exudes nothing but pure leadership and that is something I greatly admire.
In Nehemiah chapter 1 we read about Nehemiah's position as cupbearer for King Artaxerxes and how his brother Hanani comes to visit him with grave news about the Jewish remnant. Hanani tells him that those who did survive the exile have made it back to Jerusalem but the people are distraught, disgraced, and in trouble. The walls of Jerusalem were completely destroyed and this caused Nehemiah to weep. Nehemiah did something honorable, he did not become angry or bitter or curse rather he mourned, fasted, and prayed....for days. I love verse 8 because it not only shows Nehemiah's faith in God's promises but it also shows God's faithfulness in keeping His promises.
In chapter two we read about Nehemiah asking the king whether he would be allowed to go back to his city and help rebuild. During this time period it was imperative that those who served the king were conscious of their demeanor. A servant of the king did not pass before his throne with a look of despondency or a sad countenance, you were expected to have a pleasant face to look upon at all times. So as we read in verses 2 and 3 the King obviuosly noted Nehemiah's sad countenance and because of that Nehemiah became afraid! I like verse 4 - Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven before he answered the king. How often do we do just that? Not only did Nehemiah obtain favor from the King for his travels but he was also granted letters to ensure his safety during travel and to ensure he recieved the proper supplies for the rebuilding project. God is good to those who put their trust in Him.
Nehemiah was so trusting and dependent upon God - in 2:20 he says "The God of heaven will give us success...." only seven words yet I sense no faltering and no fear. He knew without a doubt that God was going to give them success. In chapter three we read about the individuals assigned to build the portions of the wall that were closest to their own homes. I love 3:12 - "Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters" - the rebuilding of Jerusalem wasn't gender specific, it wasn't assigned to only the powerful and wealthy. It was a commitment made by every individual within those walls, it shows how much the Jews loved their city and how dedicated they were to the rebuilding. Reading about the passion of these people is so moving - 3:20 "20 Next to him, Baruch son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section...." no other individual in the entire chapter has the word "zealously" associated with their name. It is not coincidental or accidental that this word was used to describe Zabbai's efforts, obviously God wanted this particular word in His Book and to me that speaks greatly of Zabbai's character. One little word that speaks so much, I wonder what one word the Lord would use to describe me and my efforts.
Chapter 4, verse 6 - so the people worked with all of their heart. Sanballat and the others became angry when they saw the Jews achieving success with the rebuilding. They organized an army and plotted to destroy Jerusalem. The Jews cried out to God and 4:14-15 speak for themselves "After I (Nehemiah) looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, 'Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.' When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work" Nehemiah encouraged, trusted God entirely, and never gave up the fight! The people never gave up.
Despite further opposition the walls were rebuilt and the exiles were finally able to return home. All the people assembled in the main square and asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses. He read it outloud from daybreak until noon. Day after day, from the first until the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of Moses. Ezra was and still is another great leader - a spiritual leader. The first couple of words of 8:5 -"Ezra opened the book." gives me goose bumps. I can just picture thousands of people gathered in the square all eyes upon Ezra who stood upon a high wooden platform built just for the occasion. As he brought out the Book and opened it every person stood to his feet. Ezra praised the Lord and the people lifted their hands and responded with loud "Amen"s, then they bowed down and worshipped with their faces to the ground. What an awesome picture, and what a thrill to see an exiled people back home within the safety of their rebuilt walls and a renewed zeal for God.
