This section finishes the sequence of events that began in chapter 7 reestablishing the civil and religious life of Israel after the completion of the walls had been rebuilt. It was mentioned in Nehemiah 7:4 that while the walls were completed, few Israelites were living in Jerusalem.
Reasons Israelites had not moved back:
Economic reasons
Family ties
Preferences
Nehemiah 11:1-2 describes a process by which the people selected one out of every ten people from throughout the nation to live in Jerusalem. Those people relocated away from their families and lands where they had settled to contribute to the thriving of the holy city.
Following in the footsteps of King David, Nehemiah:
Organizes divisions of Levites
Prioritizes worship
Two principles from this section:
- Missional Living – The people transcended the natural ways people lived in order to
contribute to the thriving of the community of God.
● Jesus sent out his disciples to make disciples of all nations. This meant some of
them would end up very far from home to proclaim the Gospel. We too can
consider how our geographic location serves the mission of God.
- A Worshipping Community – Human and financial resources were dedicated to the
full-time work of worshipping God. There were even full-time musicians in the temple to ensure that God was praised and the people were spurred on in their worship.
● Our destiny is to be a worshipping community in the presence of God. Revelation 7 records a vision of people from all nations before the throne of God worshipping. We too should prioritize worship in the community of God now.
Questions for Discussion/Reflection:
○ What factors determined the location where you currently live?
○ Should you consider relocating to be a witness for Christ in a place where there is less
representation?
○ What would it look like for your home to be a place that fosters worship of God?
○ What are ways your church community could further emphasize worship to God?
