June 11, 2004
Read Nehemiah 13
In Today's Reading:
Reading of the Law; separation from the heathen; tithes given; Sabbath-breaking forbidden; mixed marriages condemned
During Nehemiah's absence, the Israelites' worship of God and the Sabbath observance were neglected. Intermarriage with Canaanite idol worshipers was common. Nehemiah again came . . . to the king, and after certain days obtained . . . leave (permission) of the king: And . . . came to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 13:6-7). He was grieved over the people's disregard of the Law and took firm action to return the nation to God. On that day (that the walls were dedicated) they read in the Book of Moses . . . therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever (13:1).
The greatest evils had been committed by those who held the highest positions of spiritual leadership. Eliashib the priest . . . was allied (through marriage) to Tobiah (an Ammonite). . . . And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite (13:4,28). Other priests had also married Canaanite women.
Added to these sins, Nehemiah understood . . . the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber (room) in the courts of the House (Temple) of God (13:7). This was not only forbidden by God (Deuteronomy 23:3-4), but Tobiah formerly had opposed Nehemiah's work in rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:10,19; 4:3-8; 6:17-19). Nehemiah cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber (room). . . . and. . . . contended . . . with the rulers, and said, Why is the House (Temple) of God forsaken? (13:8-9,11). The reason was obvious. The nobles of Judah had violated the Law by marrying heathen women and consequently had defiled the priesthood (13:29).
Nehemiah continued his reformation while facing much opposition. He warned the people concerning marriage with the Canaanites: You shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor take their daughters to your sons. . . . Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? . . . him did outlandish (foreign, unbelieving) women cause to sin (13:25-26). Like Nehemiah we too can make a difference in our world by taking a firm stand for what God says is right. He was mightily used of God because he knew the Scriptures and refused to compromise.
Draw near to God. . . . Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded (doubters) (James 4:8).
Christ Portrayed:
By Nehemiah who cleansed the priests and Levites and defined their duties (Nehemiah 13:30). Christ cleanses us from all our sins when we confess them (I John 1:9). Through Him we have been made a royal priesthood to serve the Lord (I Peter 2:9).
Word Studies:
13:17 contended with = confronted, rebuked; 13:26 outlandish = foreign; 13:30 strangers = foreigners; wards of = duties for.
Pray For:
Staff: Ilene Wallace · Government Officials: Rep. Charles Rangel (NY) and Rep. Rick Renzi (AZ) · Country: Dominican Republic (8 million) in the West Indies, occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola · Major language: Spanish · Religious freedom · 96% Roman Catholic (many are spiritists); 2% Protestant; 1% Afro-American spiritist
Prayer Suggestion: Pray for a spirit of humility and submission before the Lord (John 3:30-31).
Prayer Suggestion: Pray for a spirit of humility and submission before the Lord (John 3:30-31).
Optional Reading: II Corinthians 13
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 1:16