Bible Pathways - June 11, 2005

June 11
Read Nehemiah 13
In Today's
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
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 (
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
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.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Mike Conoway (TX), Rep. Charles Rangel (NY), and Rep. Rick Renzi (AZ) · Country: Bulgaria (9 million) in southeastern Europe · Major languages: Bulgarian and ethnic languages · Newly opened to evangelism · 62% Eastern Orthodox; 10% Muslim; 1% Roman Catholic; less than 1% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to show you what to do, and then be willing to do it (Acts 9:6).
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: I Thessalonians 4:3