Bible Pathways - June 11, 2005

June 11

 

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 . . . and 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 (see 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). In righteous indignation, 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? . . . even 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.

 

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 Reading: II Corinthians 13

 

Memory Verse for the Week: I Thessalonians 4:3