Restoring the Community

King Richard, the Lionhearted, was one of the better kings to rule over England. However, on March 25, 1199, he was struck in the shoulder by an arrow from an enemy crossbow. Twelve days later, he would surrender his life to the wound, likely due to an onset of infection. In his place, King John ascended to the throne. A particularly cruel and greedy king, his taxation seemingly knew no end. So, while he was king, the nobles...the vassals and sub-vassals...the ones who typically employed the knights and fought the battles in Feudal System Europe, didn't appreciate John's rule. So, rebellion broke out, and in June of 1215, The Magna Carta was signed, guaranteeing certain rights to the people, essentially seeking to make all people accountable to the rule of law.

Was it a perfect document? No, but it was quite influential in the history of the world. As a matter of fact, the Founding Fathers' understanding of the document led to the development of our representative government, supreme law, and judicial review. Further, the fact that our constitution includes a Bill of Rights that protects us from government infringement has its roots sunk deep in the soil of the Magna Carta.

Why am I rambling on about the Magna Carta? There is a similarity for the church as we reflect back on the restoration of a worshiping community after the exile. We have found and continue to find aspects of "doing faith together" that extends into our modern practice. Just as the Constitution has roots deep in the Magna Carta, so the church has deep roots in ancient Israel's practices. Today, we look at the establishment of Jerusalem, the repopulation of the center of YHWH worship, and as we do, we find that a worshiping community must be willing to serve, must bear in mind God's purpose, and must rely on God's faithfulness.

Reestablishing the City (Neh.11:1-24)

The Method (v.1-2)

While Jerusalem and the walls are rebuilt, the city itself is underpopulated. So, the people cast lots and one out of ten will be chosen to move into Jerusalem. Most of Jerusalem's population was the leaders of the people. This isn't to say that there weren't leaders in the surrounding villages and towns. Casting lots was a common way to make decisions in the Old and New Testament times.

The Greeks, when seeking to Hellenize new cities, would practice forcible relocation called synoikismos. Jerusalem is called the holy city, in uncommon designation outside of prophetic texts.

A good leadership principle is observed: leaders must equally delegate, serve, and organize the efforts of others.

The use of lots determined God's will in who would move to Jerusalem, a reminder that there have been various means throughout salvation history to determine God's will, but He has finally spoken through His Spirit, His Son, and His Scripture.

There has been a continued effort in Ezra-Nehemiah to establish Jerusalem as a city that is set apart from the world. Its repopulation is commendable, and there was likely a sacrifice made for those who moved in.

The List (v.3-24)

Names and numbers are reminders that God is interested in the details of both individuals and families.

The high priest is considered the ruler of God's house. And, the house in verse 12, given context, is likely the temple.

The fact that Levites worked outside...the house of God shows their rank was lower than than of the priests.

The rest of Israel, that is, the remaining 90% not chosen to move to Jerusalem, remained in the surrounding towns, in the familial inheritance they had previously received.

Pethahiah likely served beside the Persian king, probably responsible for handling Jewish affairs.

The list of names differs from other lists of returners (Ezra 2, Neh.7, 1 Ch.9). This suggests that the list in Neh.11 is selectively representative, demonstrating a sort of cross section of those now in Jerusalem.

While some believe the king in vs.23 to refer to the Persian king (as noted above), this isn't the only understanding. It could refer to the ordering given by King David in 1 Ch.23; 25. CSBSB

Priestly genealogies are significant in Ezra-Nehemiah because priests were required to prove their lineage back to Aaron.

People lived in their ancestral inheritance, that which belong to their family by inalienable receipt from inheritance. This possession included land, buildings, and spoils acquired through conquest, etc.

Concerning Pethahiah and his role at the king's side, commentators are torn on his role and identity. He could be a governor who took Nehemiah's place in the Persian court, or he could have been a local official responsible for reporting to the authorities of the province. ZIBBC

There is a corresponding group of people living inside Jerusalem for those living outside Jerusalem. The (mostly) repetitious inclusion of the names here shows religious and ethnic purity for those living in Jerusalem. They can be divided into five basic groups, descendants of Judah, descendants of Benjamin, priests, Levites, and gatekeepers. Totals for each group are given after their listing. The leader of the Levites is named - Uzzi the son of Bani. His lineage is traced back to Asaph, a leader of music who has some hymns preserved in the psalter.

Pethahiah resided in Jerusalem, was a prominent figure in Jewish society, from the clan of Judah, and as an official in the Persian court, ha d a wide scope of responsibilities in Jerusalem. HOTC

Villages Outside Jerusalem (Neh.11:25-36)

Towns of Judah (v.25-30)

Attention is now turned to the population residing outside Jerusalem. Judahites lived south of Jerusalem, from Beersheba in the far south to Hinnom on Jerusalem's southern edge. ESVSB

The towns of Judah settled are mostly to the south and extended all the way to the Negev. CSBSB

There are seventeen places listed in Judah, and they correspond to Judean cities in prior lists. Though the area seems large, it is not. Kiriath-arba, also known as Hebron, would fall into Edomite possession. It was significant for the Jews, however, being the burial site for many patriarchs, including Abraham and Sarah. ZIBBC

The list of towns seems to be drawn from Josh.15, a record of tribal inheritances after the PL conquest. The list probably served as a reminder that God's favor was returning to His exiled people as the worshiping community was being re-established in their ancestral towns. HOTC

Towns of Benjamin (v.31-35)

Benjamin residing north and west of the city. ESVSB

The towns of Benjamin were mostly northwest of Jerusalem. In the entire record of both Judah and Benjamin, it is interesting the towns that are omitted, such as Bethlehem and Jericho. This could be best answered as a record of towns that did not get destroyed by Babylon. CSBSB

Judah and Benjamin are probably the only two tribes recorded because they were viewed as the true Jewish people (the southern tribes). The included towns are again likely linked to Israel's inheritance from God in the Promised Land. HOTC

The Levites (v.36)

The Levites did not belong solely to Judah. ESVSB

While one might remember that Levites had no land inheritance, they are strategically placed throughout the land to offer their service to the One who was their inheritance: God. The were appointed to serve in various towns. HOTC

Desire to serve.

We see this in Israel’s willingness to go and repopulate the city.

Christianity, and the church in particular, have turned into a consumer product. The quality of a church for many is based not on the character of its ministers, not on its faithfulness to expound the Word of God, but more on their mission statements, the ministry offerings and programs, and what they have to offer “me.”

The question has done a near-180. We don’t ask, “What can I do for the church?” but “What can the church do for me?”

The question is, are willing to serve? What are we willing to put in? How can I build up this body of believers? That’s what being the church is all about.

Disregard personal agendas.

Paul was pretty clear about this one, but I wonder if we think somehow it doesn’t apply anymore. Phil.2:3 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

There is no place for personal agendas in the kingdom of God, and certainly not in the household of faith. We are all surrendered to the Chief Shepherd, to the Head of the Church.

You know, I’ve never tried to have my body go in a separate direction from my head. Seriously, when’s the last time your body tried to act independently from the head? It hasn’t. You know how I know? You’re still here. The moment the body detaches from the head to follow it’s own way, that’s the moment it dies. We have one agenda: Christ.

It reminds me of Sinclair Ferguson’s encouragement in our devotion Thursday…maybe Friday? Luke 14:26 ““If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” and Luke 14:33 “So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”

He said it’s not just that you won’t be a good disciple…maybe you don’t get the gold star in Sunday School…he says you “cannot be my disciple.”

Depend on God's faithfulness.

The one thing that unifies God’s people in all of this is God’s faithfulness.

The inherit their forefathers’ land.

They are restored out of exile.

Every promise He makes, He keeps (and BTW, the ones that are pleasant and the ones that are terrifying…hello work out your salvation in fear and trembling!)

Let His faithfulness spur us on to love and good deeds.

He will build His church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.

He who has started a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.

Seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and everything you need will be squared away.

And be found faithful in His service because indeed will bring salvation history to its intended end, and that day is closer today than it ever has been before.

Church, desire to serve God and His church.

Disregard your personal agenda to take up the cause of Christ.

And, depend on His faithfulness every step of the way.