The Already/Not-Yet Rebuild

Notes/Observations

This section transitions from a celebration of completing God’s work and into a Covenant Renewal. We see a reading of the Law (significant event) corresponding to a heart change/transformation.

Nehemiah and Ezra then are seen in the light of Moses/Joshua line in terms of leaders of Covenant Renewal. (Exod 34; Josh 24; 2 Kgs 18; 22–23).

Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther 2. The Feast of Tabernacles Celebrated (8:13–18)

The emphasis on bringing branches and living in booths is found in Lev 23:33–43, but Deut 16 emphasizes celebrating with joy. No attempt is made here to quote these passages verbatim; the people wanted to do God’s will, so they applied these passages of Scripture to their present situation. Deuteronomy 16:15 says they were to celebrate the feast at “the place the LORD will choose, which they know to be” Jerusalem.

Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther 2. The Feast of Tabernacles Celebrated (8:13–18)

The “roofs” of houses in the ancient Near East usually were flat. The booth would be a temporary “hut” structure that would remind them of the temporary nature of Israel’s dwelling in the wilderness following the exile from Egypt. Such an act was a deep expression of their faith in God, who dwelt with them in their booths. It perhaps also was to remind them “that their continuing existence was more fragile than the security of a regular pattern of life could suggest.… It is far more difficult to hear the message of fragility of life and the fact of dependence upon God in each succeeding breath amid the settled affluence and long life-expectancy that so many in the modern western world would enjoy.”

Nehemiah 8:16 that there had been a long overdue correction to the Feast of Tabernacles: “it was a memorial celebration of the wilderness wanderings. Apparently through the years the harvest application had been emphasized, but the living in booths to remember the wilderness wanderings had been neglected. As the people examined Scripture here, they returned to that emphasis, which was appropriate after their new exodus in returning from the Babylonian captivity.” Mervin Breneman, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, electronic ed., vol. 10, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993), 230.

This further highlights the demonstration that God had done something unique here in reviving the people and rebuilding the walls.

Nehemiah 9:5-31 recounts the history of God’s faithfulness to His people despite their failure and rebellion.

Nehemiah 9:32-36 ends with a summary account contrasting God and His people. This motivates the people’s commitment and renewal in Nehemiah 10.

We see here that God continues to work despite the failings of Israel. But, the cycle would not change and God’s plan would not come to fruition until God had a faithful human partner fulfilling what clearly Israel could not. But, Israel’s history (and Romans 1-3 and many other passages) show that humans could not be faithful despite all of God’s mighty acts and gracious revelation. ----- In steps Jesus.

Why would Nehemiah 10 be any different? It points us to the coming one, the Messiah.

Nehemiah and Ezra have come onto the scene as faithful “kings, leaders, priests” to bring about God’s rebuild. God works in tandem with humanity to bring about His purposes. But, Nehemiah and Ezra are limited just like Moses, David, and the Prophets were.

God’s big ways of working and big themes show up in our own lives.

Passage Outline (Summarize Passage)

Celebrating God’s Work (Nehemiah 7)

Reading God’s Word and Worship (Nehemiah 8)

Responding to God’s Words and Deeds (Nehemiah 9)

The Patterned Nature of God’s Work (The Big Rebuild and Our Rebuild)

God’s big plan of redemption and restoration (rebuild) meets with our ground-level experiences of His rebuild.

This God works with each one of us and in our lives uniquely and personally.

God works the same ways with us as we see Him working in the grand.

Nehemiah/Ezra/God’s People sensed this meeting point as do all of God’s people when God walks with us.

So what did Israel learn and what can we learn?