Rededication (Nehemiah 11:1-12:47)

Opening

Re-dedication is something that

If you could visit any city in the world, which one would you choose and why?

If you were required to move to and live in a major world city, which would it be and why?

What are the pros and cons of living in the country? Of living in the city?

In many churches today, believers engage in “worship wars” (conflicts over music or liturgy). Is this phenomenon just a matter of personal preference, or is it an issue of biblical truth?

Passage Background

Christianity is, at its heart, all about sacrifice. Christ gave His life on the cross as a full and final payment for the sins of the world. The elect put their faith in Christ alone and then embark on a life of sacrifice. They give themselves fully and completely to His service. The result is that God is glorified, and the people of God are satisfied. In chapters 11 and 12 of Nehemiah we find the details of Nehemiah’s exercising his governorship. He understood that a rebuilt city requires an energized and committed populace. Consequently, lots were cast to determine who would inhabit the holy city. An adequate number of temple workers were needed. Nehemiah also made provisions for an adequate number of worshipers. There followed a marvelous dedicatory service, during which the people kept their promises to support the work of the temple through tithes and offerings. The mood on this occasion was one of pure joy, thus proving that God’s glory and man’s deep happiness are not at odds. Rather, they fit together, like hand in glove. Study these chapters carefully for a wonderful reminder of the blessings of sacrificial living.

Important Parts

cast lots (v. 1)—A method of decision making which God honored. Nehemiah redistributed the population so that one out of every ten Jews lived in Jerusalem. The other nine were free to reestablish their family heritage in the Land. These are the heads of the province (vv. 3–24)—The people who dwelt in Jerusalem are identified. And as for the villages(vv. 25–36)—These are the places where 90 percent of the people dwelt outside of Jerusalem (see , , ). Jeshua begot Joiakim(vv. 10–11)—This record lists six generations of high priests, beginning with Jeshua. The Jonathan of verse 11 is the Johanan of verse 22. the heads of the fathers’ houses were (vv. 12–21)—Each of the 22 families in verses 1–7 is repeated, except one (see Hattush, verse 2). Perhaps by the time of Joiakim’s high priesthood, this family had become extinct, the fathers having no male off-spring. Darius the Persian (v. 22)—This refers to Darius II, who reigned about 423–404 B.C. book of the chronicles (v. 23)—literally “were written on the scroll of the matters of the days”; this involved precise genealogical records kept in the administrative archives of Judah the dedication of the wall(vv. 27–43)—In the same manner marking the dedications of the temple in Solomon’s day () and the rebuilt temple several decades earlier (), the rebuilt walls were dedicated with the music of thanksgiving (most likely shortly after the events of ). So I brought the leaders of Judah up on the wall (vv. 31–40)—They probably assembled at the Valley Gate on the west. One of the choirs was led by Ezra (v. 36), the other accompanied by Nehemiah (v. 38). Moving in different directions (v. 38), they assembled together in the temple area (v. 40). Refuse Gate (v. 31)—see notes on 2:13; 3:13 the musical instruments of David (v. 36)—This phrase could refer to the same kind of instruments David’s musicians used or the actual instruments constructed in David’s time, now being used centuries later (see ). for God had made them rejoice (v. 43)—The God of all joy activated their inner joy, which brought corporate celebration. Though these may have been few and far between, moments like this characterized the life of obedience and blessing which God had set before Israel.

Understanding the Text

What were the two ways people became residents of Jerusalem (verses 1–2)?

How did Israel celebrate at the rededication of the walls of Jerusalem (12:27–47)? What part did music and praise play in this ceremony?

What part did giving (that is, tithes and offerings) play in this time of dedication (12:44–47)?

Cross Reference

Mark 14:3–9 ESV

3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

mar.14.3-9

In what ways is Mary’s extravagant and lavish offering a model for all believers?(Mark 14:3-9)

Romans 12:1 ESV

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Romans 12

What does this renowned New Testament passage teach about dedicating oneself to God? (Romans 12:1)

Psalm 16:11 ESV

11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

How is joy inseparable from God?(Psalms 16:11)

Summing up

“Genuine worship is the supreme sacrifice a Christian can offer to Christ. There is a time for ministering to the poor, the sick, the naked, and the imprisoned. There is a time for witnessing to the lost and seeking to lead them to the Savior. There is a time for discipling new believers and helping them grow in the faith. There is a time for careful study and teaching of God’s Word. But above all else that the Lord requires of His people is their true worship, without which everything else they may do in His name is empty and powerless.”—John MacArthur

Reflecting on the Text

How do you think the people in your church would respond if the church’s leadership asked 10 percent of the congregation to move in order to further God’s work? How would you respond?

What words describe the worship of the Israelite at the rededication of the Jerusalem walls (12:27-47)

Which of these words are accurate descriptions of your own worship experience of late?

(last question to answer themselves)

Look at your own habits of giving. Are you generous?

Would you be embarrassed for your whole church to know the amount of support you have contributed over the last year?

Are you a cheerful supporter of the work God wants to do through your own church?

What changes do you need to make?