Nehemiah 7

Introduction:

Nehemiah begins chapter seven in the same way that he concluded chapter six — framing the context with the completion of the walls.

At this time he also begins to provide the details of the final completion and the elements of transition — he does this highlighting not only the details of the immediate elements, but frames them in the larger sweep of the return of the exiles to their land and the beloved city.

A Completed Wall & Established Leadership;

A Completed Wall & Established Leadership;

As you know from the conclusion of our time last week the walls have been completed in their perimeter of the city.

At this time he also begins to provide the details of the final completion and the elements of transition — he does this highlighting not only the details of the immediate elements, but frames them in the larger sweep of the return of the exiles to their land and the beloved city.

There was one thing that remained unfinished that would not permit the title of “Complete” to be cast upon the work.

In verse 1 we see how they set up the doors.

This clearly indicates that the wall is not able to handle the title of “Complete”

Sidebar:

You guys know well and good that I love to talk about our justification, sanctification, and our glorification right?

Well, much like this wall our sanctification is made up of a bunch of different portions of our life that once comprised together, compose who we are.

We have gone through so much in our upbringing and our childhood that affects the way we look at things.

God created the universe and has each planet, each star hung in the balance.

Even down to the smallest cell, they all show reference to Him and his vast excellence.

He has created more beings with more cells than anything any man could begin to imagine.

Much less to understand what the purpose of each cell does.

Take our DNA for example, we know more about DNA right now than we ever have in history.

Did you guys hear Dr. Rob Carter a month or so ago when he came?

Ive known Rob for probably 10 years, both of my parents used to work at Creation Ministries and if I were to guess his favorite subject to study is DNA.

DNA is a glimpse into how God works inside of our bodies.

God has a beautiful picture painted inside of us and there is also a spiritual realm as well.

One we know about through His Word.

Talk about it!

God is constantly taking us through experiences and situations in our life where we are learning more and more about His sovereignty and His vastness with all that he has created and how He is working all things together for His glory.

We need to be reminded though that like the wall, we still have things that need doing in our own lives.

We need to be steadily reaching for the grace and demonstrating that grace to all that we come in contact with.

Our prayer should be that Christ would stand our gates and find us complete in Him.

His mercy is infinite to those that are His children.

The Gatekeepers in Nehemiah

We know that the gatekeepers were the sons of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai.

The gatekeepers did not all live in Jerusalem, many of them commuted to the city.

Much like those of us who live in suburban areas and travel into the city.

It appears that one of the tasks of the gatekeeper was to serve as a guard over the city and be a representative of the town to its inhabitants.

The Singers in Nehemiah

The singers referenced in the first wave of returned exiles appear to have come from the sons of Asaph.

Do any of you remember who the Sons of Asaph were?

Many of the psalms which were in biblical times songs which the churches would sing.

Most reformed churches today use what is called a psalter to sing aloud the songs. This is an excellent practice in my opinion.

Like the gatekeepers the singers did not all live in Jerusalem.

It says the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, and some of the people, the temple servants, and all Israel lived in their towns.

The singers were a part of Temple worship

They were also supported bt the people for their service.

To me it is important for us to support those who serve within the church.

Not always support them financially but often times to support them with gifts or acts of service.

By the way, thank Brian for his gift of service to our church. It does not go unnoticed.

Sidebar: Excellent Music

An element that is consistently striking to me is that from King David forward there is a high priority placed upon music and Temple worship. It is not as though music were lacking in worship before King David, but the punctuated and codified emphasis that he established remained a prioritized element.

a high priority placed upon music and Temple worship. It is not as though music

were lacking in worship before King David, but the punctuated and codified

Now, consider our contemporary culture and its music intensive saturation (in our homes, vehicles, stores, places of business, in the background to all produced media, etc.).

emphasis that he established remained a prioritized element.

Now, consider our contemporary culture and its music intensive saturation (in our

homes, vehicles, stores, places of business, in the background to all produced

With these two elements in view we are worshipers of God who are seeking to appreciate and properly value the biblical value of music and worship and also understand our contemporary culture’s extreme saturation. So, we are left to wrestle with some matters:

media, etc.).

With these two elements in view we are worshipers of God who are seeking to

appreciate and properly value the biblical value of music and worship and also

Do we prioritize high quality music in worship because we love the music and aesthetically desire having high quality production and participation or because our music is at its core worship and therefore deserves to be the very best that the world has ever heard? I sincerely hope we are and will aggressively strive toward the later element, but we must be ever vigilant to guard our hearts lest we stray here. So, by God’s grace may we worship with excellence in prayer, preaching/teaching, and music!

understand our contemporary culture’s extreme saturation. So, we are left to wrestle

with some matters:

Do we prioritize high quality music in worship because we love the music and

aesthetically desire having high quality production and participation or because our

music is at its core worship and therefore deserves to be the very best that the world

has ever heard? I sincerely hope we are and will aggressively strive toward the later

element, but we must be ever vigilant to guard our hearts lest we stray here. So, by

God’s grace may we worship with excellence in prayer, preaching/teaching, and

music!

The Levites in Nehemiah

The Levites helped the people understand the Law and taught the people as it was publicly declared.

The levites participated in the leading of public worship.

declared.

Some of the Levites were over the outside work of the house of God.

There were a group of Levites assigned to sing songs of praise and thanksgiving - watch by watch.

The Levites were regarded as an important element of the celebration of the wall and specifically the music accompaniment of the occasion (singing and instruments).

The Levites also served in auxiliary roles as they were needed.

As observed this unit of persons/positions were valuable to the reconstituting of Jerusalem’s life as an active city of the Jewish people.

The gatekeepers had an obvious value as so much emphasis has been on the rebuilding of the walls; therefore, keeping and protecting the access points through the wall must by necessity be a priority for any like city.

As observed this unit of persons/positions were valuable to the reconstituting of

Jerusalem’s life as an active city of the Jewish people. The gatekeepers had an obvious

However, this was not just any city, but the holy and beloved city of Jerusalem.

value as so much emphasis has been on the rebuilding of the walls; therefore, keeping and

protecting the access points through the wall must by necessity be a priority for any like

To this end the Levites and singers received special emphasis and attention because at its heart Jerusalem was a city centered on the worship of The LORD, and therefore their positions and responsibilities were also of a critical nature.

city. However, this was not just any city, but the holy and beloved city of Jerusalem. To this

end the Levites and singers received special emphasis and attention because at its heart

Jerusalem was a city centered on the worship of The LORD, and therefore their positions

and responsibilities were also of a critical nature.

3

A New Administration for Jerusalem

In addition to the appointment of the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites – Nehemiah appointed his successors for the immediate oversight of Jerusalem while he continued fulfilling his broader role of governing the region as a whole.

appointed his successors for the immediate oversight of Jerusalem while he continued

This demonstrates that while Nehemiah suffered biting criticism from his enemies regarding his alleged motivations he had no intentions of personal ambition, but wholly desired to fulfill the work of The LORD in restoring the city and in the welfare of his people.

fulfilling his broader role of governing the region as a whole. This demonstrates that while

Nehemiah suffered biting criticism from his enemies regarding his alleged motivations he

had no intentions of personal ambition, but wholly desired to fulfill the work of The LORD in

restoring the city and in the welfare of his people.

The transition of immediate leadership of Jerusalem went from Nehemiah to two men of his appointing, Hanani and Hananiah, men of distinguished qualification as men of God competent for the work of administering the city.

appointing, Hanani and Hananiah, men of distinguished qualification as men of God

It can be reasonably concluded that based on Nehemiah’s own preeminent leadership these men were also likely quite distinguished in their own right – walking in obedience and sacrificially caring for the people.

competent for the work of administering the city. It can be reasonably concluded that based

on Nehemiah’s own preeminent leadership these men were also likely quite distinguished in

their own right – walking in obedience and sacrificially caring for the people.

The Man Hanani

Hanani was Nehemiah’s brother and he was the one who brought Nehemiah the news of Jerusalem’s deplorable condition at the beginning of the book.

Through this initial account alone it appears that Hanani was already demonstrating a measure of leadership in traveling such a substantial distance and delivering news that would redeem the returned exiles and the city from their shame.

Jerusalem’s deplorable condition at the beginning of the book. Through this initial account

alone it appears that Hanani was already demonstrating a measure of leadership in

traveling such a substantial distance and delivering news that would redeem the returned

Beyond this no further information is available about Hanani.

exiles and the city from their shame. Beyond this no further information is available about

However, the sweep of the book of Nehemiah plainly demonstrates that this was not a case of nepotism.

Hanani. However, the sweep of the book of Nehemiah plainly demonstrates that this was

beyond reproach in ways that few are tested, and he was certainly not capitulating toward a

Nehemiah proved himself to be a uniquely skilled leader, who was beyond reproach in ways that few are tested, and he was certainly not capitulating toward a compromised favoritism at this time.

The Man Hananiah

compromised favoritism at this time. Whatever Hanani’s qualifications, it can be plainly

Whatever Hanani’s qualifications, it can be plainly deduced that he was a man of God sufficiently skilled for the work.

deduced that he was a man of God sufficiently skilled for the work.

The Man Hananiah

Hanani’s counterpart in the administrative oversight of Jerusalem was Hananiah, and he was affirmed in both of the necessary areas of leadership in the introduction to him here.

was affirmed in both of the necessary areas of leadership in the introduction to him here.

He was already demonstrating some measure of leadership as the administrator of the citadel by the Temple and he was lauded for his distinguished faithfulness and fear of God.

He was already demonstrating some measure of leadership as the administrator of the

citadel by the Temple and he was lauded for his distinguished faithfulness and fear of God.

Some additional references to Hananiah in Nehemiah are provided, though his identity in these other references cannot be completely certain as his father’s name is not provided in chapter seven and there were several duplications of various names.

these other references cannot be completely certain as his father’s name is not provided in

chapter seven and there were several duplications of various names.

Hananiah appears to have been an identified participant in the rebuilding of the wall. “After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph repaired another section.”

The Man Hananiah

“After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph repaired another section.”

section.”

Hananiah was head of his father’s house. “And in the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers’ houses... of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah....”

“And in the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers’ houses... of Seraiah, Meraiah; of

Jeremiah, Hananiah....”

Hananiah was possibly a priest. “...and the priests Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets....”

“...and the priests Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets....”

trumpets....”

Sidebar: Hananiah and “The Castle”

The ESV states that Hananiah was “the governor of the castle.”

The NASB states that Hananiah was “the commander of the fortress.”

The NASB states that Hananiah was “the commander of the fortress.”

The KJV states that Hananiah was “the ruler of the palace.”

The KJV states that Hananiah was “the ruler of the palace.”

The NET Bible states that Hananiah was “the chief of the citadel.”

The NET Bible states that Hananiah was “the chief of the citadel.”

The position alone can be a little confusing to many readers as no such structure has been overtly referenced up to this time and then the matter appears to be further complicated by both Hananiah’s title over it and the various ways that it is referenced in different credible translations. It would suffice to say that this was a fortified structure designed for the defense of the Temple.

The position alone can be a little confusing to many readers as no such structure

has been overtly referenced up to this time and then the matter appears to be

further complicated by both Hananiah’s title over it and the various ways that it is

Since Nehemiah appointed Hanani and Hananiah to have charge over the city it is reasonable to inquire how Rephaiah and Shallum’s roles were to be understood as they were identified in chapter three as rulers of half districts of Jerusalem.

referenced in different credible translations. It would suffice to say that this was a

fortified structure designed for the defense of the Temple.4

Since Nehemiah appointed Hanani and Hananiah to have charge over the city it is

Charles Fensham explains that, “...rulers of territories were not appointed over cities. We must therefore recognize that now for the first time two administrators were appointed over the city of Jerusalem.”

reasonable to inquire how Rephaiah and Shallum’s roles were to be understood as they

were identified in chapter three as rulers of half districts of Jerusalem. F. Charles Fensham

explains that, “...rulers of territories were not appointed over cities. We must therefore

So, Hanani and Hananiah were serving in a different and more precise role at this time as Jerusalem had effectively been reconstituted as a live and active city needing more direct leadership.

recognize that now for the first time two administrators were appointed over the city of

Jerusalem.”5 So, Hanani and Hananiah were serving in a different and more precise role at

Proactive Precautions for Jerusalem

more direct leadership.

Proactive Precautions for Jerusalem.

After appointing Jerusalem’s new administrative leadership, Nehemiah the Governor provided some instructions for them to maintain diligence in proactive measures to address the present vulnerabilities of the city and the reality of surrounding enemies.

provided some instructions for them to maintain diligence in proactive measures to address

These instructions centered on the timing of the gates being opened and providing access to the city as well as those serving as guards to points of vulnerability around the mostly uninhabited city.

the present vulnerabilities of the city and the reality of surrounding enemies. These

instructions centered on the timing of the gates being opened and providing access to the

city as well as those serving as guards to points of vulnerability around the mostly

Nehemiah instructed that the gates were not to be opened until sometime around mid-day when “the sun is hot.”

uninhabited city.

Nehemiah instructed that the gates were not to be opened until sometime around mid-day

This was in contrast to the normal scheduling of the opening of city gates at sunrise, but this change of schedule was to serve as a continued defensive measure – allowing the city to be fully awake and active before the gates were opened.

when “the sun is hot.” This was in contrast to the normal scheduling of the opening of city

gates at sunrise, but this change of schedule was to serve as a continued defensive

The timing of the opening was also accompanied by instructions regarding their closing so as to not provide unnecessary vulnerabilities to the city.

measure – allowing the city to be fully awake and active before the gates were opened.6

The timing of the opening was also accompanied by instructions regarding their closing so

Guards were to be appointed from the inhabitants - this was a substantial difference in defensive measures than what had to be employed when the walls were still in progress when effectively all persons were required to serve as soldiers and guards at that time.

as to not provide unnecessary vulnerabilities to the city.

Guards were to be appointed from the inhabitants - this was a substantial difference in

defensive measures than what had to be employed when the walls were still in progress

At this time only those appointed from among the inhabitants were directed to serve as guards and the areas for guards were only at designated posts and in front of personal homes.

when effectively all persons were required to serve as soldiers and guards at that time. At

this time only those appointed from among the inhabitants were directed to serve as guards

These guards were posted at more strategic and important locations, which in conjunction with the tightly scheduled gate regimen was indicative that Nehemiah was remaining vigilant in view of the people’s many enemies.

and the areas for guards were only at designated posts and in front of personal homes.

These guards were posted at more strategic and important locations, which in conjunction

with the tightly scheduled gate regimen was indicative that Nehemiah was remaining

The context of the need for this modified, but continued vigilance, was the scope and in-habitation of the city: wide, large, and scarcely populated.

vigilant in view of the people’s many enemies.7

The context of the need for this modified, but continued vigilance, was the scope and

inhabitation of the city: wide, large, and scarcely populated. The workers who were from the

The workers who were from the surrounding cities returned to their own homes and regions as the primary work had been completed, leaving the city significantly less populated than it was during the work when they were instructed to stay.

surrounding cities returned to their own homes and regions as the primary work had been

completed, leaving the city significantly less populated than it was during the work when

Also, while there were various houses and structures, the final statement here was communicating that not enough homes were yet rebuilt.

they were instructed to stay. Also, while there were various houses and structures, the final

statement here was communicating that not enough homes were yet rebuilt.8

A Genealogical Heritage; 7:5-73

A unique element to this portion of the chapter and book is that it is all but identical to .

A Genealogical Heritage; 7:5-73

However, because it is a genealogical record of the first wave of exiles many readers find it challenging to read through or appreciate as valuable.

2. However, because it is a genealogical record of the first wave of exiles many readers find

Aware of this, I would urge students of the Scriptures to recognize that it is part of what The LORD has secured and provided for his people – both the Jewish believers of old and the New Covenant believers who live outside of Redemptive History have no immediate identification with this people.

it challenging to read through or appreciate as valuable. Aware of this, I would urge

students of the Scriptures to recognize that it is part of what The LORD has secured and

provided for his people – both the Jewish believers of old and the New Covenant believers

So, to help frame this portion of the chapter Pastor David has have provided two statements by Mervin Breneman from his commentary on this genealogical record as it is presented in .

who live outside of Redemptive History have no immediate identification with this people.

So, to help frame this portion of the chapter I have provided two statements by Mervin

The statements wholly apply to Nehemiah’s use of this same genealogical reference and will help our appreciation of the material.

Breneman from his commentary on this genealogical record as it is presented in .

The statements wholly apply to Nehemiah’s use of this same genealogical reference and

“To God each individual and family is significant. Thus the group of returnees is not simply lumped together, but valuable space in Scripture is given to otherwise unknown families and individuals. The group of exiles was not large, but it was vital to God’s plan. Before describing the rebuilding of the temple (chaps. 3-6), the author listed the principal families of the community, the heroes of this drama. Through them God’s purposes in Israel were continued.”

will help our appreciation of the material.

“To God each individual and family is significant. Thus the group of returnees is not simply

lumped together, but valuable space in Scripture is given to otherwise unknown families

and individuals. The group of exiles was not large, but it was vital to God’s plan. Before

describing the rebuilding of the temple (chaps. 3-6), the author listed the principal families

9

of the community, the heroes of this drama. Through them God’s purposes in Israel were

continued.”9

The Leadership

The exiles were stated to have come with twelve persons specifically named, including the two primary leaders of this group: Zerubbabel the Governor and Jeshua/Joshua the High Priest.

two primary leaders of this group: Zerubbabel the Governor and Jeshua/Joshua the High

Zerubbabel was a leader among the returned exiles and the governor of Judah under whom the Temple was rebuilt.

Priest.12

Zerubbabel was a leader among the returned exiles and the governor of Judah under whom

the Temple was rebuilt.

The Priests

In this genealogical record there were men and clans identified by their father’s homes and regions.

regions. Also, there was special attention given to the priests who constituted approximately

Also, there was special attention given to the priests who constituted approximately ten percent of the persons returning – a significant number and a larger than average ratio to the Levites who historically had constituted a larger group out of whom the priests came.

ten percent of the persons returning – a significant number and a larger than average ratio

to the Levites who historically had constituted a larger group out of whom the priests

came.13

The Temple Servants

Here you also see a reference to two groups that are not as commonly spoken of: the temple servants and the sons of Solomon’s servants.

temple servants and the sons of Solomon’s servants. The temple servants were an office or

The temple servants were an office or group distinguished by David and his officials and had the responsibility to attend the Levites.

group distinguished by David and his officials and had the responsibility to attend the

They were possibly circumcised foreigners who were taken in battle, but qualified for this work of assisting the Levites – an element noted to have been recorded in and .

Levites. They were possibly circumcised foreigners who were taken in battle, but qualified

for this work of assisting the Levites – an element noted to have been recorded in Numbers

The likelihood of their foreign origins finds additional support by their non-traditional gentile names.

31 and . The likelihood of their foreign origins finds additional support by their non-

traditional gentile names.14

The Undocumented

In one of the final sections, , there was a record of persons from four locations that were identified by three family units who could not be definitively proven to be Israelites.

locations that were identified by three family units who could not be definitively proven to be

Further, priests from three family units were identified as persons that could not be definitively proven to be Israelites and they were excluded from the priesthood because of this lack of authenticating information.

Israelites. Further, priests from three family units were identified as persons that could not

be definitively proven to be Israelites and they were excluded from the priesthood because

The governor restricted them from the priesthood’s privileges until they could be supernaturally validated by a priest with Urim and Thummim.

Thummim.

Urim and Thummim were the elements of the high priest’s breast-piece that he would wear before The LORD and they appeared to be used for decisions before God.

of this lack of authenticating information. The governor restricted them from the

Urim and Thummim were the elements of the high priest’s breast-piece that he would wear

before The LORD and they appeared to be used for decisions before God.

Reflection and Application

While some believers regularly struggle with overly esteeming themselves, musing how the church ever got by without them and will survive when they are gone, most of us are quite aware that outside of our immediate circle of life and influence we will soon be forgotten.

church ever got by without them and will survive when they are gone, most of us are quite

aware that outside of our immediate circle of life and influence we will soon be forgotten.

Sometimes we take that evaluation of our lives too far and fail to appreciate the worth of our own efforts in faithfully walking in God-fearing obedience.

Sometimes we take that evaluation of our lives too far and fail to appreciate the worth of our

Speaking to this Mervin Breneman states, “...the New Testament makes clear that the church, made up of true believers in Jesus Christ, is the center of God’s attention and the chief means of fulfilling his mission in the world.

own efforts in faithfully walking in God-fearing obedience. Speaking to this Mervin

Breneman states, “...the New Testament makes clear that the church, made up of true

believers in Jesus Christ, is the center of God’s attention and the chief means of fulfilling his

We need to remember our heritage from generations of believers who have preceded us and understand the influence our decisions will have for the future.”

mission in the world. We need to remember our heritage from generations of believers who

have preceded us and understand the influence our decisions will have for the future.”15

Numerical discrepancies between Ezra and Nehemiah

There is a matter of apparent discrepancy between the and texts regarding the numbering of fourteen of the family units referenced in their respective records.

regarding the numbering of fourteen of the family units referenced in their respective

This would already be of interest, but it is especially of interest on account of the two authors seemingly drawing from the same primary source (preceding both Ezra and Nehemiah).

records. This would already be of interest, but it is especially of interest on account of the

This matter merits further discussion of both the immediate text and how it contributes to the discussion of inerrancy.

two authors seemingly drawing from the same primary source (preceding both Ezra and

First you have the matter of Textual Criticism. The discipline of Textual Criticism works through many like issues, but that discipline does not appear to wholly apply here as it primarily addresses variations in source texts for delivered texts (it wrestles through the numerous manuscripts and portions thereof to make sure that they assemble the truest and most faithful rendition of the original and inspired autographs).

Nehemiah). This matter merits further discussion of both the immediate text and how it

contributes to the discussion of inerrancy.

First you have the matter of Textual Criticism. The discipline of Textual Criticism works

through many like issues, but that discipline does not appear to wholly apply here as it

primarily addresses variations in source texts for delivered texts (it wrestles through the

numerous manuscripts and portions thereof to make sure that they assemble the truest and

most faithful rendition of the original and inspired autographs). However, what we have here

is two canonical books citing an unavailable source with concluding variations. So, the

issue is not the integrity of our original manuscripts for either Ezra or Nehemiah, but why

their credible manuscripts leave us with two different accountings in the matter of these

details. One solution that some defer to is a matter of Textual Criticism and see it likely as a

However, what we have here is two canonical books citing an unavailable source with concluding variations.

matter of scribal error. They conclude somewhere along the way mild copy errors were

introduced. A problem in regard to the matter of numeric details but a discrepancy that has

made no enduring impact on either the text or the truth communicated thereby.

There are, however, other reasonable options (besides copy errors) to consider accounting

for these differences. One such option is referenced by Gleason Archer, who provides

So, the issue is not the integrity of our original manuscripts for either Ezra or Nehemiah, but why their credible manuscripts leave us with two different accountings in the matter of these details.

another commentator’s observation that it may have been a matter of time and location.

Ezra recorded his copy of this record while in Babylon and at an earlier time than

Nehemiah, who in turn recorded his copy in Judah. The reason that these details matter is

One solution that some defer to is a matter of Textual Criticism and see it likely as a matter of scribal error.

that Ezra’s copy may have documented intended plans and records and Nehemiah’s copy

They conclude somewhere along the way mild copy errors were introduced.

documented the results of actual activity (when plans change, people die, and adjustments

A problem in regard to the matter of numeric details but a discrepancy that has made no enduring impact on either the text or the truth communicated thereby.

There are, however, other reasonable options (besides copy errors) to consider accounting for these differences.

One such option is referenced by Gleason Archer, who provides another commentator’s observation that it may have been a matter of time and location.

Ezra recorded his copy of this record while in Babylon and at an earlier time than Nehemiah, who in turn recorded his copy in Judah.

The reason that these details matter is that Ezra’s copy may have documented intended plans and records and Nehemiah’s copy documented the results of actual activity (when plans change, people die, and adjustments of a final record is settled).

Further developing this conclusion, Archer also noted that only four of the fourteen units reduced their numbers – the other discrepancies demonstrate increased numbers which are all dynamics that can be expected in a large people group migrating in this manner.

four of the fourteen units reduced their numbers – the other discrepancies demonstrate

increased numbers which are all dynamics that can be expected in a large people group

To further help understand why attention is given to this matter and how to think through it, I would encourage you to read The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy which was a document written in October 1978 by faithful men wanting to clearly communicate the doctrine of inerrancy.

migrating in this manner.17

To further help understand why attention is given to this matter and how to think through it, I

would encourage you to read The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy which was a

document drafted in October 1978 by faithful men wanting to clearly communicate the

doctrine of inerrancy. The statement acknowledges that it is not a contemporary creed,

The statement acknowledges that it is not a contemporary creed, though in present applications it has come to function in a like capacity because of its concise, widely affirmed, and focused treatment of a preeminent truth that has been and continues to be challenged.

though in present applications it has come to function in a like capacity because of its

concise, widely affirmed, and focused treatment of a preeminent truth that has been and

continues to be challenged. I have included a few select excerpts to help you frame your

engagement and further thought on the differences of numeric details provided by Ezra and

Nehemiah.

Excerpts from the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy

Point Four of the Summary Statement

“Being wholly and verbally God-given, Scripture is without error or fault in all its teaching, no less in what it states about God’s acts in creation, about the events of world history, and about its own literary origins under God, than in its witness to God’s saving grace in individual lives.”

less in what it states about God’s acts in creation, about the events of world history, and

about its own literary origins under God, than in its witness to God’s saving grace in

individual lives.”18

Articles Six, Nine, and Fourteen of the Articles of Affirmation and Denial:

“We affirm that the whole of Scripture and all its parts, down to the very words of the original, were given by divine inspiration.

We deny that the inspiration of Scripture can rightly be affirmed of the whole without the parts, or of some parts but not the whole.”

“We affirm that inspiration, though not conferring omniscience, guaranteed true and trustworthy utterance on all matters of which the Biblical authors were moved to speak and write.

We deny that the finitude or fallenness of the these writers, by necessity or otherwise, introduced distortion or falsehood into God’s Word.”

“We affirm the unity and internal consistency of Scripture.

We deny that alleged errors and discrepancies that have not yet been resolved vitiate the truth claims of the Bible.”

What do you believe regarding Biblical Inerrancy?

There are two terms that I choose to adhere to when it comes to the authority of the scripture.

Infallible and Inerrant.

What are the meanings of these two words.

Lets start with Inerrant.

To say that something is inerrant is to say that it does not have any errors.

So, the question is do you believe that the Bible is without error.

If you cannot whole-heartedly believe this your entire faith system is on the edge of faltering.

Next, Infallible.

To say that something is infallible is to state that it is not possible for anything but to truth to come from it.

I love that God’s holy Word is infallible.

He gave it to us, so that we would have His Word, not just the word of the men that wrote it but it is his Holy “perfect” Word.

It is all we need to define our faith.

It is all we need to hold to.

In times of need, in times of sorrow.

In times of excess, in times of joy.

His Word is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

Let’s Pray.