What is happening in Nehemiah 11 and 12? You are faced with many names again which may make you want to tune out the details of the text. What is happening in the story of Israel? “And they offered great sacrifices that and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with a great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.” Nehemiah 12:43 ESV Why are details given about the priests and Levites? Why was there such joy in Jerusalem? Why list the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel? Continue Reading…
Tag Archive - Zerubbabel
Joy returns when God is placed first: Nehemiah 11 and 12
Out of brokenness rebuilding can begin: Nehemiah 1 and 2
What grieves your heart so much that you weep, fast and pray for God’s intercession? Zerubbabel and Ezra led the first two groups of exiles back to Jerusalem. Thirteen years after Ezra returned to Jerusalem, leading a remnant to offer sacrifices to God, Nehemiah, a cup bearer to king Artaxerxes of Persia, hears word from Jerusalem that grieves his heart. The news from Jerusalem that the walls and gates are in ruin after over ninety years of exiles having returned to Jerusalem breaks the heart of Nehemiah. Why is Nehemiah so concerned about the state of the walls of Jerusalem? He is living in comfort as the cupbearer of the king of Persia. Wouldn’t life be easier if he just pushed aside the feelings and remorse? Have you ever quenched the Holy Spirit’s prompting in your life because you were afraid to step out in faith? Continue Reading…
