Today marks a significant milestone as we reach the halfway point of the daily devotionals on the Book of Nehemiah. With the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt, Nehemiah’s monumental reconstruction project comes to a close, prompting us to reflect: When is it time to move on? Are we holding on longer than we should? As we delve into Nehemiah 7, we will explore themes of leadership, delegation, and the importance of recognizing when a season has ended. Join us as we unpack the rich insights from this chapter and consider how they apply to our own lives. To read about the walls being totally rebuilt, read the daily devotional on Nehemiah 6.
In the spirit of exploration, let’s not overlook the intriguing moments in Nehemiah 7, including its long list of names—a reminder of God’s intimate knowledge of each individual. Through our reflections and discussions, we’ll discover how Nehemiah’s leadership can inspire us today and what it means to faithfully respond to God’s call.
Nehemiah 7 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
Today, we cross the halfway point of the Book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah’s reconstruction project is over. It was time to move on. Do you stay too long? Do you know when to move on? Please read or listen to Nehemiah 7.
If you are pregnant with a male child, you might turn to this chapter to find a name for your baby! Let’s turn to my Bible reading journals to see what I got out of chapter 7.
In 2002, my first entry was, “Delegation. When the wall was completed, Nehemiah gave charge of Jerusalem to others who are faithful and feared God more than many. Good qualifications of leadership.”
The second time I read chapter 7 (NKJV) in the same month in 2002, I wrote, “‘Now the city was large and spacious but the people in it were few’ (v. 4). Verse 66 says 42,360 people plus 7,337 servants, 50,000 people lived in Jerusalem; not few to me. I wonder if the New Jerusalem will be the same. Large and spacious but few make it to eternal life.”
What Happened after Nehemiah Rebuilt the Wall?
In 2012, I wrote, “Nehemiah may have been the governor during the rebuilding process, but as soon as it was over, he stepped down and appointed others to govern Jerusalem. What was the criteria for leadership? ‘For he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many’” (v. 2).
How Did Nehemiah Lead in the Bible?
I continued to write, “We long for faithful God-fearing leaders today. Nehemiah was led by the Lord.” Then I quoted verse 5, “Then my God put it into my heart”. Then, “People gave to the work, referring to verses 70-72.”
What Lesson Do We Learn from Nehemiah 7?
Let’s summarize chapter 7. When Nehemiah’s God-given task to rebuild the walls was over, he turned over authority to someone else. This is another great lesson in leadership. God calls certain people to do certain things. Nehemiah understood this, and when his construction project was over, he moved on. O, that we as leaders would understand this today. God calls us to certain tasks. Do those tasks and when they are over, move on.
Lastly, let’s look at the footnote from my English Standard Version Study Bible concerning the long list of names in this chapter. “This list is virtually identical to the one in Ezra 2. Therefore, its purpose is not to give new information but to highlight Nehemiah’s next concern after completing the walls, namely, to repopulate Jerusalem” (p. 835).
Another characteristic of Nehemiah’s leadership was not only to finish the task God had given him, but to prepare for what was to come next. The walls were built, now the city needed to be repopulated.
Prayer
Lord, we are thankful for every chapter in the Bible, even chapters like Nehemiah 7. All the names listed in this chapter remind us You know our names. At various times throughout history, names have been recorded. You are also recording names in the Lamb’s Book of Life in heaven. Our names may not be listed in the Bible, but by Your saving grace they can be listed in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Thank You for sending Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, we can get our name in that Lamb’s Book of Life. By receiving His redemptive work on the cross, confessing we are sinners, and receiving forgiveness of our sin, we can have our names written forever in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Thank You for recording names in Nehemiah 7. Thank You for recording names in Your Lamb’s Book of Life. Amen.
