No more temple – no more sacrifice, yet the psalmist asks God to atone for the sins of his people. The blood that the psalmist says has been poured out all around Jerusalem is the blood of God’s servants, struck down in mass execution style with no one to bury them. He asks God to relent, and pour out his anger on those that do not know him, on those who do not praise his name. For the nations are saying in their taunts, “where is their God?”
LORD, show the nations where you are.
Everyone knew that the commitment to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls would involve hardship. What they did not count on, however, was the exploitation of the Jewish nobles and officials. They were taking advantage of the situation to exact interest and gain debt-slaves from the families of those doing the building. Nehemiah was a leader with integrity. When he heard the complaints of the people, he acted, demanding that the Jewish nobles and officials stop dealing corruptly, and restore that which the had taken.
LORD, make us leaders who deal fairly, not seeking gain from other people’s commitment.
This psalm serves as a teaching song, which could be used by fathers to teach their children. The LORD commanded that each generation instruct the next, so that no one is ignorant of who God is, and what he has done. The past is not just history. There are lessons in the past that can give guidance for the believer. The past can lead us to our LORD, where he wants to meet us in the present.
LORD, make us aware of who we are by showing us what we were.
It was not easy doing the right thing. The builders had every reason to abandon the mission, and every enticement to return to the way things were. The threat of attack reduced by half the amount of people who could be dedicated to the work, while the other half had to stand guard, and hold the extra weapons. Those who were building had to work with one hand, and carry a weapon with the other. Dare to do anything for the LORD, and you will find difficulty.
LORD, give us the courage to stay true to our commitments when the challenges occur.
One of the keys to success as a believer is a memory of God. Trouble will come, and when it does, it is helpful to remember all the times that God has shown himself faithful. Our testimony should be a constant reminder to ourselves and others that God has interceded. When the night comes, we should remember our song in the night.
LORD, we remember how faithful you have been.
This list of those who repaired and rebuilt the city walls tells of some who refused to follow Nehemiah’s lead. Maybe they thought they had good excuses. It also tells of Shallum, whose daughters stepped up and worked toward completion of the task as well. It was a community project, and there could have been many excuses for not being involved in it. Commitment is always better than excuses.
LORD, give us the wisdom to be involved in what you are doing.
This psalm celebrates the destruction of Gentile warriors who dared to attempt invading Jerusalem. It was not a celebration of human might, but a declaration of God’s defensive power. He stripped the stouthearted warriors and reduced them to sleep, cutting off the spirit of princes. He took the might of human wrath, and wore it like a belt. He, the LORD, is to be feared.
LORD, we choose to place our fear and our trust in you.
God’s hand was in the work, the people wanted to do the work, and God strengthened their hands for the work. Yet, there was opposition. Such will always be the case when we want to restore what has been destroyed. The Adversary wants the church to exist, but always in a broken-down defenseless state. He fears the people of God when they dare to repair the gaps.
LORD, prepare us for the opposition that will happen when we dare to restore a broken people through the gospel.
A healthy respect for God’s sovereignty allows his servants to praise him, no matter who is exalting their horns at the moment. God will judge the earth. We have no need to worry. The boastful are not in control.
LORD, thank you for the assurance that no evil will go unpunished, no victim will go without vindication.
Reading this text is like witnessing one of those rare moments when a person realizes that he has a chance to be more than just an observer. Nehemiah had the opportunity to play a significant role in what God was going to do, but it would cost him his security and anonymity. His burden for his people and for the city of Jerusalem moved him to gamble.
LORD, give us courage to do what we see needs to be done, whatever the cost.
Psalm 79
Nehemiah 5
Psalm 78
Nehemiah 4
Psalm 77
Nehemiah 3
Psalm 76
Nehemiah 2
Psalm 75
Nehemiah 1
