Chapter 11-12 -Good news and bad news. Nehemiah was concerned about the lack of population that had returned to Jerusalem. The good news is many began coming. Nehemiah highlights the list of people to show the Levitical line and how it matched before they were taken into captivity. If you skim like me you might miss that the Tribes of Israel were regathering (just like the prophets said).
Nehemiah describes the dedication of the wall and the revival of HIs people. God instituted these celebrations as a way to commemorate His Provisions, to teach the generation to come, but also to build community.
43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away. ❤
Chapter 13 Now the bad news- they disobeyed the Lord and broke their promises.
- verse 4-14 they failed to keep the Temple Holy
- verse 15-22 they failed to keep the Sabbath Holy
- verse 23-28 they failed to keep their marriages Holy
When the people began to regather they specifically chose to live outside the city limits where they could live a “less strict life”- Feel free to let your Holy Spirit apply that to your own life 🧐
Nehemiah returned again to restore order. (We really do need Godly leadership in our lives and our country).
Well, my sweet friends…you have finished the History of the Old Testament. We have our last prophecy book to read-Malachi. This will be a bridge book connecting the OT to the NT through John the Baptist.
So as you reflect-you can see why it is important to read Chronologically. Look at this and see where Ezra and Nehemiah are. If you tried reading your Bible in the past and were confused…now you know why.
Reading it like this you see God’s character, His Promises, His Love, His commitment, His Forgiveness-And that gives me Hope.
And we end with Praise. An Ascent song as they come to the Temple to Praise HIm:
Psalm 126
A song of ascents.
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.
Reading the Bible - 2021 
I never before saw Nehemiah’s personality. He had this boldness and aggressiveness. At one point I saw him as a parent telling his child “ you get this mess cleaned up, “NOW” and don’t talk back”. Then when he beats those men up and pulls out their hair, Whhaaat? Who is this guy and where’d he come from? He tells these merchants if I see you again trying to sell goods on the sabbath I’ll arrest you. I doubt Nehemiah’s book on effective leadership skills would make the best seller list.
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