And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away. —Nehemiah 12:43 C.H. Spurgeon comments: “For the Lord had made them glad with great joy.” God alone can give us this great joy. … More Spurgeon: How Does God Give Joy?
Nehemiah 11:2 And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered to live in Jerusalem. We have been reading in Nehemiah how the city of Jerusalem and its walls were being rebuilt, and how the people were turning back to God and renewing their covenant with Him. Today, we read how the people decided … More Driscoll: Urban and Missional
Pastor P. G. Matthew, of Grace Valley Community Church, in a sermon “Covenant Renewal”: Nehemiah 10:28 speaks of “the rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants, and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters … More Change of mind brings about change of will.
Ray Stedman comments on Nehemiah 7: Here Nehemiah seeks to perpetuate the achievements that he has brought about, by appointing wise successors and establishing sound policies. After the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levites were appointed. I put in charge of … More Never let down our guard
Nehemiah 6 tells of a tough situation in Nehemiah’s life. He and the people were just about finished building the wall, but his enemies were out to get him. they intended to do Nehemiah harm(v 2) they were spreading false rumors, “invented in their own mind” v8 (that Nehemiah and the people were intending to … More God acts. God gets the glory.
In Nehemiah 4, we come to two statements which contain elements of God’s awesome power and soveriegnty, and also elements of our responsibility. The setting is the rebuilding of the wall and the fierce opposition from the enemies of the Jews. In verse 9 we read: And we prayed to our God and set a … More Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
C. H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, on Nehemiah 3: The broad wall afforded a pleasant place of resort for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, from which they could command prospects of the surrounding country. This reminds us of the Lord’s exceeding broad commandments, in which we walk at liberty in communion with Jesus, overlooking the scenes of … More Spurgeon: Walking With God
Nehemiah 1:4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep … More Biblically-saturated, delight-filled prayer
Thanks to Joe, a faithful reader and encourager, for introducing me to Alan Redpath. Here is a challenging quote from the Foreward: Never was there a time when there was a greater need for men of passion, men of principle, men of Holy Spirit vision, in the service of the Lord. It is impossible for … More A Tough School
Since we have just finished reading Ezra and Nehemiah, this article will bless you- John Piper, at Desiring God Blog: Here’s another reason I am joyfully committed to expository exultation, that is, preaching. Look at this amazing statement of what biblical exposition is like when it’s done well—in the power of God’s Spirit and riveted … More God’s Word, Good Exposition, Great Joy, Much Strength
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 