The Pulpit Commentary — Nehemiah — Section 98

Vers. 22-25.-0anaan conquered and possessed. Continuin&" the recital of the goodne~s of God to their nation, the people narrate how their fathers obtained possess10n of the promised land. All is ascribed to God. I. HE PREiiERVED THE NATION to enter the land (ver. 23). Althouo-h those who left Egypt died, two excepted, in the desert, their children were multiplied "as the stars of heaven." II. HE CONQUERED THE COUNTRt, AND GAVE THEM POSSESSION OF IT. First, king- doIIl:s eas~ of the Jordan (ver. 22), t~en the rest of the land (ver. 24). Although the mhab1tants were numerous and valiant, be subdued them; through his might they took even " strong cities " (ver. 25). Ill. THE LAND HE GAVE THEM WAS OF GREAT VALUE, AND AFFORDED THEM MUCH ENJOYMENT (ver. 25). IV. HE THUS FULFILLED HIS PROMISES (ver. 23). Reff,ectwns :-1. The perpetuation of the nation of Israel reminds us of the per- petuity of the Church of Christ. Notwithstanding the death of successive generations of Christians, the ravages of error, worldliness, &c., its continuance is g·uaranteed by the promise, "The gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." 2. The fulfilment of the promise of Canaan, after so long a period, should assure us of the fulfilment of all the promises of God. "He is faithful that promised," and he is almighty to overcome all obstacles and opposition. 3. The possession of a good land should excite our gratitude and praise. Our land is superior to Canaan in many respects, supplied with all kinds of advantages which the labours of others have created for us ; and, like !at.er generations of Israelites, we inherit it without conquest, and with far less peril of invasion than they experienced. God is the Giver of all, and should ever be praised for all ; and we should be concerned lest by godlessness and unright- eousness we forfeit our inheritance. 4. Christians are heirs of " a better country." Heaven is like Canaan, as the gift of God, according to his promises ; as a "rest" after much wandering and unrest, and as abounding in whatever can minister to enjoyment, and cause its inhabitants to " delight themselves in God's great good- ness." But it is vastly superior, as a country never polluted by idolatry and wicked- ness ; whose inhabitants are all holy ; which no foe can invade, no sin, suffering, or death can enter; whose enjoyments are all pure, spiritual, and without peril ; and from which is no expulsion. It is " an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and which fadeth not away "-an eternal possession. Vers. 26 - 31. - Israel's wi-ckedness and Golfs goodness. A summary of the national history from the entrance into Canaan to the captivity. A dismal story; but, as was natural and suitable in a confession of sin, the more pleasing facts are omitted. I. The great and INVETERATE WICKEDNESS OF THE PEOPLE. This is described by various terms and phrases, and its heinousness exhibited in many particulars. 1. Flagrant disobedience to the Divine laws. Although so good and so adapted to promote their welfare, "which if a man do, he shall live in them" (ver. 29). 2. Proud and stubborn disregard of the Divine remonstrances and warnings. 3. Per- ~ecution even unto death of God's inspired messengers (ver. 26). 4. Repeated relapses aft.er partial reformation. Notwithstanding-(!) The severity of the chastise- ments which produced it. (2) The fervour of their prayers for deliverance, and promises of amendment. (3) The signal and numerous deliverances effected for them in answer to their prayers. 5. The persistence of their disobedience. II. THE MARVELLOUS AND LONG-CONTINUED GOODNESS OF Goo. 1. In sending them successive messengers to warn them and lead them to repentance. Even when they slew some, he sent others. 2. In inflicting punishment upon them for the same end. 3. In repeatedly answering their prayers for deliverance. 4. In bearing with them eo long, although "they wrought great provocations.'' 5. In preserving a remnant when at length he scattered the· nation ( ver. 31 ). Showing himself throughout " a gracious and merciful God." Rejtect,Wfl,8 :-1. Sin and suffering are indissolubly linked together. 2. Suffering on. 1x. 1-38.J THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. 103