an alien, but an ene~y. 3; The person who committed i~ was the appointed guardian of the rooms. As high pnest, he should have been too Jealous of the sanctity of the temple ; as II having the oversight of the chamber of the house of God," he should have been too faithful to his duty; as head of the priests and Levites, too concerned for their rights o.nd welfare, to be willing to permit, much leas to perpetrate, such an abuse. II. How THE OFFENCE CAME TO BE PERMITTED. 1. Nehemiah was absent. In his absence affairs fell rapidly into disorder again. A painful illustration of the super- ficiality of reforms wrought hastily under the influence of P.owerful leaders. 2. Tobiah was a great man. 3. He was a relative of Eliash1b. 4. Eliasbib was unworthy of his office. He was more concerned to stand well with Tobiab than to do his duty to God and bis brethren. Probably be was disaffected towards N ehemian and his reforms, and thought that now be was gone he could do as he pleased. 111. How THE OFFENCE WAS CORRECTED. Nehemiah, returning to Jerusalem, and being informed of what had been done, was very indignant, and at once took measures to put an end to the scandal. Under his direction-I. Tobiab's furniture was sum- marily ejected. 2. The rooms were purified from the ceremonial uncleanness they bad contracted. 3. They were restored to their proper use. The Jaarrative suggests -(1) The evil influence sometimes exercised in the Church by rank and wealth, or relationship to those in office. These sometimes go further than character and ability (which should be mainly regarded) to secure for their possessors positions of authority and power in the Church. And those who should protest silently acquiesce in the abuse, or basely connive at it, that they may live in friendship with the unholy intruders into God's temple, and promote their own worldly ends. (2) The feelings which such abuses will awaken in good men. (3) The duty of those who have the power to correct them. Vera. 10-14.-Suspended ministrations restored. Nehemiah, on his return, soon discovers another serious evil which his absence had occasioned ; and, with bis usual promptness, ability, and energy, corrects it. I. THE SERIOUS IRREGULARITY WHICH HAD ARISEN. The services of the temple, if not discontinued, had been deprived of much of their dignity and impressiveness by the withdrawal of the Levites, including the singers, from their duties. Their ;;.;-.iointed daily allowances (eh. xii. 47) bad been withheld, and they bad retired to their .Selds to obtain a livelihood by other employments. II. ITS CAUSES. 1. Nehemiah's absence. His presence and authority were as yet necessary to keep a.II classes to their duty. The reformation be bad effected was not sustained by any vital change in the hearts of rulers or people. Their resolutions, so solemnly made under excitement (eh. x.), were superficial and short-lived. 2. The indifference and negligence of the rulers (ver. 11), who should have taken care that the regulations were observed. 3. The unfitness for his office of the high priest. He ought to have deemed as bis own the interests of the inferior ministers of the sanctuary. But his mi11conduct, as related in vers. 4, 5-whether the la.ck of offerings gave opportunity for it, or was occasioned by it-showa how little likely he was to concern himself about them, so long as his own position and gains were not affected. 4. The covetousness of the people. They a.re reproved by Ma.la.chi a.bout this time for robbing God by withholding the tithes and offerings (Mai. iii. 8). Had they furnished the means, the treasurers would hardly have failed to supply the Levites; or if these had proved unfaithful (a.s seems hinted in ver. 13), the people could surely have secured the substitution of others. 5. Probably the worldliness of the Levites themselves. If their hearts had been in their work it is likely they would have found means of continuing in it. A general declension had evidently ta.ken place, and the various classes would act and react on each other to increase the degeneracy of a.II. III. ITS CORRECTION. Nehemiah-!. Remonstrated with the rulers. 2. Gathered e.nd reinstated the Levites. 3. Restored the genera.I payment of tithes and offerings. 4. Appointed as treasurers men of good repute, to receive the contributions of the people, and thence II distribute unto their brethren.'' IV. NEHEMIAH'S PRAYER THEREUPON. Is expressive of-1. Satisfaction with his work. Could think of it before God as an evidence of bis love for God's house. 2 Nll:HEMIAH, L 146 THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. [en. xm. 1-31
Confident expectation of Dh;ne recognition, acceptance, and recompense of his work. He could expect little of these from the men whose disorders he had corrected. Enough if God approved. 3. Humility. "Wipe not out,'' &c., as he felt might justly be done. Comp. ver. 22 : " Spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.'' To interpret these appeals to God as "prayer for posthumous fame 11 (Stanley 'Jewish Church,' ·iii. p. 135) is surely to miss their meaning. ' In conclusion, notice-I. The duty of zealously maintaining the public worship of God. All corn bining according to their ability. Some ministering, others contributing money or money's w01th ; some faithfully using their talent for management others exercising their authr,rity to correct abuses and reprove negligence. Those who love God's house will deem such sernces a privilege and honour. Those who withhold support deserve reproof, at1d have no right to complain of defective ministrations. "A scandalous maintenance makes a scandalous ministry. 11 2. The Divine recog- nition and reward of practical love to the house of God. 3. The worth to a Church of able, devoted, and noble-minded leaders.