The Pulpit Commentary — Nehemiah — Section 143

eijc11pe the human (ver. 29). 5. The worth of those who are zealous in opposing nnd suppressing sin. They are among the best of patriots and philanthropists. For tr.e perils of states, 11nd the miseries of men in general, aris(' mainly from sin. How surpassingly worthy then of all praise and love is the Son of God, who "was manifested to take away our sins" and "destroy the works of the devil" (1 John iii. 5, 8). Vers. 30, 31.-Nehemiah: hi,s character and works. In these words Nehemiah briefly recalls the services he had recently rendered to the community, concluding with one more prayer that God would remember him. We may suitably conclude with a more general survey of his character and works. I. H1a CHARACTER. His natural abilities wero of a superior order: tis sagacity, forethought, power of organisation and management, warmth of feeling, power to inspire and rule others, calm consideration in laying his plans, vigour and determin- ation in executing them, &c. But in a homily we think rather of the moral and spiritual. The narrative presents him to us as eminent for-1. Piety. This was at the basis of his character, and guided and animated his whole life. It appears in his- (1) Habitual prayerfulness. From first to last this is conspicuous (eh. i. 4; ii. 4; iv. 4, 9; v. 19; vi. 9, 14; xiii. 14, 22, 29, 31). "In everything by prayer and supplication" he ruade his requests "known unto God" (Phil. iv. 6). (2) Practical fear of God (eh. v. 15). (3) Love for God's house and its services (eh. xiii. 14, and elsewhere). (4) Reverence for his law, and desire to bring all into harmony with it. (5) Confidence in God (eh. ii. 20; iv. 14, 20)-a confidence, however, which did not produce negligence in counsel or action, but stimulated to both. (6) Recognition of God's hand in all his successes (eh. ii. 8, 12, 18; iv. 15; vi. 16). Appointed the praise of God as the principal part of the dedication of the wall (eh. xii. 27, seq.). 2. Patriotism. An ardent longing for the welfare of Israel, and willingness to do and endure anything for its promotion (eh. ii. 10). In the case of an Israelite, piety and patriotism could unite in a degree difficult to maintain in the case of others; the nation being, as no other, God's people, owing to him its existence, laws, &c., and set apart by him as his special organ and for his special praise. 3. Disinterestedness. Seeking no personal end, receiving no salary as governor, but gladly devoting his own fortune to the service of the people (eh. v. 10, 14-18). 4. Impartiality. Rebuking wealthy men, rulers and priests, as freely as the common people ; enforcing the rights of the latter as zealously as those of the former ( eh. v. 7-13; xiii. 11). 5. Courage. In facing difficulties and opposition, and correcting offenders in high places (eh. iv. 9, seq:.; vi. 11; xiii. 8, 28). 6. Perseverance. In prosecuting his work, and beginning agam when it was partially undone through his absence. II. THE SERVICES HE RENDEBED TO HIS PEOPLE. 1. The strengthening of Jerusalem. He saw this to be the great necessity which must be supplied, if anything else were to be done effectually and permanently for the good of the nation. To this end he- (1) Had the encircling wall thoroughly repaired and its gates restored. Thus turning Jerusalem into a strong fortress, and making it possible for the people to develop into a nation ago.in. (2) Organised its forces for defence. (3) Increased its popula- tion. 2. Reformation of religion and morals. He sought to reconstitute the nation on the basis of the Divine law. He believed that "righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov. xiv. 34). He therefore-(!) Suppressed extortion and oppression ( eh. v. ). (2) Separated the people from heathen alliances and friendships (ver. 30, and elsewhere). (3) Promoted the instruction of the people in God's word (eh. viii., &c.). (4) Resuscitated the great religious festivals. (5) Led the people to confession of sin and renewal of their covenant with God (chs. ix., x.). (6) Reorganised the services of the temple. (7) Revived the payment of tithes and other offerings £or the support of its ministers. ( 8) Maintained its sanctity ( eh. xiii. 8, 9). (9) Enforced the law for the observance of the sabbath (ver,;. 13--22). Altogether a remarkable man, raised up by God o.t a critical period to do a great. work for Israel, and, through that nation, for mankind. Let us-(1) Glorify God in nim. (2) Imitate him so far as our abilities and opportunities allow, and so far as Is consistent with the more spiritual system under which God has placed us. (3) Pray God to raise up man1 such men for his service o.t home and abroad.  150 TIIE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. [err. XIII. 1-31.