The Pulpit Commentary — Nehemiah — Section 146

have risked and suffered all privations rather than forsake their work. But however this may have been, it is certain that the people had no right whatever to reckon on such heroism ; they ought to have acted on the supposition that these were men of average piety, and that men of ordinary goodness will not continue to serve if they are not sustained in their semce. The human nature which there is ;n every good man-and w-hich will certainly be shown in every class and order of good men-is a factor which must not be disregarded. It is a feature that must be taken into account ; a want that must be provided for. If it be left out of account, then, what- ever the system or society may be, there will be found, as here, negligence, desertion, duty undone, God's house forsaken, a fleeing from the temple to the field. Material reBources have their place in tbe prosperity of the best of causes. II. THAT GOOD MEN AS WELL AS GOOD METHODS ARE NECESSARY FOR LASTING SUCCESS• •Judging from the four concluding verses of the preceding chapter (xii. 44--47), we gather that a very satisfactory system for receiving and storing the offerings, and also for distributing them, had been devised and brought into action. Yet, in Nehemiah's absence, it failed to effect its purpose. When he returned and witnessed the failure, l:e immediately (1) set to work to reorganise: he "set in their place" (ver. 11) the Levites, who, at his instance, returned to Jerusalem, and he "made trealrnl'ere over the treasuries "(ver. 12) ; but besides this, he (2) appointed "faithful men" (ver. 12), on whom reliance could be placed, to do the work they undertook, infusing his own spirit into all the officers. He impressed on them all his own fervent and faithful t<mius. How long things went well we know not, but Nehemiah did the best he cui:!d do to provide for permanent prosperity : he associated good men with a good method. We should trust neither to one nor to the other. Again and again organ- isations have broken down in the Church (whether tithe-taking, money-getting insti- tutions, or others) because, though the machinery was excellent, there was no steam to work the wheels ; again and again there has been an excellent spirit, but all has failed for want of a wise method. We must (a) use our beat judgment to perfect our system, and (b) pray for, and look out for, the wise and earnest-minded men to work it. Ill. THAT INDIVIDUAL FIDELITY WILL SURELY MEET WITH ITS APPROPRIATE RECOM- PENSE (vers. 13, 14 ). 1. Usually from man. "I made treasurers ... Shelemiah," &c.: ... "for they were counted faithful." Integrity, diligence, conscientiousness will generally be seen of man and receive its reward. It may indeed pass unnoticed, but as a rule it is recognised and rewarded. Be faithful, and you will be "counted faithful." 2. 'Certainly from God. "Remember me, 0 my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds," &c. (ver. 14). There are many motives, all good, but some higher than others, which should prompt us to diligent and faithful labour for our Lord and our race. We may work in the vineyard of the Great Husbandman becau~e (1) be calls us, and it is our bounden duty to respond ; or because (2) our zeal 1s called forth by the apparent and urgent necessity for our help; or because (3) w_e delight in holy activity, and are never so happy as when the weapon of usefulness 1s in our hand ; or we may do so because ( 4) we have "respect unto the recompense of the reward "-we crave the "well done " of Christ ; we would like to have "the prophet's reward • " we would " shine as the stars for ever ; " we would " be remembered by our God for good;" we would that he should "not wipe out our good deeds" (ver. 14), but record them in his " book of remembrance ; " and, not being "unrighteous to forget our work and labour of love" (Heh. vi. 10), reward every one according to his work. The truest humility (Luke xvii. 10) may characterise the same disciple that ha~ the most earnest aspiration to receive his Master's commendation, and to have " rule 1s1ven him over many things." We ~ay turn this prayer into a prediction. God '!"ill re- member UB and will suffer Mthing to blot out our pure endeavours from his book. We shall s~rely meet them again. Our "works follow us," and will find us in his presence.-C. Vers. 15-22.-Tke aabbath day. Among other deplorable depart~res from tho law of the word 1 Nehemiah found on his return to Jerusalem that his countrymen had fallen into f1 agrant disregard of the sabbath. It was a most serious defection, demanding a most vigorous reform. We look at what he found and what he wrought. CH. XIJI. 1--31.] THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. 153