Nehemiah 7:1–8

Explore the Bible 
Dean, School of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

DO YOUR APPOINTED PART

Nehemiah 7:1–8

Readers may recall from the previous lesson that Nehemiah’s opposition came from both inside and outside the remnant of the kingdom of Judah. Post-exilic priests and nobles divorced their Jewish wives and married outside the faith, a practice that was confronted by Ezra the priest (Ezra 9:1–15), Nehemiah the governor (Neh. 13:23–27) and Malachi the prophet (Mal. 2:10–16). This intermarriage with Gentiles may have been politically motivated but it indicated that spiritual and civil leaders in Jerusalem were no more serious about honoring God than their predecessors. Leading the outside opposition, Sanballat attempted to intimidate the governor, accusing him of an agenda to declare himself king once the rebuilding project was complete.

Certain men were qualified to serve in their roles based entirely on their heritage. Others like Nehemiah were appointed to places of responsibility. Still others found their place of service through action, doing their part to complete tasks that benefit the community of faith. Nehemiah noted groups who worked diligently along the wall, including women (3:12). He also made note of those who refused to work (3:5).

Leaders in many cultures serve with a high-power distance expecting absolute control over subordinates. Nehemiah was not that kind of leader. He focused on the needs of the community rather than his individual rights as governor. Avoiding uncertainty, he planned ahead for the building project, for relationships and for the welfare of his people. Nehemiah had a long-term perspective, entrusting others with responsibility into which they would grow in time. Not only did he do his part but he trusted others to do theirs.

A Role to Play (7:1–3)

Worship leaders and ministry service personnel — gatekeepers, singers and Levites — were appointed to service, according to the royal order of King David (Neh. 12:45; 1 Chron. 23, 25–26). Gatekeepers from the Levitical clan of Korah served by means of a rotation, canonized in Psalm 84:10, “Better a day in Your courts than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather be at the door of the house of my God than to live in the tents of the wicked.” These men were born to fulfill their roles.

Rather than declaring himself king, Nehemiah entrusted others with civil responsibility in the newly secure Jerusalem. He appointed two men to lead: Hanani, to whom Nehemiah refers as “my brother” (1:2, 7:2), and Hananiah, who had served as commander of the fortress. This military commander had a leadership quality that made him stand out among his peers: “He was a faithful man who feared God more than most.” These men achieved their positions through faith and their faithful service.

A third group with a role to play were the general citizens of Jerusalem. Regardless of their heritage or their previous service the common inhabitants worked together for the common good. During the wall renovation project they each had a role: to build the wall, to seal the breaches or to protect those who did (3:1–32; 4:15–23). Everyone had a role to play.

A Place to Belong (7:4–8)

The returned exiles numbered more than 42,000 men, women and children. Most did not live in Jerusalem and no one had built a new house during Nehemiah’s watch. The governor was determined to make sure everyone was cared for. Under Nehemiah’s leadership the security of the city and her people were his top priorities.

With such a large city and so few inhabitants Nehemiah ordered a census beginning with the genealogical record of those who had returned in 538 BC with Zerubbabel and Jeshua more than 140 years prior. This accounting of Judahites would later be the foundation for determining who lived in Jerusalem determined by lots (11:1–2). Even after the exiles one’s heritage affected status. Everyone had a place to belong.