*Bible Study Lesson 20* *Expository Commentary on the Book of Nehemiah*
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*Bible Study Lesson 20*
*Expository Commentary on the Book of Nehemiah*
Scattered Pearls – Part 3
In yesterday's post, we looked at some of the truths scattered throughout this book. Today, let us meditate on a few more such truths found broadly across the book
Passage for Meditation: Nehemiah 8:8
"They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read."
— Nehemiah 8:8
The word "they" in this verse refers to the Levites. Explaining the laws of Moses to the Jewish people was an important responsibility given to the Levites.
Even though we as Christians read and meditate on the Bible daily, to truly understand the important ideas and depths within it, we need the explanation of a pastor or Bible teacher who knows the Word well. Because of this lack of proper understanding of Scripture, many times in churches the Bible ends up not being taught systematically.
A minister's primary responsibility is to explain the Word, clarify the truths, and guide believers in the light of God's Word. Only when the one who leads and teaches the congregation fulfills this duty can he stand before God as a worker who is not ashamed.
In Acts 8:31 as well, we see the truth: "How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?"
Therefore, raising up persons who have the ability to make the Word understandable is a key duty of church leaders.
Scattered Pearls – Part 4
Passage for Meditation: Nehemiah 13:6–9
What is the spiritual truth these verses communicate?
After Nehemiah had served as governor of Jerusalem for 12 years, he went to Babylon to meet the king. He then returned to Jerusalem.
At that time, he was greatly shocked to discover a wrong that had taken place in the house of God. Specifically, Eliashib had set apart a room in the temple courtyard for Tobiah.
When Nehemiah saw this, he was filled with great anger. He threw out all of Tobiah's household belongings.
He then ordered the rooms to be purified and brought back the vessels of God's house, the grain offerings, and the incense.
Eliashib was the high priest. He had a connection with Tobiah the Ammonite through a marriage relationship. A priest violating the laws of the Lord and setting aside a place in God's own temple for someone based on a worldly relationship was a tremendous spiritual fall.
Lessons we must learn from this:
During times when leaders are absent, some who appear in a spiritual guise may engage in things that are against God. Church leaders must remain vigilant regarding such imposters.
Tobiah had consistently opposed the rebuilding of God's temple.
A priest joining hands with such an enemy reveals his own spiritual downfall. Our enemies sometimes come directly, and sometimes indirectly. Therefore, we must be on guard against spiritual enemies like Tobiah.
Wrong marriage relationships formed with unbelievers are not merely social connections — they become covenants that go against God's commands. The strength of believers lies not in mixing with the world, but in standing holy and separate, and thereby manifesting the power of God.
In the next post, we will look at the remaining scattered pearls.