In Nehemiah 11:1-19, we read about the migration of some of the people from towns and villages around Jerusalem to the city, so that it could be maintained and also protect it from attack. Selwyn draws our attention to the fact that it appears that this influx of new people occurred without creating serious, on-going problems [...]
We are now up to Nehemiah 10:32-39; and the key verse for Selwyn is: “We will not neglect the house of our God.” (verse 39) The commitment of the Jewish people to this covenant includes;Â ” … agreeing that the Lord’s claim on their lives will touch everything they have and own.” Selwyn takes from these [...]
Selwyn continues to look at the attitude of the Jewish people who were in the process of binding themselves to a covenant, to follow the Law of God (Nehemiah 10:28-31). (I like the word ‘binding‘, it really does carry well, the meaning of commitment.) The first observation Selwyn makes, is important: “Having provided us with the names of [...]
Selwyn’s introduction to today’s study presents a challenge to all of us. He says: “The importance of making a binding agreement that commits us to a deeper relationship with God is something every one of us ought to understand and, whenever necessary, put into operation. Whatever words we use to describe it – dedication, consecration, [...]
Today, Selwyn looks at these powerful words from Nehemiah 9:33; ” … you have acted faithfully, while we did wrong.’ He says: “They (the Israelites) reflect that God is a covenant keeping God, and acknowledge that He has always acted justly and been faithful to them. Then they confess their sin to Him in the [...]
I liked the last bit of Selwyn’s study, especially the last two sentences: “One person has said, ‘We have no light to illuminate the pathway of the future save that which falls over our shoulder from the past.’ Reflecting on what God has done for us to have a clearer perspective on the present and [...]
Judah’s administration
In today’s study Selwyn talks about the form of decentralised government which they had in Judah, at the time of Nehemiah. He makes the important observation that “the administration of Judah … was built on a spiritual foundation, with the honour and glory of God being of paramount importance and His justice the measure of [...]
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