We here arrive to the close of Nehemiah's wise and pious government.
The chapter relates several interesting circumstances. Nehemiah had
returned to his master at Persia; and as it should seem, was permitted
to visit Jerusalem a second time. He reforms certain abuses crept in
during his absence; and... [ Continue Reading ]
The history of Moab's conduct to Israel, and the vile attempt of
Balaam, we have Numbers 22:23. And the Lord's commands in consequence
we have Deuteronomy 23:3. But added to these, the prohibition of
alliances with the people of the land was among the distinguishing
features of the Lord's covenant.... [ Continue Reading ]
It should seem very plainly from what is here said, that Nehemiah had
returned to Persia, and now was come back to Jerusalem. During his
absence Eliashib the High Priest, to his everlasting disgrace, from
his alliance with Tobiah, had not only paid this open enemy of God and
his church great respect... [ Continue Reading ]
This forms an interesting passage, and makes a good lesson for the
regulation of ministers with their people. Wherefore the Levites had
fled, is not said. I should hope not because their stipend was kept
back. And yet if they fled away, and in consequence the people then
withheld it, the story tells... [ Continue Reading ]
I admire the frequent expression of Nehemiah in which he prays to be
remembered. It is not said by way of heightening his labours; for let
the Reader remark with me, he doth not ask for a reward, but only the
Lord's remembrance of him. Sweetly, Lord Jesus, doth it suggest thy
desire of being remembe... [ Continue Reading ]
Reader! doth it not strike thy mind while reading this account of the
profanation of the sabbath, that there is but too great a resemblance
between the days of Nehemiah and the present, in this crying sin of
our guilty land. Must not everyone say that will speak the truth, that
there never was a per... [ Continue Reading ]
Here we have recorded another instance of the zeal of Nehemiah in
reforming abuses, both as it concerned the divine honor, and the
people's happiness. Nothing could be more important than the
preservation of God's people to themselves. The Lord by the prophet
complained of this abuse. I had planted... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS
BEHOLD, my soul! how God's people have been enjoined in all ages to
keep separate from all others, and never to mingle with them, much
less to form alliances with them, and learn their works. See then that
thou art come out from among them and touch not the unclean thing. In
God's origin... [ Continue Reading ]