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 ]