Nehemiah 3:1-32 - Homiletics

An honourable record.

In the preceding chapter the good resolutions of the people are recorded; here, what is more satisfactory, their performances. It is a record of those who united to restore the wall of Jerusalem, and the part which each principal person, or group of persons, took in the work. The account may appear of little interest for us; but it would be of much to the Jews, especially the descendants of those whose names are so honourably recorded, as long as they preserved their genealogies. To us also it need not be barren of interest or profit.

I. THE WORKERS AND THEIR WORK . A very great undertaking carried through rapidly ( Nehemiah 6:15 ) and successfully; because—

1. A voluntary work. All animated with zeal, and labouring heartily, not of compulsion. What is especially reported of one ( Nehemiah 3:20 ) was doubtless true, in good measure, of all: they "earnestly repaired."

2. By a united people. With a few exceptions ( Nehemiah 3:5 ), all appear to have done their part. Priests, nobles, merchants, tradesmen, working-men; dwellers in the city and dwellers in the country (for the welfare of the metropolis, with its temple, etc; was felt to be of common concern), all combined their energies.

3. By a people acting in orderly co-operation. Without this, their number and zeal would have availed little. The work was distributed into many parts, and each individual and group took the part assigned them by those at the head of affairs. Each band of men repaired that part of the wall which fell to its lot; and of each band the various classes did what they were best fitted for; some finding means, some superintending, some clearing away rubbish and picking out serviceable stones, others doing the masonry. Hence confusion was avoided, and the time and labour of none wasted. Many a good undertaking is rendered abortive, or much hindered, for the want of such willing order and subordination, which cannot be secured because of the pride, self-will, jealousy, etc. of those who should co-operate.

4. With religious services ( Nehemiah 3:1 ) The high priest and his fellow-priests led the way and "sanctified" (dedicated) their work to God; most likely having regard, in this solemn act of piety, to the whole work. The account is instructive, as showing how much may be done by even a feeble people when united, zealous, and willing each to do the part allotted to him, and offering all to God in dependence on his aid and blessing.

II. THE RECORD . May be of use as—

1. An example. The names and works of those who have done good service to the nation, the city, or the Church should be commemorated—

2. A reminder. There is a record of good men and good deeds in another book—the memory of God ( Hebrews 6:10 ), a record which is—

Every man according to his works (comp. Luke 19:15-19 ; 2 Corinthians 9:6 ). The thought of this record should—