The Prayers of Nehemiah

Nehemiah’s 8th Prayer – Nehemiah 13: 14,22,29,30

Insights

1. This book concludes in a difficult manner. Rather than “happy ever after” the last chapter reflects the condition of the people 13 years after the wall had been concluded. What was their condition? They had drifted away from the covenant they made in chapter 9 of Nehemiah.
2. Nehemiah returns as an older man to set things right – his actions were drastic. This example shows us that in the life of faith there are things worth fighting for in the community of faith.
3. In vvs. 14,22,29,30 we find the translation of the Hebrew word “Remember.” Asking God to remember is not as though God had forgotten. This is more of an acknowledgement of desire to do what is right and to honor God in their actions. Nehemiah personified then Hebrew word, hesed – faithfulness to God’s call and love for God.
4. Nehemiah noticed their desecration of the Sabbath by means of all of the merchandizing that was taking place. “Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.” V.18.

Observations

1. Things of high value must be ingrained by disciplined habits over time. Hitting the pause button can be dangerous in the undermining of important values.
2. Discipleship is a journey not a destination. We are always becoming a disciple versus I have become a disciple.
3. Desiring to please God through our living requires a bold stance that may appear offensive to others. Sabbath rest means that you stop work and rest. Draw yourself into his presence through prayer and worship. Sabbath is meant to be a time for refreshing.
4. Hesed for the most part is always used as a description of God’s love for us. We are not able to fully grasp the meaning of that love by means of the English language. However, in this chapter hesed is used to describe Nehemiah’s work. Remember his first prayer in chapter 1:4-11 – he was deeply moved at the report of Jerusalem’s condition. He accepted the call to be used of God to restore the integrity of the city. He illustrates a type of unconditional and unfailing love for God’s city and people.

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