What other biblical examples show families working together for God's purposes? Building Beside Shallum’s Daughters – Nehemiah 3:12 “Next to him Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs, he and his daughters.” (Nehemiah 3:12) Families on Mission Together From the ark to the early church, Scripture repeatedly shows entire households stepping into God-given assignments. The following snapshots trace that pattern: • Noah’s Ark Crew – Genesis 6:13-22; 7:1 – Noah “did everything that God commanded him,” and his sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, labored alongside him to build and later board the ark with their wives. God’s global rescue unfolded through a family working shoulder to shoulder. • Abraham’s Household – Genesis 17:23-27; 18:19 – The very day God instituted circumcision, “Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household… and circumcised them.” The covenant sign became a family affair, reinforcing the call that Abraham would “command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD.” • Moses, Aaron, and Miriam – Exodus 2 – 15 – Siblings partnered in Israel’s deliverance: Moses confronted Pharaoh, Aaron spoke for him, and Miriam led worship after the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 15:20-21). • Rahab Protects Her Household – Joshua 2:12-21; 6:22-25 – By hiding the spies, Rahab secured salvation not just for herself but for her “father, mother, brothers, and all who belong” to her. The scarlet cord became a family’s lifeline. • Joshua’s Declaration – Joshua 24:15 – “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua publicly commits his entire household to covenant faithfulness—leadership that presumes family participation. • The Family of Obed-Edom – 2 Samuel 6:10-12 – When the ark rested in Obed-Edom’s home, “the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household,” demonstrating that hosting God’s presence engages and blesses an entire family. • Jehoshaphat’s House in Fasting and Prayer – 2 Chronicles 20:13 – “All Judah was standing before the LORD, with their wives, children, and little ones.” Whole families joined the king in seeking divine intervention. • Sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun – 1 Chronicles 25:1-7 – Worship in David’s tabernacle flowed from musical families: fathers and sons prophesied and played together “under the supervision of their father.” • Zebedee’s Boat Becomes a Classroom – Matthew 4:21-22 – James and John leave their father’s fishing business to follow Jesus, showing a family willing to release children into kingdom service. • Mary, Martha, and Lazarus – John 11:1-44; 12:1-3 – Siblings host Jesus, witness Lazarus’s resurrection, and together offer costly worship—each playing a role in honoring Him. • Cornelius’s Household – Acts 10:24-48 – Cornelius gathers “his relatives and close friends”; the Spirit falls on all, and the entire household is baptized. • Lydia’s Household – Acts 16:14-15 – “She and her household were baptized,” then her home becomes a meeting place for believers in Philippi. • The Philippian Jailer – Acts 16:31-34 – “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you and your household will be saved.” That same night, the jailer’s family hears the gospel, washes Paul’s wounds, and is baptized together. Common Threads to Notice • God often entrusts large-scale assignments to families, not lone heroes. • Leadership within the home invites everyone—from daughters on Jerusalem’s wall to children in Judah’s fast—to participate. • Household obedience brings household blessing (Genesis 7:1; 2 Samuel 6:11-12; Acts 16:34). • Families that serve together leave multi-generational legacies of faith (Joshua 24:15; 1 Chronicles 25:1-7). Taking Nehemiah 3:12 Forward Shallum’s daughters set stones in Jerusalem’s wall. Their story stands in a long, unbroken line of families saying “yes” to God—proof that when God calls, He often calls a household. |
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