Topical Bible: Love: Nehemiah for Israelites

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Introduction to Nehemiah and Love

The Book of Nehemiah, a historical account in the Old Testament, provides a profound narrative of leadership, restoration, and covenantal love. Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, is called by God to lead the Israelites in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. This task is not merely a physical reconstruction but a spiritual renewal, reflecting God's steadfast love for His people and their reciprocal love and commitment to Him.

Nehemiah's Love for God and His People

Nehemiah's journey begins with a deep love for God and His people. Upon hearing the distressing news about Jerusalem's broken walls, Nehemiah's immediate response is one of mourning, fasting, and prayer (Nehemiah 1:4). His prayer reveals a heart aligned with God's purposes, acknowledging the sins of Israel and seeking God's favor: "I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you" (Nehemiah 1:6). This confession underscores a love that is rooted in humility and a desire for reconciliation with God.

Love Manifested in Action

Nehemiah's love is not passive but active. He courageously approaches King Artaxerxes, requesting permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls. This bold move demonstrates his willingness to risk his position and safety for the sake of his people. Nehemiah's leadership is characterized by a selfless dedication to the welfare of the Israelites, as he organizes the rebuilding efforts and addresses the social injustices among them (Nehemiah 5:1-13).

Covenantal Love and Obedience

The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls is symbolic of a deeper spiritual restoration. Nehemiah's leadership leads to a renewed commitment to the Mosaic covenant. The public reading of the Law by Ezra, followed by the people's confession and recommitment, highlights the centrality of love for God expressed through obedience to His commandments (Nehemiah 8-10). The Israelites' pledge to follow God's laws, keep the Sabbath, and support the temple services (Nehemiah 10:29-39) reflects a community bound by love and devotion to God.

Challenges and Perseverance in Love

Nehemiah's mission is fraught with opposition from external enemies and internal challenges. Figures like Sanballat and Tobiah seek to undermine the rebuilding efforts through intimidation and deceit (Nehemiah 4:1-3, 6:1-14). Despite these obstacles, Nehemiah's love for God and his people fuels his perseverance. He encourages the Israelites to "Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes" (Nehemiah 4:14). This call to remember God's greatness and love serves as a rallying point for the community.

Love as a Foundation for Community

The narrative of Nehemiah illustrates that love is foundational for the community of God's people. The rebuilding of the walls is not just a physical act but a testament to the power of love to restore and unite. Nehemiah's leadership, marked by prayer, action, and unwavering faith, exemplifies how love for God and neighbor can overcome adversity and lead to spiritual renewal. The Israelites' collective effort in rebuilding and their recommitment to God's covenant demonstrate a love that is communal, sacrificial, and enduring.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 5:10-15
I likewise, and my brothers, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.
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Library

Nehemiah's Answer to a Call for Help
... reign, in the month of November, I((Nehemiah) was in ... who showest kindness to those
who love and follow thy ... thee day and night for the Israelites, thy servants ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/nehemiahs answer to a call.htm

How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ...
... I think it agreeable to that love which I bear to ... and of the priests and Levites,
and Israelites, who had ... was cup-bearer to king Xerxes; his name was Nehemiah. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how xerxes the.htm

A Rebuke against Extortion
... It was Jehovah's purpose that the Israelites should have a training that would ... them;
so will we do as thou sayest." At this, Nehemiah in the ... "The love of money ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 54 a rebuke against.htm

Reformation
... to Jerusalem, had induced many among the Israelites to engage ... Nehemiah was not a
priest; he was not a prophet ... loyalty, his patriotism, and his deep love for God ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 57 reformation.htm

Heathen Plots
... restrain discontent, rebellion, and treachery among the Israelites. ... In Nehemiah's
firm devotion to the work of ... beyond, he recognizes Infinite Love, working out ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 55 heathen plots.htm

"In the Spirit and Power of Elias"
... Before entering the Promised Land, the Israelites were admonished ... Israel by profaning
the Sabbath." Nehemiah 13:18 ... sees His law rejected, His love despised, His ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 14 in the spirit.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Grew Rich, And Fell Desperately In Love With Women ... Tiglath-Pileser Made An Expedition
Against The Israelites. ... The Jews; As Also Concerning Esdras And Nehemiah. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

"The House of Israel"
... of Zerubbabel, of Ezra, and of Nehemiah they repeatedly ... oppression from heathen foes,
the Israelites finally learned the ... was not the outflow of faith and love. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 59 the house of.htm

Mongrel Religion
... it; but suppose he is pulled back by his love of sin ... Read the Book of Nehemiah, and
you will see that the most ... that came out of Egypt with the Israelites, fell a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/mongrel religion.htm

Sin: Its Spring-Head, Stream, and Sea
... The Israelites had memories out of which the mercies of ... shall say,"neither the ninth
chapter of Nehemiah, nor the ... we now testify to the faithful love of our ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/sin its spring-head stream and.htm