Topical Bible: Servant: Good of Nehemiah

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The concept of servanthood in the Bible is exemplified in the life and actions of Nehemiah, a prominent figure in the Old Testament. Nehemiah's account is primarily found in the Book of Nehemiah, where he is depicted as a devoted servant of God, demonstrating qualities of leadership, faithfulness, and dedication to God's purposes.

Background and Role

Nehemiah served as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, a position of significant trust and responsibility (Nehemiah 1:11). Despite his high-ranking position, Nehemiah's heart was deeply connected to the plight of his people, the Israelites, and the desolate state of Jerusalem. His role as a servant is highlighted by his willingness to leave the comforts of the Persian court to fulfill God's calling to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Qualities of a Good Servant

1. Prayerful Dependence on God: Nehemiah's servanthood is marked by his reliance on prayer. Upon hearing the distressing news about Jerusalem, he immediately turned to God in prayer and fasting, seeking divine guidance and favor (Nehemiah 1:4-11). His prayers were characterized by confession, supplication, and a deep trust in God's promises.

2. Vision and Initiative: Nehemiah's servanthood involved a clear vision for the restoration of Jerusalem. He took the initiative to approach King Artaxerxes, requesting permission to return and rebuild the city (Nehemiah 2:4-5). His ability to articulate his vision and secure the king's support demonstrates his proactive and strategic approach to serving God's purposes.

3. Leadership and Organization: As a servant leader, Nehemiah effectively organized and motivated the people of Jerusalem to undertake the massive task of rebuilding the walls. He assigned specific sections of the wall to different families and groups, ensuring that the work was distributed and managed efficiently (Nehemiah 3). His leadership was characterized by encouragement, accountability, and a focus on the collective goal.

4. Perseverance in the Face of Opposition: Nehemiah's servanthood was tested by significant opposition from external enemies and internal challenges. Figures such as Sanballat and Tobiah sought to discourage and intimidate the builders (Nehemiah 4:1-3). Nehemiah responded with prayer, vigilance, and a steadfast commitment to the work, exemplifying perseverance and resilience (Nehemiah 4:9, 6:9).

5. Integrity and Selflessness: Nehemiah's integrity as a servant is evident in his refusal to exploit his position for personal gain. He did not impose heavy taxes on the people, nor did he take advantage of the governor's provisions, choosing instead to focus on the welfare of the community (Nehemiah 5:14-18). His selflessness and concern for justice further underscore his role as a good servant.

6. Commitment to God's Word: Nehemiah's servanthood was deeply rooted in a commitment to God's Word. He worked alongside Ezra the scribe to ensure that the Law of Moses was read and understood by the people, leading to a national renewal and covenant commitment (Nehemiah 8:1-8, 9:38). His dedication to spiritual reform highlights the importance of aligning service with divine truth.

Legacy of Servanthood

Nehemiah's life and actions serve as a powerful example of what it means to be a good servant in the biblical sense. His account illustrates the impact of faithful service, grounded in prayer, vision, leadership, perseverance, integrity, and a commitment to God's Word. Through his servanthood, Nehemiah not only rebuilt the physical walls of Jerusalem but also contributed to the spiritual restoration of the Israelite community.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 4:16,23
And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants worked in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Prophet Nehemiah
... the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee,
thy servant this day ... Now mark, it meant a good deal for Nehemiah to give ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/iv the prophet nehemiah.htm

Nehemiah's Answer to a Call for Help
... reign, in the month of November, I((Nehemiah) was in ... If it please the king and if
your servant has won ... and build?" So they entered heartily into the good work. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/nehemiahs answer to a call.htm

Nehemiah, the Praying Builder
... move him favorably toward the request of his praying servant. ... Nehemiah discovered
to his dismay that the portions of ... this, and wipe not out my good deeds that ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/viii nehemiah the praying builder.htm

Heathen Plots
... laid a still more subtle and dangerous snare for the servant of God ... this iniquitous
work was Shemaiah, a man previously held in good repute by Nehemiah. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 55 heathen plots.htm

The Builders on the Wall
... So they strengthened their hands for this good work ... Amidst great discouragement,
Nehemiah made God his trust, his ... He who was the support of His servant then has ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 53 the builders on.htm

A Man of Opportunity
... "Prosper, I pray Thee, Thy servant this day," he entreated ... "And," Nehemiah declares,
"the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.". ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 52 a man of.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... is exalted above all blessing and praise.' Nehemiah 9:5 ... honour from your children,
set them a good example ... children to say to them, as Plato's servant, My master ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
... to testify even through many ages, to the good of many ... him, while he passed by before
his servant Moses, and ... with God, in the reign of Nehemiah, were visited ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xii covenanting performed in.htm

From John Yeardley's Conversion to the Commencement of his Public ...
... also a Friend and preacher, and at one time his servant, for some ... 25th."In contemplating
a little the character of that good man, Nehemiah, I cannot but ...
/.../chapter i from john yeardleys.htm

Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant.
... that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh ... is the beginning of wisdom: a
good understanding have ... graces; Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David, Nehemiah, St. ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon vii josiah a pattern.htm