Topical Bible: Anger: Justifiable: Nehemiah

◄ Anger: Justifiable: Nehemiah ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, anger is often depicted as a powerful emotion that can lead to both righteous and unrighteous actions. The account of Nehemiah provides a compelling example of justifiable anger, where this emotion is directed towards the restoration of justice and the upholding of God's commandments.

Context of Nehemiah's Anger

Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. His account is recorded in the Book of Nehemiah, which details his efforts to restore the physical and spiritual integrity of the Jewish community in Jerusalem. Nehemiah's anger is portrayed as a response to the injustices and violations of God's law that he encountered during his mission.

Instances of Justifiable Anger

1. Opposition to the Rebuilding Efforts: Nehemiah faced significant opposition from external enemies such as Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, who mocked and threatened the Jewish people to halt the rebuilding of the walls. Nehemiah's anger in this context was directed towards these adversaries who sought to undermine God's work. His response was to pray and take strategic actions to protect the workers, demonstrating a righteous indignation that fueled his determination to complete the task (Nehemiah 4:1-9).

2. Exploitation and Injustice Among the Jews: A more profound instance of Nehemiah's justifiable anger is found in Nehemiah 5. Upon learning that the wealthy Jews were exploiting their poorer brethren through usury and slavery, Nehemiah was "very angry" (Nehemiah 5:6). His anger was rooted in the violation of God's laws regarding the treatment of fellow Israelites. Nehemiah confronted the nobles and officials, rebuking them for their actions and demanding that they restore the fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses they had taken, along with the interest they had charged. His anger led to tangible reforms and the restoration of justice within the community.

3. Violation of the Sabbath: Nehemiah's anger also surfaced when he observed the desecration of the Sabbath. In Nehemiah 13:15-22, he witnessed people treading winepresses, bringing in grain, and selling goods on the Sabbath. Nehemiah rebuked the nobles of Judah, reminding them of the consequences of such actions in the past. His anger was directed towards ensuring the sanctity of the Sabbath, a commandment central to Jewish identity and worship.

4. Intermarriage with Foreign Nations: Another instance of Nehemiah's justifiable anger is seen in Nehemiah 13:23-27, where he discovered that some Jews had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. This intermarriage was contrary to God's command to maintain the purity of the Israelite community. Nehemiah's response was severe; he contended with them, cursed them, struck some of them, and pulled out their hair. His actions, though harsh, were driven by a zeal for God's law and the preservation of the covenant community.

Conclusion

Nehemiah's anger, as depicted in these instances, is characterized by a deep commitment to God's commandments and the well-being of the community. His responses to various challenges demonstrate that anger, when aligned with divine principles and directed towards the correction of wrongs, can be a justifiable and necessary force for righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nehemiah 5:6
And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nehemiah 13:17,25
Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, What evil thing is this that you do, and profane the sabbath day?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xl
... secular parallels as well as from Scriptures (Nehemiah 1:11 "Nehemiah; and 2 ... 1 said
"they sinned," v.2 very likely speaks of a justifiable anger on Pharaoh's ...
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