Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical hospitality, the Book of Nehemiah provides a compelling narrative that highlights the importance of hospitality as a reflection of godly leadership and community building. Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, is called by God to lead the effort in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. His account, found in the Old Testament, is not only about physical reconstruction but also about spiritual and communal restoration, where hospitality plays a significant role.Nehemiah's Leadership and Hospitality Nehemiah's leadership is marked by his commitment to the welfare of his people, which is evident in his acts of hospitality. Upon hearing the distress of Jerusalem, Nehemiah is moved to action, demonstrating a heart of compassion and service. His journey to Jerusalem is not just a political mission but a spiritual one, where he seeks to restore the dignity and security of the Jewish community. In Nehemiah 5:14-19, we see a clear example of Nehemiah's hospitality. As governor, he refrains from imposing heavy burdens on the people, unlike his predecessors. Instead, he provides for his own needs and those of his officials from his resources. Nehemiah 5:17-18 states, "Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, besides the guests from the surrounding nations. Each day, one ox, six choice sheep, and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine. Yet in spite of all this, I did not demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on these people was so heavy." This passage illustrates Nehemiah's generous hospitality, which serves as a model of selflessness and care for others. His actions reflect a deep understanding of the burdens faced by the people and a desire to alleviate them through personal sacrifice and generosity. Hospitality as Community Building Nehemiah's hospitality extends beyond mere provision of food and drink; it is a tool for community building and unity. By inviting a diverse group of people to his table, including Jews and officials, Nehemiah fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity. This act of gathering people together is crucial in a time of rebuilding, as it strengthens communal bonds and encourages collective effort. Moreover, Nehemiah's hospitality is rooted in his fear of God, as he states in Nehemiah 5:15 , "But out of reverence for God, I did not act like that." His reverence for God drives him to act justly and generously, setting an example for others to follow. This godly fear ensures that his hospitality is not merely a social obligation but a spiritual practice that honors God and serves His people. Hospitality in the Face of Opposition Throughout the rebuilding process, Nehemiah faces significant opposition from external enemies and internal challenges. Despite these obstacles, his commitment to hospitality remains steadfast. In Nehemiah 6, when faced with threats and intimidation, Nehemiah continues to focus on the work at hand, ensuring that the needs of the people are met and that the community remains united. Nehemiah's hospitality, therefore, is not just about providing physical sustenance but also about offering spiritual encouragement and resilience. By maintaining an open and generous heart, Nehemiah inspires others to persevere in the face of adversity, demonstrating that hospitality can be a powerful tool for overcoming challenges and achieving God's purposes. In summary, the Book of Nehemiah presents hospitality as an essential aspect of godly leadership and community life. Through his generous and selfless actions, Nehemiah exemplifies how hospitality can foster unity, alleviate burdens, and reflect a deep reverence for God. His account encourages believers to practice hospitality as a means of serving others and honoring God in all circumstances. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 5:17Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came to us from among the heathen that are about us. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee. In Jud??a and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and ... Second Sunday after Epiphany The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles. Life of Jerome. Constant, Instant, Expectant Melito and the Circumstances which He Records. By Far the Ablest of These Seven Essays is from the Pen of the " ... In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... Resources What does it mean that “as a man thinks, so is he” in Proverbs 23:7? | GotQuestions.orgAre there angels among us? | GotQuestions.org Who was Diotrephes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Hospitality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hospitality: A Test of Christian Character Hospitality: Abimelech to Abraham Hospitality: Abraham to the Angels Hospitality: David to Mephibosheth Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies Hospitality: General Scriptures Concerning Hospitality: Isaac to Abimelech Hospitality: Joseph to his Brothers Hospitality: Laban to Abraham's Servant Hospitality: Lydia to Paul and Silas Hospitality: Man of Gibeah to the Levite Hospitality: Melchizedek to Abraham Hospitality: Onesiphorus to Paul Hospitality: Pharaoh to Abraham Hospitality: Pharisees to Jesus Hospitality: Rahab to the Spies Hospitality: Required in Ministers Hospitality: Rewarded: Rahab's Hospitality: Rewarded: Widow of Zarephath's Hospitality: Simon the Tanner to Peter Hospitality: Sons of Heth to Abraham Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Enemies Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Strangers Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to The Poor Hospitality: The Shunammite Woman to Elisha Hospitality: The Widow of Zarephath to Elijah Hospitality: Zacchaeus to Jesus Inhospitableness: Ammonites and Moabites Inhospitableness: Men of Gibeah Toward a Levite Inhospitableness: Nabal Toward David Inhospitableness: some Samaritans Toward Jesus Related Terms |
    |