Skim through Nehemiah. Note that much of this book is Nehemiah’s account of his own role in helping the rebuilding of Jerusalem and in restoring the Jewish people. Note the problems he faces. What does Nehemiah seem proud of in terms of his own record/conduct? What obstacles does he face? What seems to be his motivation?Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Nehemiah (extra credit)
Skim through Nehemiah. Note that much of this book is Nehemiah’s account of his own role in helping the rebuilding of Jerusalem and in restoring the Jewish people. Note the problems he faces. What does Nehemiah seem proud of in terms of his own record/conduct? What obstacles does he face? What seems to be his motivation?
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He is very proud that his main interest lied with the people and whether his actions disturbed their daily lives or not. For example, he freed them from debts and heavily scolded those who were oppressing them before he refused to take the governor's allowance due to his belief that it would be too much for them (that and his fear of God).
ReplyDeleteFor obstacles, we see that there are those who are violently opposed to Jerusalem being rebuilt, to the point of plotting to kill the Jews who are rebuilding. It was so bad that he and others had to plan accordingly, often building and carrying weapons at the same time just in case someone decided to go ahead and attack them.
His motivations appear to be doing good to God, although his methods are far more violent than one would consider appropriate. Sure, he is free to feel frustration at certain things, but he often threatens to beat others and scolds those who married foreign women and had foreign children as if they can really do anything outside of it (after all, the children are already born).
Nehemiah seems proud of his commitment to God. He aimed to build Jerusalem's wall and demonstrate his effective leadership. He faced opposition from the enemies' lack of cooperation and eternal challenges among his people. His motivation was to restore Jerusalem and God's worship. His commitment to God relied on prayer, demonstrating a deep respect. He dedicated himself to rebuilding and facing numerous obstacles. He worked with the spirit and unity while leading the people. His enemies sought to undermine his work. The Jewish community lacked community and commitment. He had to overcome despair. He restored God's worship. He created a space for them. He was concerned for the spiritual well-being of the people.
ReplyDeleteHis motivation was to restore worship. Where he did really well under God's commitment.