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Job 1,2,13,19 The Righteous Suffer

Job 1,2,13,19 The Righteous Suffer

Bill Blurb: Now that we've finished the Historical books of the OT, we come upon the five books of Poetry, which will be followed by the Major, then Minor Prophets. Since we've been slicing and dicing Psalms and Proverbs, we won't be covering them in the sequential text portion of the blog (like Genesis to Esther). The hallmark of Hebrew poetry is not rhyming like a Hallmark card, but repetition and parallelism of ideas and concepts, expressed in scintillating symbolism. Job, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon will be given a brief overview in the next posts, and then we will savor them a sip at a time in future posts, after we exhaust Psalms and Proverbs. We'll also portion out Psalm 119 in more bite sized (ok, meal sized) portions so we can appreciate the unique flavor of each taste, rather than choke on the huge amount of Truth in the psalm. Bon Appétit!

For those of you who like categorization (and alliteration):

Job teaches how to have the our (w)right place in life;
Psalms teach how to have worshipful praise in our life;
Proverbs teach how to have wise practices in our life;
Ecclesiastes teaches how to have worthwhile purpose in our life;
Song of Songs teaches how to have wondrous passion in our life.

OK, I'll stop now.

Psalm 69:16-36 Praise is More Pleasing

Ps 69:22 “(13 But as for me, my prayer is to you, Yahweh, in an acceptable time. God, in the abundance of your hesed/loyal love, answer me in the faithfulness of your salvation.) Let their table before them become a snare. May it become a retribution and a trap. 23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they can’t see. Let their backs be continually bent. 24 Pour out your indignation on them. Let the fierceness of your anger overtake them. 25 Let their habitation be desolate. Let no one dwell in their tents. 26 For they persecute him whom you have wounded. They tell of the sorrow of those whom you have hurt. 27 Charge them with crime upon crime. Don’t let them come into your righteousness. 28 Let them be blotted out of the book of life, and not be written with the righteous. 29 But I am in pain and distress. Let your salvation, God, protect me.

30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. 31 It will please Yahweh better than an ox, or a bull that has horns and hoofs. 32 The humble have seen it, and are glad. You who seek after God, let your heart live. 33 For Yahweh hears the needy, and doesn’t despise his captive people. 34 Let heaven and earth praise him; the seas, and everything that moves therein! 35 For God will save Zion, and build the cities of Judah. They shall settle there, and own it. 36 The children also of his servants shall inherit it. Those who love his name shall dwell therein."

Observations: 69:1-21 See post on Judges 19 for vv 1-21, in which David asks God for deliverance from his enemies, and acknowledges that he isn't entirely blameless (69:5). However, his persecution isn't because of his sin, but his zeal for God.

69:22-36 In the last half of the psalm David expresses confidence in God's hesed to not only deliver him, but pay back his enemies. His calling down curses upon them might look a little severe, but then he is only asking God to act justly. Blotting out their name from the book of life might be a reference to the removal of them from the register of those who participation in the rule or blessings of the kingdom. The wicked will not inherit blessing.

David vows to praise God with thanksgiving, which He likes more than burnt offerings. The humble who depend on God will rejoice in the testimony of God's deliverance of His people. David looks forward to God saving Zion, regathering the people and fulfilling His promises in the Kingdom.

Application: Trust and resultant praise to God for deliverance is more pleasing to Him than a bunch of burnt animals, or any material thing we could give Him.

Prayer: God, thanks that You are the God who saves, and sets things right; I will be faithful to trust and praise You so You can be exalted in the eyes of others. Amen.

Proverbs 18:9 Sluggards Are Sinners

Pr 18:9 “One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction.“

Observations: 18:9 Sluggards are lower life forms that cause damage and destruction by not doing what should be done, when it should be done. It sounds like they lack wisdom (choosing the right objectives and the means of attaining them), and thus fear of the Lord. That would pretty much put them in the fool category. They waste the hours of their days by not heartily using them for the Lord's purposes, failing to build a legacy or a witness. They waste the precious minutes of others by being unfaithful and unreliable, contributing to nothing except the selfish pursuit of their temporal ease. Time is the interval during which we get blessed or cursed. Guess the destiny of the sluggard as a result of how they used their allotment of time. See Faithfulness with our Time. to get a grip on stewardship of the 10080 minutes God entrust to you each week. The outline is also at the end of the TOYL Booklet.

Application: If you happen to catch sight of a sluggard in the mirror, spend a little time cleansing yourself from the deadly sin of sloth by studying the Saga of the Sorry Sluggard.

Prayer: Lord, help me invest every precious minute You've given me for Your purposes, be it work or play, so You'll be glorified. Amen.

Job 1,2,13,19 This is considered the oldest book of the Bible, almost a prelude or “porch” to the “temple” of Genesis to Deuteronomy. It describes life in patriarchal times, before the Law was given. The postscript of the Septuagint version is worth noting (under Digging Deeper). There are some plausible arguments for Mosaic authorship there as well. In this and the next post, we'll look at some key chapters from the beginning, middle, and end of Job, and then explore the individual chapters as “Psalms” later in the blog.

A frequent hang-up to a correct understanding of God as revealed in the Scriptures is: “Why do the righteous suffer if God is all loving and powerful? He should be willing and able to do something about the evil we see and experience in our world." This is answered under the 7QUESTIONS and in sermons on suffering on Truthbase.net, but for now, the Book of Job shows us that we don't have the entire story, just like the main character and his “friends.”

Job 1 God Gives and Takes Away, Blessed Be His Name

1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God, and turned away from/eschewed evil. 2 There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. 3 His possessions also were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the children of the east. 4 His sons went and held a feast in the house of each one on his birthday; and they sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 It was so, when the days of their feasting had run their course, that Job sent and sanctified/purified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned, and renounced God in their hearts." Job did so continually.

6 Now it happened on the day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan also came among them. 7 Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." 8 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant, Job? For there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from/eschews evil." 9 Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Haven’t you made a hedge around him, and around his house, and around all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will renounce you to your face." 12 Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power. Only on himself don’t put forth your hand." So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahweh.

13 It fell on a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house, 14 that there came a messenger to Job, and said, "The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 and the Sabeans attacked, and took them away. Yes, they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you." 16 While he was still speaking, there also came another, and said, "The fire of God has fallen from the sky, and has burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you." 17 While he was still speaking, there came also another, and said, "The Chaldeans made three bands, and swept down on the camels, and have taken them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you." 18 While he was still speaking, there came also another, and said, "Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house, 19 and behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young men, and they are dead. I alone have escaped to tell you."

20 Then Job arose, and tore his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down on the ground, and worshiped. 21 He said, "Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. Yahweh gave, and Yahweh has taken away. Blessed be the name of Yahweh." 22 In all this, Job did not sin, nor charge God with wrongdoing.

Observations: 1:1-5 Job is described as blameless, upright, fearing God and eschewing evil, by both the author and God himself. To deny this was true is to follow Satan's tactic of denying truth. Job is great, and blessed, and scrupulous in even offering sacrifices for his children, so they don't come under God's wrath. A real God-fearer.

1:6-12 Satan stops by to have tea with God (so much for the idea that God can't look upon evil, a total perversion of Hab 1:13 perpetrated by those oblivious to context). Only a divinely inspired author could have insight into this heavenly conversation (just like divine inspiration was necessary to listen in on Genesis 1). God brags to Satan about His super servant Job. Satan says Job only serves for the benefits, making God look like a bribing parent who can only get their kids to behave by buying them a candy bar or a BMW. God gives Satan permission to take all that God had given Job.

1:13-22 Note the forces that Satan commands, lightning, wind, and the usual bad guy.

Job responds blamelessly, mourning the loss of his children, but recognizing that all he had was the blessing of God, on loan to Him.

Application: Do you view your possessions and relationships as a blessing entrusted to you by God as a stewardship? Or do you think it's your stuff to do with as you please? If the former, you can bless God when you no longer have it.

Prayer: God, thanks that You bless your servants who fear and obey You; may I hold all Your blessings with an open hand, knowing You may require them back at any moment. Amen.

Job 2 Blameless and Upright, Fearing God, Eschewing Evil

2:1 Again it happened on the day when the sons of God came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan came also among them to present himself before Yahweh. 2 Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." 3 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? For there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from/eschews evil. He still maintains his integrity, although you incited me against him, to ruin him without cause." 4 Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Skin for skin. Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But put forth your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce you to your face." 6 Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your hand. Only spare his life."

7 So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahweh, and struck Job with painful sores from the sole of his foot to his head. 8 He took for himself a potsherd to scrape himself with, and he sat among the ashes. 9 Then his wife said to him, "Do you still maintain your integrity? Renounce God, and die." 10 But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" In all this Job didn’t sin with his lips.

11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come on him, they each came from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and to comfort him. 12 When they lifted up their eyes from a distance, and didn’t recognize him, they raised their voices, and wept; and they each tore his robe, and sprinkled dust on their heads toward the sky. 13 So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great.

Observations: 2:1-6 Satan loses round one, and comes back for more. This time God allows him to physically afflict Job, noting again, that there is no cause in Job for the evil that befalls him.

2:7-10 Job lost power, pleasure, and possessions, now the physical pain starts. Never helpful nagging wife was not killed in chapter one so she could add to his affliction here. Job maintains his blamelessness by recognizing God is in the heavens and can do as He pleases, sending good to evil guys or evil to good guys, according to His purposes.

2:11-13 Job's “friends” come on the scene, sitting with him to share his grief. They will be used in the rest of the book to make arguments that Job's afflictions are consequences of his sinful actions. In doing so, they say much that is generally true, but not the truth about Job's situation. In responding to them, Job maintains his innocence and gives a great picture of blameless righteousness.

Application: If we know we're walking righteously, we can trust that the hand of God is upon us for good, even when bad things happen.

Prayer: God, may my response to the “bad” things in my life be a reaffirmation of Your infinite goodness, justice, and sovereignty. Amen.

Job 13 If God Slays Me, I'll Still Trust Him

13:1 "Behold, my eye has seen all this. My ear has heard and understood it. 2 What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you. 3 "Surely I would speak to the Almighty. I desire to reason with God. 4 But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value. 5 Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise. 6 Hear now my reasoning. Listen to the pleadings of my lips. 7 Will you speak unrighteously for God, and talk deceitfully for him? 12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, your defenses are defenses of clay. 13 "Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will.

14 Why should I take my life in my teeth, and put my life in my hand? 15 Though, he slay me, even so, I will trust Him (KJV) Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him. 16 This also shall be my salvation, that a godless man shall not come before him. 17 Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears. 18 See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous. 19 Who is he who will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the spirit.

20 "Only don’t do two things to me; then I will not hide myself from your face: 21 withdraw your hand far from me; and don’t let your terror make me afraid. 22 Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you answer me. 23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my disobedience and my sin. 24 Why hide you your face, and hold me for your enemy? 25 Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble? 26 For you write bitter things against me, and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth: 27 You also put my feet in the stocks, and mark all my paths. You set a bound to the soles of my feet, 28 though I am decaying like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.

Observations: 13:1-13 Job berates his “friends” for their foolish and irrelevant “insights.” Those who understand the parallelism of Hebrew poetry will appreciate the humor of verse 4 (unless you're a doctor). He asks them to keep silent, and then asks God to speak in the last section (13:20-27).

13:14-19 Job laments the extreme deprivation to which he has been brought, and then makes the martyr's confession: Even if God kills me, I will trust Him. This affirmation of the goodness and trustworthiness of God is the ultimate answer to Satan's provocation of 2:5. Then Job rightfully maintains his innocence of wrongdoing, knowing that it will turn out for his salvation and vindication, because he is indeed, innocent.

13:20-27 It's a good idea to ask God to reveal our sin if we want to get rid of it. Job asks God to tell him what He wants him to do, and he'll do it; or to answer Job's request and tell him what he's doing wrong. The silent treatment is torment.

Application: If God allows us to live or die, we can always trust in His goodness, righteous, and justice. He will make it up to us.

Matthew 5:11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Prayer: God, You have revealed Yourself to be infinitely good and just and powerful, so I can always trust that You are doing what is in my best interest, even if I'm martyred. Amen.

Job 19 I Know That My Redeemer Lives

19:1 Then Job answered, 2 "How long will you torment me, and crush me with words? 3 You have reproached me ten times. You aren’t ashamed that you attack me. 4 If it is true that I have erred, my error remains with myself. 5 If indeed you will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach; 6 know now that God has subverted me, and has surrounded me with his net. 7 "Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard. I cry for help, but there is no justice.

8 He has walled up my way so that I can’t pass, and has set darkness in my paths. 9 He has stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head. 10 He has broken me down on every side, and I am gone. My hope he has plucked up like a tree. 11 He has also kindled his wrath against me. He counts me among his adversaries. 12 His troops come on together, build a siege ramp against me, and encamp around my tent. 13 "He has put my brothers far from me. My acquaintances are wholly estranged from me. 14 My relatives have gone away. My familiar friends have forgotten me. 15 Those who dwell in my house, and my maids, count me for a stranger. I am an alien in their sight. 16 I call to my servant, and he gives me no answer. I beg him with my mouth. 17 My breath is offensive to my wife. I am loathsome to the children of my own mother. 18 Even young children despise me. If I arise, they speak against me. 19 All my familiar friends abhor me. They whom I loved have turned against me. 20 My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh. I have escaped by the skin of my teeth. 21 "Have pity on me, have pity on me, you my friends; for the hand of God has touched me. 22 Why do you persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?

23 "Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! 24 That with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! 25 But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. In the end, he will stand upon the earth. 26 After my skin is destroyed, then in my flesh shall I see God, 27 Whom I, even I, shall see on my side. My eyes shall see, and not as a stranger. "My heart yearns within me. 28 If you say, ‘How we will persecute him!’ because the root of the matter is found in me, 29 be afraid of the sword, for wrath brings the punishments of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment."

Observations: 19:1-7 Job tries to shame his “friends” for they attack him unjustly. The consequences he's experiencing are not his own doing, they are God's doing (good insight Job!).

19:8-22 These are some of the most pitiful verses of anguish in the Bible, which make Job's following confident expression of faith astonishing.

19:23-29 Job wishes his words could be recorded so every matter could be established (they were). He then makes one of the greatest confessions of the Bible, especially in light of 19:8-22; He knows that his redeemer/rescuer live/exists, and will vindicate him, upon the earth, which implies Job is around, on the earth for a final vindication. Job makes the case for life/resurrection after death in verses 26-27; after his skin is destroyed, he will, in his flesh, see God, who will be on his side. Job warns his “friends” that while he will do well in the judgment, they might not.

Application: Know that God will vindicate the righteousness of His servants and cause them to stand in triumph on the earth. It's not over, until the day after the last trumpet sounds.

Prayer: My Redeemer and Sustainer of my soul, I know that You live, and will act in my best interest at the time that best suits Your purposes, whenever that may be. (It's OK with me.) Amen.

Digging Deeper:

The Septuagint Ending Of The Book Of Job.

Appendix 62 Bullinger's Companion Bible

In the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament into Greek, there is a long subscription. A similar subscription is found in the Arabic Version. It professes to be taken out of "the Syriac book"; but there is nothing to be found of it in the Syriac Version as published in Walton's Polyglot. It was doubtless written B.C. It is interesting, especially when compared with the notes on p. 666/7 (in the Companion Bible, where you'll find a decent case for Mosaic authorship), but what authority there is for it is not stated.

The last verse of Job (42:17), "And Job died, an old man, and full of days," reads on as follows:

"And it is written that he will rise up again with those whom the Lord raises up.

"This man is described in the Syriac book as dwelling in the land of Ausis, on the borders of Idumea and Arabia; and his name before was Jobab; and having taken an Arabian wife, he begat a son whose name was Ennon. He himself was the son of his father Zara, a son of the sons of Esau, and of his mother Bosorrha, so that he was the fifth from Abraham. And these were the kings who reigned in Edom, which country he also ruled over. First Balak the son of Beor, and the name of his city was Dennaba. After Balak, Jobab, who is called Job: and after him, Asom, who was governor out of the country of Thaeman; and after him Adad, the son of Barad, that destroyed Madiam in the plain of Moab; and the name of his city was Gethaim. And the friends that came to him were Eliphaz of the sons of Esau, king of the Thaemanites, Baldad sovereign of the Sauchaens, Sophar, king of the Minaeans".

God in a nutshell: God is working out a bigger purpose on earth than our comfort and salvation. Creation and the human race exist for His glory. God is infinite, with purposes which are beyond our cursory understanding, but are revealed in Scripture if we seek for them. He is worthy of our trust regardless of our circumstances because His character is totally trustworthy. He lets His servants suffer, using them for His glory, in ways they don't always initially comprehend. He can look upon evil, and has tea with Satan on Monday and Wednesday afternoon. They play bridge on Friday :)

Point to Ponder: Satan fell because he underestimated the infinite nature of God. A third of the angels, who are pretty smart critters, placed their bets on Satan, because, as far as they could see, Satan, the highest created being, looked like he could defeat God. Satan and the angels grasped at the glory and lost, because there was more to God than met their eyes.

Us in a nutshell: Sin always results in suffering, but suffering is not always a result of sin, but is used by God to purify and reward us, and glorify Himself. It's not about us. We're just pawns, but richly rewarded pawns, in the chess match between God and Satan, to teach Satan that he should have obeyed (more in next post; Ephesians 3:8-11). We need to respond to the difficulties of our existence with the awareness that all we have is a gift of God, entrusted into our stewardship, which can be recalled without warning. It is possible to live a blameless and upright life in the sight of God if we fear Him and eschew (a great word to know and do) evil.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Job complete text

Job 1

4 His sons went and held a feast in the house of each one on his birthday; and they sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 It was so, when the days of their feasting had run their course, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned, and renounced God in their hearts." Job did so continually.

6 Now it happened on the day when God’s sons came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan also came among them. 7 Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." 8 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant, Job? For there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from evil." 9 Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Haven’t you made a hedge around him, and around his house, and around all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will renounce you to your face." 12 Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power. Only on himself don’t put forth your hand." So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahweh.

20 Then Job arose, and tore his robe, and shaved his head, and fell down on the ground, and worshipped. 21 He said, "Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. Yahweh gave, and Yahweh has taken away. Blessed be the name of Yahweh." 22 In all this, Job did not sin, nor charge God with wrongdoing.

Job 2

2:1 Again it happened on the day when the God’s sons came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan came also among them to present himself before Yahweh. 2 Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." 3 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? For there is none like him in the earth, a blameless and an upright man, one who fears God, and turns away from evil. He still maintains his integrity, although you incited me against him, to ruin him without cause." 4 Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Skin for skin. Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But put forth your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will renounce you to your face." 6 Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your hand. Only spare his life."

Job 13

13:1 "Behold, my eye has seen all this. My ear has heard and understood it. 2 What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you. 3 "Surely I would speak to the Almighty. I desire to reason with God. 4 But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value. 5 Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise. 6 Hear now my reasoning. Listen to the pleadings of my lips. 7 Will you speak unrighteously for God, and talk deceitfully for him? 8 Will you show partiality to him? Will you contend for God? 9 Is it good that he should search you out? Or as one deceives a man, will you deceive him? 10 He will surely reprove you if you secretly show partiality. 11 Shall not his majesty make you afraid, And his dread fall on you? 12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, your defences are defences of clay.

13 "Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will. 14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand? 15 Behold, he will kill me. I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him. 16 This also shall be my salvation, that a godless man shall not come before him. 17 Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears. 18 See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous. 19 Who is he who will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the spirit. 20 "Only don’t do two things to me; then I will not hide myself from your face: 21 withdraw your hand far from me; and don’t let your terror make me afraid. 22 Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you answer me.

23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my disobedience and my sin. 24 Why hide you your face, and hold me for your enemy? 25 Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble? 26 For you write bitter things against me, and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth: 27 You also put my feet in the stocks, and mark all my paths. You set a bound to the soles of my feet, 28 though I am decaying like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.

Job 19

23 "Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! 24 That with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! 25 But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. In the end, he will stand upon the earth. 26 After my skin is destroyed, then in my flesh shall I see God, 27 Whom I, even I, shall see on my side. My eyes shall see, and not as a stranger. "My heart is consumed within me. 28 If you say, ‘How we will persecute him!’ because the root of the matter is found in me, 29 be afraid of the sword, for wrath brings the punishments of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment."

Nehemiah 3-7 Remember the Wall

Nehemiah 3-7 Remember the Wall

Psalm 67:1-7 Let His Light Shine Through You

Ps 67:1 “ May God be gracious to us, bless us, and cause his face to shine on us. Selah. 2 That your way may be known on earth, and your salvation among all nations, 3 let the peoples praise you, God. Let all the peoples praise you. 4 Oh let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you will judge the peoples with equity, and govern the nations on earth. Selah. 5 Let the peoples praise you, God. Let all the peoples praise you. 6 The earth has yielded its increase. God, even our own God, will bless us. 7 God will bless us. All the ends of the earth shall fear him.

Observations: 67:1-3 God's blessing is not so we can have a cushy life. That's such a self-centered toddler view of life. His purpose in blessing His chosen people is so that all peoples will come to Him and experience His salvation, explained here as His “derek” (way of living on the planet. See Strongs #01870.)

67:4-5 God desires that all nations experience His just rule and government when the Messiah comes (Isaiah 9:2-7; 40:10).

67:6-7 As a result of people seeing God bless His obedient ones, all the earth will want to be similarly blessed and will praise and fear God, doing things His way.

Application: Live so others can see that God is blessing you, and be drawn to Him by seeing the consequences of following the true God.

Prayer: God who loves to bless, please bless me so my life will draw others to fear and praise You. Amen.

Proverbs 17:16-20 Friends and Fools

Pr 17:16 “Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no heart for it? 17 A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor. 19 He who loves a quarell loves sin. One who builds a high gate invites destruction. 20 One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into evil.“

Observations: 17:16-20 There's no point for a fool to seek to acquire wisdom, since he/she has no heart (desire or will) to use it. It would just sit on the shelf waiting for the next white elephant party. First, one needs a commitment to do things God's way. Then, understanding is easier. A fair weather “friend” is a misnomer. The verb “born” in verse 17 is in the Imperfect tense indicating a process that is usually future. This could indicate that the friend becomes a brother in the face of adversity (cf. Pr 18:24). Five foolish acts finish the section:

a foolish person who lacks understanding puts himself in jeopardy for another (to find acceptance) without thinking of the consequences;
loving to argue (usually to boost one's worth and value) leads to loving sin;
building a high gate (advertising one's status and wealth) is asking for trouble;
a crooked heart doesn't stay on the path to prosperity;
a deceitful tongue falls into evil, taking its owner along with it.

All these actions can occur in the life of someone who doesn't set their heart on acquiring and following wisdom (the choice of the right objectives and the right way of attaining them).

Application: God guides us in the right ways if we learn and apply His wisdom.

Prayer: God, thanks for revealing what to do and what to avoid in life; may I be a faithful friend to others and avoid the follies of those who don't embrace Your words. Amen.

Nehemiah 3-7 These chapters describe the building of the wall and the numerous obstacles Nehemiah had to overcame in the process. God's work, done God's way, will never lack Satanic opposition. Nehemiah demonstrates both the character and skill set necessary to accomplish God's purposes. His motivation is spelled out in 5:19 (and reiterated in 13:14, 22, 29, 31).

Nehemiah 3 Division of Labor

3:1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up its doors; even to the tower of Hammeah 2 Next to him built the men of Jericho. 3 The sons of Hassenaah built the fish gate. They laid its beams, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 4 Next to them...5 Next to them, the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles didn’t put their necks to the work of their lord. 12 Next to him, Shallum...the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, he and his daughters, made repairs. 16 After him, Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth Zur, made repairs to the place opposite the tombs of David, and to the pool that was made, and to the house of the mighty men. 17 After him, the Levites...23 After them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs across from their house...32 Between the ascent of the corner and the sheep gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.

Observations: 3:1-32 A good leader magnifies and recognizes the achievements of others, providing both accountability and incentive. The work was divided and delegated by families and affinity groups, and where people had an interest in protecting their homes. Verse 15 is a different Nehemiah than the author.

Nehemiah 4 External Difficulties

4:1 When Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. 2 He spoke before his brothers and the army of Samaria, and said, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, since they are burned?" 3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, "What they are building, if a fox climbed up it, he would break down their stone wall." 4 "Hear, our God; for we are despised; and turn back their reproach on their own head, give them up for a spoil in a land of captivity; 5 don’t cover their iniquity, and don’t let their sin be blotted out from before you; for they have insulted the builders." 6 So we built the wall; and all the wall was joined together to half its height: for the people had a mind to work.

7 When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem went forward, and that the breaches began to be filled, then they were very angry; 8 and they conspired all of them together to come and fight against Jerusalem, and to cause confusion therein. 9 But we made our prayer to our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. 10 Judah said, "The strength of the bearers of burdens is fading, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall." 11 Our adversaries said, "They shall not know, neither see, until we come into their midst, and kill them, and cause the work to cease." 12 It happened that when the Jews who lived by them came, they said to us ten times from all places, "Wherever you turn, they will attack us." 13 Therefore I set in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in the open places, I set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 I looked, and rose up, and said to the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, "Don’t be afraid of them! Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses." 15 It happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and God had brought their counsel to nothing, that we returned all of us to the wall, everyone to his work.

16 It happened from that time forth, that half of my servants worked in the work, and half of them held the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. 17 They all built the wall and those who bore burdens loaded themselves; everyone with one of his hands worked in the work, and with the other held his weapon; 18 and the builders, everyone wore his sword at his side, and so built. He who sounded the trumpet was by me. 19 I said to the nobles, and to the rulers and to the rest of the people, "The work is great and large, and we are separated on the wall, one far from another. 20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally there to us. Our God will fight for us." 21 So we worked in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning until the stars appeared. 22 Likewise at the same time said I to the people, "Let everyone with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and may labor in the day." 23 So neither I, nor my brothers, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes. Everyone took his weapon to the water.

Observations: 4:1-6 Sanballat the governor of Samaria, and Tobiah an Ammonite who had political designs on Jerusalem vehemently oppose the work. The response to the ridicule is trust in God's judgment of the enemies, and focusing on the work.

4:7-15 When they couldn't dishearten the people, the enemies conspired to physically attack the rebuilders. The response was to pray to God, and set up defenses. Nehemiah provides leadership in deploying the defenses, taking the most dangerous place himself, and encouraging the people with a reminder of God's character and purposes.

4:16-23 Nehemiah sets up a defense plan, and again leads by example in guarding and working.

Application: When facing unjust and unfair opposition, entrust yourself to God and take proper precautions. He may energize your sword, or fight for you directly, or deflate your enemies.

Prayer: God, I praise You for being mighty and just, and using Your power on behalf of those devoted to You; please help me, energize me, and fight my battles for me. Thanks. Amen.

Nehemiah 5 Internal Difficulties

5:1 Then there arose a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brothers the Jews. 2 For some said, "We, our sons and our daughters, are many. Let us get grain, that we may eat and live." 3 Some said, "We are mortgaging our fields, and our vineyards, and our houses. Let us get grain, because of the famine." 4 There were also some who said, "We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute using our fields and our vineyards as collateral. 5 Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our fellow Jews and though our children are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless, because our fields and our vineyards belong to others.”

6 I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. 7 Then I pondered them, and confronted the nobles and the rulers, and said to them, "You're charging your own people usury." I held a great assembly against them. 8 I said to them, "We, after our ability, have redeemed our brothers the Jews that were sold to the nations; and would you even sell your brothers?" Then they held their peace, and had nothing to say. 9 Also I said, "The thing that you do is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies? 10 I likewise, my brothers and my servants, lend them money and grain. Please let us stop this usury. 11 Please restore to them, even this day, their fields, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the grain, the new wine, and the oil, that you are charging them." 12 Then they said, "We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do, even as you say." Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they would do according to this promise. 13 Also I shook out my lap, and said, "So may God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that doesn’t perform this promise; even thus be he shaken out, and emptied." All the assembly said, "Amen," and praised Yahweh. The people did according to this promise.

14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, I and my brothers have not eaten the bread of the governor. 15 But the former governors who were before me were supported by the people, and took bread and wine from them, besides forty shekels of silver; yes, their servants ruled over the people: but I didn’t do so, because of the fear of God. 16 Yes, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered there to the work. 17 Moreover there were at my table, of the Jews and the rulers, one hundred fifty men, besides those who came to us from among the nations that were around us. 18 Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this I didn’t demand the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy on this people. 19 Remember to me, my God, for good, all that I have done for this people.

Observations: 5:1-5 The self-centeredness of the Jews who had economic resources threatened the work, because they were exploiting those in need rather than helping them.

Dt 15:7 If a poor man, one of your brothers, is with you within any of your gates in your land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor brother

5:6-13 Because of their lack of fear of God, the “haves” were not only failing to love their brothers in meeting their needs caused by the oppression, but were adding to their sin by charging them interest, in violation of the law.

Dt 23:19 You shall not lend on interest to your brother; interest of money, interest of food, interest of anything that is lent on interest

5:14-19 In contrast, Nehemiah feared God, and refused what was rightfully his as governor, so he didn't put a burden on the people. He went beyond that in generously giving to others setting the example as a leader should. Nehemiah's motivation is clear from 5:19 (also 6:14; 13:14, 22, 29, 31), not only did he fear God, but was very conscious of God's judgment and reward.

Application: Self-centered greed doesn't glorify God; remember that God remembers all the good (and not so good) we do.

Prayer: God, not only do You judge Your enemies, You also judge Your people; may my motives and actions fare well at Your judgment seat. Amen

Nehemiah 6 Personal Plots to Discredit

6:1 Now it happened, when it was reported to Sanballat and Tobiah, and to Geshem the Arabian, and to the rest of our enemies, that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though even to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates;) 2 that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, "Come, let us meet together in the villages in the plain of Ono." But they intended to harm me. 3 I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work, so that I can’t come down. Why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to you?" 4 They sent to me four times after this sort; and I answered them the same way. 5 Then Sanballat sent his servant to me the same way the fifth time with an open letter in his hand, 6 in which was written, "It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel. Because of that, you are building the wall. You would be their king, according to these words. 7 You have also appointed prophets to preach of you at Jerusalem, saying, ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now it will be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together." 8 Then I sent to him, saying, "There are no such things done as you say, but you imagine them out of your own heart." 9 For they all would have made us afraid, saying, "Their hands will be weakened from the work, that it not be done. But now, strengthen my hands."

10 I went to the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabel, who was shut in at his home; and he said, "Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple; for they will come to kill you; yes, in the night will they come to kill you." 11 I said, "Should such a man as I flee? Who is there that, being such as I, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in." 12 I discerned, and behold, God had not sent him; but he pronounced this prophecy against me. Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 He hired so that I would be afraid, do so, and sin, and that they might have material for an evil report, that they might reproach me. 14 "Remember, my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear."

15 So the wall was finished in the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 It happened, when all our enemies heard of it, that all the nations that were about us were afraid, and were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was worked of our God. 17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. 18 For there were many in Judah sworn to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah; and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah as wife. 19 Also they spoke of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

Observations: 6:1-14 The bad guys first try to draw Nehemiah away, multiple times to harm him, they spread lies about him, then hire false prophets, then try to seduce him into staying in the temple unlawfully. In all these attacks, Nehemiah had discernment and feared God rather than man, asking God to remember and judge.

6:15- As a result of Nehemiah's leadership, the wall gets completed in 52 days, and God gets glorified in the eyes of those who opposed. Many in Judah had sworn allegiance to him because of his influence. Despite his evil opposition, 13:7,8 records that he actually has a guest chamber in the courts of the house of God.

Application: Trusting in God and staying the course of doing His will, results in opposition, but also in God being glorified.

Prayer: God, may I have discernment to walk in Your ways, and avoid the traps of the evil ones. Amen.

Nehemiah 7 Conserving the Fruits of Victory

7:1 When the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, 2 that I put my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the governor of the castle, in charge of Jerusalem; for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. 3 I said to them, "Don’t let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot; and while they stand guard, let them shut the doors, and you bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, everyone in his watch, with everyone near his house." 4 Now the city was wide and large; but the people were few therein, and the houses were not built.

66 The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty, 67 besides their male servants and their female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven: and they had two hundred forty-five singing men and singing women. 68 Their horses their mules, 69 their camels, their donkeys 70 Some from among the heads of fathers’ households gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury one thousand darics of gold, fifty basins, and five hundred thirty priests’ garments. 71 Some of the heads of fathers’ households gave into the treasury of the work twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand two hundred minas of silver. 72 That which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand minas of silver, and sixty-seven priests’ garments. 73 So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinim, and all Israel, lived in their cities. When the seventh month had come, the children of Israel were in their cities.

Observations: 7:1-4 Staffing is a key leadership function. Now that the wall was built, maintaining security becomes a concern. Nehemiah puts his brother and a guy who is both faithful and God fearing in charge of the gates, with instructions for restricted access and watches.

7:5-65 Then God put it into Nehemiah's heart to determine the genealogy of the assembly, particularly of the various people who could minister in Yahweh's service. Those whose genealogy couldn't be verified were not able to partake of the offerings until a priest with could determine their authenticity using the Urim and Thummim (kind of like casting lots).

7:66-73 Both leaders and people contributed to the financial support of the temple.

Application: It's good to have a heart accessible to God, so He can put His will into it.

Prayer: God, may my heart always be open to You, and may You use it for Your purposes. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God uses people, with both character and skills, who are motivated by His justice, to accomplish His purposes, protect His people, and bring Him glory. He allows difficulties, even as we are doing His will, so we will develop and deepen our dependence upon Him.

Us in a nutshell: Under good, other-centered, self-sacrificial leadership, God's people can work together to overcome great odds, and bring Him glory. Self-centered behavior, concerned only about our gain, at the expense of others is sin that threatens God's glory. When faced with evil, satanic opposition, our best course of action is to call out to God for help, and focus on doing His will. Developing wise discernment and a heart open to God, guides us safely around trouble. Maintaining fear of God and remembering His justice provide motivation to sacrifice personal gain for God's reward.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Nehemiah complete text

Nehemiah 3

3:1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up its doors; even to the tower of Hammeah they sanctified it, to the tower of Hananel. 2 Next to him built the men of Jericho. Next to them built Zaccur the son of Imri. 3 The sons of Hassenaah built the fish gate. They laid its beams, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 4 Next to them, Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz made repairs. Next to them, Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel made repairs. Next to them, Zadok the son of Baana made repairs. 5 Next to them, the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles didn’t put their necks to the work of their lord. 6 Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the old gate. They laid its beams, and set up its doors, and its bolts, and its bars. 7 Next to them, Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, repaired the residence of the governor beyond the River. 8 Next to him, Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, made repairs. Next to him, Hananiah one of the perfumers made repairs, and they fortified Jerusalem even to the broad wall. 9 Next to them, Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs. 10 Next to them, Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs across from his house. Next to him, Hattush the son of Hashabneiah made repairs. 11 Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hasshub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired another portion, and the tower of the furnaces. 12 Next to him, Shallum the son of Hallohesh, the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, he and his daughters, made repairs. 13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the valley gate. They built it, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and one thousand cubits of the wall to the dung gate. 14 Malchijah the son of Rechab, the ruler of the district of Beth Haccherem repaired the dung gate. He built it, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 15 Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of the district of Mizpah repaired the spring gate. He built it, and covered it, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and the wall of the pool of Shelah by the king’s garden, even to the stairs that go down from the city of David. 16 After him, Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth Zur, made repairs to the place opposite the tombs of David, and to the pool that was made, and to the house of the mighty men. 17 After him, the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani made repairs. Next to him, Hashabiah, the ruler of half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district. 18 After him, their brothers, Bavvai the son of Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah made repairs. 19 Next to him, Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, repaired another portion, across from the ascent to the armoury at the turning of the wall. 20 After him, Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired another portion, from the turning of the wall to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. 21 After him, Meremoth the son of Uriah the son of Hakkoz repaired another portion, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib. 22 After him, the priests, the men of the Plain made repairs. 23 After them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs across from their house. After them, Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah made repairs beside his own house. 24 After him, Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another portion, from the house of Azariah to the turning of the wall, and to the corner. 25 Palal the son of Uzai made repairs opposite the turning of the wall, and the tower that stands out from the upper house of the king, which is by the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh made repairs. 26 (Now the Nethinim lived in Ophel, to the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that stands out.) 27 After him the Tekoites repaired another portion, over against the great tower that stands out, and to the wall of Ophel. 28 Above the horse gate, the priests made repairs, everyone across from his own house. 29 After them, Zadok the son of Immer made repairs across from his own house. After him, Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the east gate made repairs. 30 After him, Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another portion. After him, Meshullam the son of Berechiah made repairs across from his room. 31 After him, Malchijah one of the goldsmiths to the house of the Nethinim, and of the merchants, made repairs over against the gate of Hammiphkad, and to the ascent of the corner. 32 Between the ascent of the corner and the sheep gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.

Nehemiah 4

4:1 But it happened that when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. 2 He spoke before his brothers and the army of Samaria, and said, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, since they are burned?" 3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, "What they are building, if a fox climbed up it, he would break down their stone wall." 4 "Hear, our God; for we are despised; and turn back their reproach on their own head, give them up for a spoil in a land of captivity; 5 don’t cover their iniquity, and don’t let their sin be blotted out from before you; for they have insulted the builders." 6 So we built the wall; and all the wall was joined together to half its height: for the people had a mind to work.

7 But it happened that when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem went forward, and that the breaches began to be filled, then they were very angry; 8 and they conspired all of them together to come and fight against Jerusalem, and to cause confusion therein. 9 But we made our prayer to our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. 10 Judah said, "The strength of the bearers of burdens is fading, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall." 11 Our adversaries said, "They shall not know, neither see, until we come into their midst, and kill them, and cause the work to cease." 12 It happened that when the Jews who lived by them came, they said to us ten times from all places, "Wherever you turn, they will attack us." 13 Therefore set I in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in the open places, I set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 I looked, and rose up, and said to the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, "Don’t be afraid of them! Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses." 15 It happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and God had brought their counsel to nothing, that we returned all of us to the wall, everyone to his work.

16 It happened from that time forth, that half of my servants worked in the work, and half of them held the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. 17 They all built the wall and those who bore burdens loaded themselves; everyone with one of his hands worked in the work, and with the other held his weapon; 18 and the builders, everyone wore his sword at his side, and so built. He who sounded the trumpet was by me. 19 I said to the nobles, and to the rulers and to the rest of the people, "The work is great and large, and we are separated on the wall, one far from another. 20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally there to us. Our God will fight for us." 21 So we worked in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning until the stars appeared. 22 Likewise at the same time said I to the people, "Let everyone with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and may labour in the day." 23 So neither I, nor my brothers, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes. Everyone took his weapon to the water.

Nehemiah 5

5:1 Then there arose a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brothers the Jews. 2 For there were that said, "We, our sons and our daughters, are many. Let us get grain, that we may eat and live." 3 Some also there were that said, "We are mortgaging our fields, and our vineyards, and our houses. Let us get grain, because of the famine." 4 There were also some who said, "We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute using our fields and our vineyards as collateral. 5 Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children as their children. Behold, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters have been brought into bondage. Neither is it in our power to help it; for other men have our fields and our vineyards."

6 I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. 7 Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said to them, "You exact usury, everyone of his brother." I held a great assembly against them. 8 I said to them, "We, after our ability, have redeemed our brothers the Jews that were sold to the nations; and would you even sell your brothers, and should they be sold to us?" Then they held their peace, and found never a word. 9 Also I said, "The thing that you do is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies? 10 I likewise, my brothers and my servants, lend them money and grain. Please let us stop this usury. 11 Please restore to them, even this day, their fields, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the grain, the new wine, and the oil, that you are charging them." 12 Then they said, "We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do, even as you say." Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they would do according to this promise. 13 Also I shook out my lap, and said, "So may God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that doesn’t perform this promise; even thus be he shaken out, and emptied." All the assembly said, "Amen," and praised Yahweh. The people did according to this promise.

14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brothers have not eaten the bread of the governor. 15 But the former governors who were before me were supported by the people, and took bread and wine from them, besides forty shekels of silver; yes, even their servants ruled over the people: but I didn’t do so, because of the fear of God. 16 Yes, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered there to the work. 17 Moreover there were at my table, of the Jews and the rulers, one hundred fifty men, besides those who came to us from among the nations that were around us. 18 Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this I didn’t demand the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy on this people. 19 Remember to me, my God, for good, all that I have done for this people.

Nehemiah 6

Nehemiah 7

7:1 Now it happened, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, 2 that I put my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the governor of the castle, in charge of Jerusalem; for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. 3 I said to them, "Don’t let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot; and while they stand guard, let them shut the doors, and you bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, everyone in his watch, with everyone near his house." 4 Now the city was wide and large; but the people were few therein, and the houses were not built.

5 My God put into my heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and I found written therein: 6 These are the children of the province, who went up out of the captivity of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and who returned to Jerusalem and to Judah, everyone to his city; 7 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: 8 The children of Parosh, two thousand one hundred seventy-two. 9 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy-two. 10 The children of Arah, six hundred fifty-two. 11 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred eighteen. 12 The children of Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four. 13 The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty-five. 14 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred sixty. 15 The children of Binnui, six hundred forty-eight. 16 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty-eight. 17 The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty-two. 18 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty-seven. 19 The children of Bigvai, two thousand sixty-seven. 20 The children of Adin, six hundred fifty-five. 21 The children of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety-eight. 22 The children of Hashum, three hundred Twenty-eight. 23 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty-four. 24 The children of Hariph, one hundred twelve. 25 The children of Gibeon, ninety-five. 26 The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, one hundred eighty-eight. 27 The men of Anathoth, one hundred twenty-eight. 28 The men of Beth Azmaveth, forty-two. 29 The men of Kiriath Jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three. 30 The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty-one. 31 The men of Michmas, one hundred and twenty-two. 32 The men of Bethel and Ai, a hundred twenty-three. 33 The men of the other Nebo, fifty-two. 34 The children of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four. 35 The children of Harim, three hundred twenty. 36 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty-five. 37 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty-one. 38 The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred thirty. 39 The priests: The children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy-three. 40 The children of Immer, one thousand fifty-two. 41 The children of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred forty-seven. 42 The children of Harim, one thousand seventeen. 43 The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, of the children of Hodevah, seventy-four. 44 The singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred forty-eight. 45 The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, one hundred thirty-eight. 46 The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth, 47 the children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon, 48 the children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Salmai, 49 the children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, 50 the children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, 51 the children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah. 52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephushesim, 53 the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 54 the children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, 55 the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Temah, 56 the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. 57 The children of Solomon’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida, 58 the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, 59 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Amon. 60 All the Nethinim, and the children of Solomon’s servants, were three hundred ninety-two. 61 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer; but they could not show their fathers’ houses, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel: 62 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty-two. 63 Of the priests: the children of Hobaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name. 64 These searched for their geneological records, but couldn’t find them. Therefore were they deemed polluted and put from the priesthood. 65 The governor said to them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, until there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim. 66 The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty, 67 besides their male servants and their female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven: and they had two hundred forty-five singing men and singing women. 68 Their horses were seven hundred thirty-six; their mules, two hundred forty-five; 69 their camels, four hundred thirty-five; their donkeys, six thousand seven hundred twenty. 70 Some from among the heads of fathers’ households gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury one thousand darics of gold, fifty basins, and five hundred thirty priests’ garments. 71 Some of the heads of fathers’ households gave into the treasury of the work twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand two hundred minas of silver. 72 That which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand minas of silver, and sixty-seven priests’ garments. 73 So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinim, and all Israel, lived in their cities. When the seventh month had come, the children of Israel were in their cities.

Job 1,2,13,19 The Righteous Suffer

Nehemiah 3-7 Remember the Wall

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