Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 7:2
That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he [was] a faithful man, and feared God above many.
2. my brother Hanani ] cf. Neh 1:2.
Hananiah the ruler of the palace ] R.V. Hananiah the governor of the castle. On the castle or ‘Bira’ see Neh 2:8. The ‘governor of the castle’ would be an official of great importance, being probably in command of troops for the purpose of keeping order in the city. ‘He’ refers to Hananiah. Possibly Nehemiah’s appointment of two officers to the command of the city corresponds with the mention of the two men in Neh 3:9; Neh 3:12, who were ‘rulers of half the district of Jerusalem.’
a faithful man, and feared God ] cf. Exo 18:21, ‘able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating unjust gain.’ The Hebrew is noticeable; not absolutely ‘a man of truth,’ but ‘such as only a man of truth is.’
above many ] i.e. more than most. LXX. . Vulg. ‘plus cteris.’ The phrase which only occurs here in the O.T. has a very lifelike ring.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
My brother Hanani – See Neh 1:2.
The ruler of the palace – Or, the governor of the fortress. See the marginal reference note.
He – i. e. Hananiah.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Neh 7:2-3
For he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.
Faithfulness
I. Consider the meaning of faithfulness. It is the reverent and constant acceptance of those duties springing out of the relations in which I inevitably stand. Man is a being set in relations. When the ivy climbs up ruins and binds lovingly the fallen stones together, and wraps them in its green, it clambers and winds about and helps and beautifies because of the feelers it thrusts out, laying hold, by them, of the crumbling stones. It is the nature of the ivy to force these feelers out. So forth from every man there are shooting feelers of relations. They are part of his life-endowment.
1. Man is bound into relation with God. God is Creator–Father–Providence and Sustainer–King and Judge.
2. Men and women are bound to each other in the relation of father and mother, and child and relative, and fellow-citizen, and so on endlessly. Springing out of these relations there are forced upon us certain duties. Faithfulness is accepting and steadily discharging them.
II. Faithfulness is a chance opening right at the feet of every man for a noble life.
III. Faithfulness is an open door for a right ambition–to develop a noble character. Thus we may lift humdrum from our daily life. There is nothing so invigorating as the consciousness of recognising and accepting duty. The peace of a quiet conscience is in it.
1. Thus I am sure of setting a right example.
2. Thus I shall certainly make my life tell in all directions.
IV. A reward of faithfulness. Nehemiah gave Hananiah charge over Jerusalem because he was a faithful man.
V. The real source and incitement of faithfulness. He feared God. Think of Milton as holding himself as ever in his great Taskmasters eye. Policy, expediency, self-interest may seem to hold a man to duty in fair weather. The only lasting motive for faithfulness for all times is God. (Wayland Hoyt, D. D.)
Piety and faithfulness
We are here taught:–
I. That the fear of God–real, Scriptural piety–is the solid foundation of all faithfulness between man and man.
II. That the indispensable expression and proof of the fear of God is to be found in a mans fidelity as to the affairs and transactions which take place between him and his fellows.
III. That persons of eminent piety and great fidelity will be honoured both by God and man. (J. Taylor.)
Eminent piety
I. That faithfulness in religion is essentially connected with eminence of attainment in the Christian character.
II. Characteristics of eminent piety.
1. It consists in the habitual maintenance of a close walk with God.
2. It comprises a high and enlightened estimate of the character and work of Christ.
3. It is connected with an exquisite spiritual and moral sensibility.
4. It is always most powerfully swayed by spiritual motives and considerations.
5. These characteristics show the baselessness of the claims and pretensions to the possession of exalted religious attainments that are sometimes advanced.
III. Motives which may lead Christians to aspire after eminence of personal piety.
1. The honour of religion.
2. It is a great preservative against apostasy.
3. Regard to personal enjoyment.
4. Its relation to usefulness.
5. Its bearing upon our future blessedness.
6. The enduring nature of the distinction it confers.
7. The adequate provision that has been made to aid in its attainment. (W. Hurd.)
Eminent piety
I. The nature of eminent piety.
1. It involves a habit of serious reflection.
2. It is consistent and comprehensive. The man who exemplifies it believes the doctrines of revelation, is awed by its threatenings, animated by its promises, and controlled by its laws. He is at once sober, righteous, and godly.
3. It endures severe tests. It resembles a robust constitution, which can pass through all varieties of climate, while a sickly constitution demands careful restriction to one.
4. It is active and laborious.
5. It is piety that grows.
II. Considerations that enforce eminent piety.
1. The effects it produces on those who exemplify it.
(1) They manifest that they are born of God.
(2) They are fitted for every spiritual conflict.
(3) They are provided with all needful consolations.
(4) They are qualified for an advantageous approach to Divine ordinances.
(5) Their anticipations are bright and triumphant.
2. The effects it produces on those who witness it.
Conclusion:
1. Eminent piety is very rare
2. The means of acquiring and promoting eminent piety are invaluable. Intercourse with good men–attendance in a Christian sanctuary–reading, meditation, and prayer.
3. Real piety is indispensable. (Joseph Hughes.)
A faithful man
I. The distinguishing feature of Hananiahs character. He was a faithful man. If we suppose With some that Hananiah is the same as Shadrach mentioned in the Book of Daniel, we see how brightly this trait of his character shone forth in him in Babylon. A faithful man is perhaps the most distinguished commendation that can be passed upon any mortal. It refers to that attitude under which God Himself has been pleased to allow His people to regard Him. God is faithful; the Lord is faithful; and it is in the faithfulness of God that His people hope and confide. A faithful man–
1. Is one that can be depended on, who performs all his promises, executes all trusts confided to him, one who is punctual and unwavering in all his engagements, and whose uprightness and integrity are transparent to all.
2. He is one who has been made the recipient of a gracious and Divine principle that is–
(1) Saving in its nature;
(2) justifying in its character;
(3) purifying in its results.
3. He is a godlike man (2Pe 1:4).
II. The conduct which Hananiah showed–he feared God. The fear of God is–
1. A reverential awe of the majesty of God.
2. An implanted principle (Jer 32:40).
3. A governing principle–Obadiah (1Ki 18:12-13); Nehemiah (Neh 5:15).
III. The distinguished position assigned to Hananiah. (Francis Wills.)
An example of excellent piety
I. He was a faithful man. To serve God acceptably we must be faithful.
1. By believing what God has revealed, on His testimony (2Ch 20:20). To the exercise of this faith we are urged by the best example, as that of Abraham (Gal 3:9; Rom 4:20), and that of Barnabas (Act 11:24). Under the influence of this faith, we shall be led to seek God in the way He prescribes.
2. By conscientiously performing those duties which arise from our relations to God; as His servants, stewards, and soldiers. As His covenant-servants, we must devote ourselves to His service (Jer 1:5; 1Co 4:19-20). As His stewards, we must employ His gifts for His glory (1Pe 4:10-11). This faithfulness is required in stewards (1Co 4:2). As His soldiers, we must be valiant for His revealed truth (Jer 9:8). We must be faithful–
3. By steadfast adherence to the required worship and service of God. Like the Church at Pergamos, we must not deny Christ through fear of suffering for righteousness sake (Rev 2:13; Rev 17:14).
4. By seriously realising the invisible things of God (Heb 11:1). We should realise Gods presence with us, as our Master, Helper, and Observer (Psa 16:8; Psa 46:1; Heb 11:27). We should realise the general judgment, when we must all appear before Christ (2Co 10:7; 2Co 10:9-10).
II. And he feared God above many.
1. By the fear of God, in this place, is meant the whole of personal religion, including the principles and practice, the dispositions and the conduct of its subject or possessor (Psa 34:11; Psa 111:10; Pro 19:28; Ecc 8:12).
2. He feared God above many. This implies that there are different degrees of piety among those who truly fear God. This is intimated by our Lord, in His parable of the Sower (Mat 13:8). It is admitted by St. Paul, in his doctrine of future rewards (2Co 9:6). This difference in pious attainments is also evident from the present state of the religious world. Of some eminent Christians, who are now the salt of the earth and the lights of the world, it may be said with great truth that they fear God above many. They acknowledge God more than many in their secular concerns (Pro 3:6; Php 4:6); they are more careful than many to allow themselves m those recreations only which are consistent with, and favourable to, their advancement in holiness (1Co 10:31); they converse more spiritually and profitably than many (Eph 4:29); and they are more zealous than many, in employing all their talents for Gods glory and the benefit of mankind (Act 13:36). With respect to reputation; some have a good report from them that are without the Church, while the good that is in others is evil spoken of, through their indiscretions. With respect to usefulness; some are general blessings to their respective connections, while others are not visibly instrumental in bringing scarcely any souls with them to Christ and heaven.
3. The honourable mention of Hananiahs distinguished piety should excite us to imitate him, by endeavouring to excel in piety also. To excel in piety is–
(1) Our privilege. This is incontestable from the prayers which the Holy Spirit has dictated for our adoption (Eph 3:14-21; 1Th 5:28; 1Th 5:24; Heb 13:20-21).
(2) Our interest. For this will be conducive to–
(a) Our greater happiness (Isa 48:18);
(b) our greater safety (2Pe 1:10);
(c) our greater glory in heaven (2Pe 1:11; 1Co 15:51).
(3) Our duty.
(a) God calls us to this (1Pe 1:15-16);
(b) God will hereby be glorified (Joh 15:8);
(c) herewith He will be pleased (Psa 35:27). (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.)
Placed in trust
It was a State appointment made on moral and religious grounds. Hananiah was put in charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. Without discussing in detail the merits of the principle, let us inquire, What would be its effects as a passport to office ?
1. In the first place, it would shut out atheists from the Legislature of the country.
2. It would exclude from power all immoral or ungodly persons.
3. Such recognition would show that the profession of religion is not incompatible with, nor a disqualification for, the duties of public life.
4. The appointment was on Scriptural lines. It was strikingly in accord with the advice of Jethro to Moses: Moreover, thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth hating covetousness, and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. (T. Robson.)
Eminent of character
It is not the first thousand feet, but the last, that gives a mountain its name and fame. There is not a vast difference, for example, between Monte Rosa and Mont Blanc, but the latter is celebrated owing to those few extra feet. It is not so much ability, or learning, or diligence which differentiates Christian men as nearness to heaven and God. Those few extra hours spent in prayer, the additional steps of approach to Christ–these raise above the level of average piety and impart sanctity to the character. (Sunday Companion.)
Religious sentiment the most refining
It is the property of the religious sentiment to be the most refining of all influences. No external advantages, no good birth or breeding, no culture of the taste, no habit of command, no association with the elegant–even no depth of affection that does not rise to a religious sentiment–can bestow that delicacy and grandeur of bearing which belong only to a mind accustomed to celestial conversation. (R. W. Emerson.)
Men loyal to God
Martin Luther used to say, God needs strong men as much as strong men need God, and it was true. Let men seek to escape from the responsibilities of labour and law, and the freedom won by patriots and martyrs would soon fall, superstition would soon reassert its sway, and passions would leap forth again which would throw civilisation back into barbarism. If the Apostles had trusted the men of their age there would have been no true Christianity. If John Knox and others had trusted to such there would have been no Reformation. Let them bestir themselves in every noble way. They could each, at least, give to God one life that was true and faithful, one loyal to the core to truth and duty. It was not enough to contribute their criticism, they must contribute themselves–be willing to perish that others might live. That was what was meant by Christianity. (John Hunter.)
Coherence in character
What is the cause which makes one life so full to us while another has no meaning? What is it that constitutes the articulateness or the inarticulateness, the significance or the insignificance, of human lives? One very simple thing–coherence, that is all. The reason why these letters spell something is because they cohere together according to a certain law, and express something. The reason why these notes are sweet and inspiring to your ear is because they blend together according to the codes of harmony. And so are human lives bound together by something which brings coherence and signifiestion, harmony and force. Look at the lives which strike us; look at the imperious and imperial personalities amongst us. What made Bismarck such as he was? Coherence–one purpose! The difference between a life which is insignificant lies precisely in the word coherence. Why was Newton great? Why, because Newton, like all great men, said, This one thing I do, and he forgot his food in the earnest contemplation and pursuit of science. It is coherence which makes greatness in life. (Bp. Boyd Carpenter.)
Every one in his watch:–
Every one in his watch
This book may almost be called the Book of the Busy Man, telling as it does of the multifarious duties and responsibilities of one who acted as governor of the Jewish people in a very difficult and anxious time, and who had the rare and excellent faculty of leading every one else to work also. The picture which this book presents is almost that of a beehive, the murmur of whose work rises from every page. It is in entire sympathy with the general strain and tenor of the book that our text speaks when it shows us every one in his watch. Consider–
I. The individual dealing of God with us–every one in his watch. We often resist the thought of having to do individually with God; it becomes too solemn, too oppressive, too terrible for a soul that is not reconciled to Him. This is partly at the root of the preference which many have for the Church life rather than the individual life, for the idea of the multitude in which we may hide rather than that of solitude in which we must be seen. There is much in which we can have no companionship. We are born alone ; every great disease or pain finds us in the deep places of a loneliness which none can share with us ; and it is in utter solitude that each of us dies. In all such cases it is individual dealing between the Lord and us. We never come right, we never come to the Pardoner of sin, or the trust of daily life, or real work for Christ, till we have had the individual dealing with God which brings us into the position of those whom God has accepted for Christ’s sake, and for whom henceforth He will provide.
II. The text is also universal in its reach. Every man means all men, which gives us the thought that there is a post for every man which God has appointed for him.
III. The work of the Christian may be regarded as military service. In this aspect of life three things are required.
1. Strict discipline.
2. Instant obedience.
3. Perfect obedience.
IV. The part of military service which falls to us all is sentinel duty.
V. The object of the watch which is laid upon every Christian.
1. It is a watch against attack.
2. It is a watch for reinforcement and succour. (T. Elder Cumming.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 2. My brother Hanani] This was the person who gave Nehemiah the account of the desolate state of the Jews, Ne 1:2. He is now made ruler of Jerusalem, probably because Nehemiah was about to return to the Persian court. And he found this man to be one in whom he could trust:
1. Because he was a faithful man – one who had a proper belief in God, his government, and his protection; and being devoted to the interests of his people, would be faithful in the discharge of his office.
2. Because he feared God above many – was the most religious person in the congregation; would govern according to the laws; would take care of the interests of pure religion; would not oppress, take bribes, nor abuse his authority; but act in all things as one who had the fear of God continually before his eyes. These are the proper qualifications of a governor.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Hanani; of whom see Neh 1:2.
The ruler of the palace, i.e. of Nehemiahs court; justly so called, because he lived in great splendour, and like a viceroy, though it was wholly at his own charge.
Charge over Jerusalem, to preserve its peace and safety, and to take particular care of the shutting the gates of the city.
He was a faithful man, to wit, Hananiah last mentioned; for it was needless to say any thing in commendation of Hanani, who had shown his piety and zeal for God and his country, in taking a tedious journey from Jerusalem to Shushan, to inform Nehemiah of the sad estate of Jerusalem, and to implore his helping hand to relieve it, Ne 1.
A faithful man; he chose not magistrates and officers out of any partial or carnal respects to his own kindred, or acquaintance, or favourites, but from true piety and prudence, such as were fittest for and would be most faithful in their employments.
And feared God: this is added as the ground and reason, both why he was faithful, and why Nehemiah put such trust and confidence in him, because he knew that the fear of God would keep him from yielding to those temptations to perfidiousness which he was likely to meet with when Nehemiah was gone, and against which a man destitute of Gods fear hath no sufficient fence.
Above many; more than most men did; or, above the common pitch of piety.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
2. I gave my brother Hanani . . .charge over JerusalemIf, as is commonly supposed, Nehemiah wasnow contemplating a return to Shushan according to his promise, itwas natural that he should wish to entrust the custody of Jerusalemand the management of its civic affairs to men on whose ability,experience, and fidelity, he could confide. Hanani, a near relative(Ne 1:2), was one, and with himwas associated, as colleague, Hananiah, “the ruler of thepalace”that is, the marshal or chamberlain of the viceregalcourt, which Nehemiah had maintained in Jerusalem. The high religiousprinciple, as well as the patriotic spirit of those two men,recommended them as pre-eminently qualified for being invested withan official trust of such peculiar importance.
and feared God above manyThepiety of Hananiah is especially mentioned as the ground of hiseminent fidelity in the discharge of all his duties and,consequently, the reason of the confidence which Nehemiah reposed inhim; for he was fully persuaded that Hananiah’s fear of God wouldpreserve him from those temptations to treachery and unfaithfulnesswhich he was likely to encounter on the governor’s departure fromJerusalem.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
That I gave my brother Hanani,…. Who first brought him the melancholy account of the state of Jerusalem, Ne 1:2,
and Hananiah the ruler of the palace; the king’s palace, in which the viceroy of the king of Persia dwelt, and now Nehemiah; to these two men he gave
charge over Jerusalem; committed it to their care during his absence, who may be supposed now to return to Persia, as he had promised, Ne 2:6,
for he was a faithful man; this is said of Hananiah, and given as a reason why such a trust was committed to him; Hanani’s character was well known, and his journey from Jerusalem to Shushan was a full proof of his hearty concern for the interest of it:
and feared God above many; Hananiah was exemplary in his fear of God, few were equal to him, and none exceeded him; or of many days, as Jarchi; of a long time he had feared the Lord, and served him many years.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
2. My brother Hanani Who had brought word to Nehemiah in Persia of the distressed state of Jerusalem. Neh 1:2-3. His faithful services and love for Judah and Jerusalem made him a proper man for the office now intrusted to him.
Ruler of the palace The chamberlain, or chief overseer of the fortress or palace connected with the temple, which is mentioned in chapter Neh 2:8, where see note.
Charge over Jerusalem Oversight of all parts of the city, but especially of the porters who guarded the gates.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Neh 7:2. I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah, &c. Nehemiah was now, most likely, returning to Shushan, to give the king an account of the state of affairs in Judea; and, therefore, he took care to place such men in the city as he knew would faithfully secure it in his absence. Hanani is said to be his brother; but he chose his officers, not out of partial views to his own kindred, but because he knew that they would acquit themselves in their employment with a strict fidelity. Hanani had given proof of his zeal for God and his country, in taking a tedious journey from Jerusalem to Shushan, to inform Nehemiah of the sad estate of Jerusalem. See ch. Neh 1:2. And the reason why Nehemiah put such trust and confidence in Hananiah was, because he was a man of conscience, and acted upon religious principles, which would keep him from those temptations to perfidy which he might probably meet with in his absence, and against which a man destitute of the fear of God could have no sufficient defence. See Calmet. Respecting the register in the following part of this chapter, we refer to Ezra 2., Houbigant, Kennicott, and other writers who have considered the subject. The authors of the Universal History observe, that, though the genealogies had been once rectified soon after the return, there were still many families of priests, Levites, and people, who could not make out their claim to their tribes. It is likely, therefore, that some of them were afterwards enabled to do it, and were then inserted in this new register, together with those who came up with Nehemiah. Several of the old families which came up on the first edict might be by this time extinct; and these are the probable causes of the difference that we find in the genealogies of the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Note; (1.) They who are eminent for the fear of God above many, are the fittest to be trusted with any public charge, because they will make a conscience of fulfilling it. (2.) They who would be always safe, must always be upon their guard. (3.) Every man’s family is his great concern: he has need well to watch over them night and day, if he would preserve them from the destroyer.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Neh 7:2 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he [was] a faithful man, and feared God above many.
Ver. 2. That I gave my brother Hanani ] Of whom see Neh 1:2 Ezr 10:20 .
And Hananiah the ruler of the palace
Charge over Jerusalem
For he was a faithful man
And feared God
Above many
A , ,
to be the best at every good thing, to excel and exceed others, – to be eminent and exemplary, taller than the rest by the head and shoulders, full of all goodness, filled with all knowledge, Rom 15:14 , able and active in every good word and work. That is a low and unworthy strain in some, to labour after no more grace than will keep life and soul together, that is, soul and hell asunder. God would have his people to be discontentedly contented with the measures they have received, and to be still adding, 2Pe 1:5 , and advancing, Phi 3:14 , aspiring to perfection, till they “come unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ,” Eph 4:13 .
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Hanani. He must have returned to Jerusalem with Nehemiah. Compare Neh 1:2.
and = even. Compare Neh 1:2.
palace = stronghold. Compare Neh 2:8. North of Temple area.
was a faithful man = was as [it were]truth’s own man, man.
feared = revered.
God. Hebrew. ‘eth-ha’elohim = the [true, or triune] God.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Neh 7:2
Neh 7:2
“I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the governor of the castle, charge over Jerusalem, for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.”
Hanani here is the same person who brought Nehemiah the sad news about the state of Jerusalem while Nehemiah was still cupbearer to king Artaxerxes, Scholars are in disagreement on whether there is one man mentioned in this verse or two. As the translators have it, there are clearly two persons, Nehemiah’s brother, and another person who was in charge of the castle. The RSV and most of the scholars we have consulted consider that two men are named. However, Bowman, in The Interpreter’s Bible, wrote that, “Hanani and Hananiah are identical names, the former an abbreviation of the latter; and, obviously, the and joining the two names is explicative.” Nehemiah’s use of the singular pronoun he in the final clause of the verse supports Bowman’s view.
Despite this, we are unwilling to set aside the plain statements in the ASV and the RSV denoting two persons, not merely one. “He put his brother Hanani, and Hananiah the governor of the castle (on the north side of the temple, in charge of the city).” “The high religious principle, as well as the patriotic spirit of these two men recommended them as being preeminently qualified for being invested with an official trust of such vast importance.” Supporting the apparent conviction of the translators of ASV and RSV, is the fact that Jerusalem was officially divided into two districts (Neh 3:12), and that the custom of dual directorships of cities and districts was common (See also Neh 3:18).
“It is believed that Nehemiah was preparing to return to Persia, and wanted to leave a dependable person in charge.”
E.M. Zerr:
Neh 7:2. Two men are named yet a singular pronoun is used. The idea is that Hanani was the principal one considered, and Hananiah was associated with him as a helper. The second man had been in charge of the palace. The reason given for the appointment of Nehemiah’s brother is significant; it was because he feared God. What a wonderful motive for selecting a man to have an important work. No personal preference or feeling of relationship entered into the consideration. If a man fears God more than others fear Him, that shows a qualification that outweighs all others.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
feared
(See Scofield “Psa 19:9”).
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
my brother: Neh 1:2
Hananiah: Neh 10:23
the ruler: Neh 2:8
a faithful man: Num 12:7, Psa 101:6, Dan 6:4, Mat 24:45, Mat 25:21, Luk 16:10-12, 1Co 4:2, 2Ti 2:2
feared God: Neh 5:15, Gen 42:18, Exo 18:21, 2Sa 23:3, 1Ki 18:3, 1Ki 18:12, Job 1:1, Isa 33:5, Isa 33:6
Reciprocal: 1Sa 8:1 – made his 2Ki 4:1 – thy servant did fear 2Ki 12:15 – for they dealt 2Ki 22:7 – they dealt faithfully 2Ch 34:12 – faithfully Ezr 2:6 – Pahathmoab Ezr 2:12 – Azgad Ezr 2:14 – Bigvai Neh 4:23 – So neither I Neh 13:13 – counted Pro 28:20 – faithful Jer 30:21 – nobles Dan 6:3 – an
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
A FAITHFUL MAN
He was a faithful man.
Neh 7:2
At last the wall was completed by the setting up of the doors, and the placing in order of porters, singers, and Levites. In the first few verses of this chapter we have an account of the arrangements made for the safety of the city.
I. They are characterised by statesmanlike caution.Through all the country round about there were enemies, and the position of the partially restored city, therefore, was one of perpetual peril. Nehemiah was conscious of this, and made the most careful provision as to the hour for the opening and closing of the city gates, and as to the arrangement of the watchers. No greater mistake can ever be made in connection with work for God in difficult places than that of lacking caution. Carelessness is never a sign of courage. True bravery perpetually prepares for the possibility of attack. The man who has built, sword in hand, to completion, does not imagine with the swinging of doors that the time for relaxing watchfulness has come.
II. How great a tribute it is to a mans character to be reckoned faithfulone who can be trusted, on whom responsibility can be imposed! There is a great difference between faith and faithfulness: in the first, we have confidence in God keeping His covenant with us; in the second, God has confidence in our keeping tryst with Him. In the one case, we reckon upon God; in the second, God reckons upon us. Can God trust you with work among young and old, with money, with pain and suffering, with sentry-duty, or the quiet, obscure work of the trench? Perhaps your isolation from active and useful service arises from your not being faithful in a very little. You cannot, therefore, be put into positions where great faithfulness is required. What an epitaph to be written by the Spirit of God on this mans tomb, A faithful man, and one that feared God above many!
Illustrations
(1) Conscience plays a very important part in the affairs of men. We must shun an argument with our conscience as we would shun an argument with our judge. Bear in mind the old story of Dr. Adam Clarke, the famous commentator. When a lad he was apprenticed to a draper. One morning when busy measuring some cloth his principal passed by, and observing Clarke, said, Stretch the cloth, my boy! stretch the cloth! No, sir! replied the noble youth. I have a conscience that wont stretch. In a word, Byrons question on conscience is as forceful a one as I know, What exile from himself can flee?
(2) Nehemiah had built the wall, and wanted some one to take charge of divers civic matters. He appointed a man to that office, and this was the reason of Hananis appointment: He was a faithful man, and feared God above many. Many persons can take charge of a wall after it is built who never could have built it.