The Analysed Bible, Volumes 1, 2, 3, by Rev. G. Campbell Morgan: The Book of Nehemiah - Analysed and Explained in Detail (Full Text and PDF).

A detailed analysis of the book of Nehemiah: Consolidation.

To the best of our knowledge we are of the understanding that this book, being published in 1907, and freely available elsewhere on the internet is in the public domain.

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The Book of Nehemiah - Analysed and Explained in Summary - Volumes 1, 2, and 3 of "The Analysed Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.

To the best of our knowledge we are of the understanding that this book, taken from Volumes 1, 2, & 3 of the "Analysed Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan published in 1907, and freely available elsewhere on the internet is in the public domain.

NEHEMIAH - CONSOLIDATION

Part A: THE BUILDING OF THE WALL - Nehemiah 1:1-7:73a

A1. Initiation - Neh. 1:1-2:20

  1. Nehemiah's Grief concerning Jerusalem - 1:1-1:11
  2. Nehemiah's Coming to Jerusalem - 2:1-2:20

A2. Process - Neh. 3:1-5:19

  1. The Building of the Wall - 3:1-3:32
  2. Opposition and Persistence - 4:1-4:23
  3. Internal Difficulties - 5:1-5:19

A3. Completion - Neh. 6:1-7:73a

  1. Opposition and Victory - 6:1-6:19
  2. The People - 7:1-7:73a

Part B: THE READING OF THE LAW - Nehemiah 7:73b-10:39

B1. The Reading of the Law and Feast of Tabernacles - Neh. 7:73b-8:18

  1. The Reading of the Law - 7:73b-8:12
  2. The Feast of Tabernacles - 8:13-8:18

B2. The Great Prayer of the Levites - Neh. 9:1-9:38

  1. The Day of Humiliation - 9:1-9:4
  2. The Offering of Praise - 9:5-9:29
  3. Prayer - 9:30-9:38

B3. The Re-establishment of a Covenant - Neh. 10:1-10:39

  1. The Sealing - 10:1-10:28
  2. The Covenant - 10:29-10:39

Part C: THE SETTLEMENT OF THE CITIES - Nehemiah 11:1-13:31

C1. The People in Jerusalem - Neh. 11:1-12:26

  1. The princes and 10% compulsorily and some voluntarily - 11:1-11:2
  2. Lists - 11:3-12:26

C2. The Dedication of the Wall - Neh. 12:27-13:3

  1. Dating Difficult
  2. Ceremony
    1. Two Processions of Singers - 12:27-12:47
    2. The Reading of the Law - 13:1-13:2
    3. Separation - 13:3

C3. Nehemiah's final Reformation - Neh. 13:4-13:31

  1. Twelve Years Later
  2. Correction and four Abuses
  3. His Method - (13:25)

Introduction

This is the last book of Old Testament history. An interval of about twelve years occurred between the reformation under Ezra and the coming of Nehemiah. The story is that of the continuation of the work commenced by Zerubbabel in the matter of the rebuilding of the wall. The book is intensely interesting, among other reasons because in large measure it is autobiographical. Nehemiah tells his own story, and with a freshness and vigour and transparent honesty which make it for evermore one full of interest. Beyond the account of the building of the wall we have that of a further reformation in which Nehemiah and Ezra were united as leaders, and finally an account of the settlement of the cities.

The book may therefore be divided broadly thus: The Building of the Wall (1-7:73a); The Reading of the Law (7:73b-10); The Settlement of the Cities (11-13).

A. The Building of the Wall - Nehemiah 1:1-7:73a

Nehemiah's position as cupbearer at the court of the Gentile king was one of honour, and admitted biin into relationship of some nearness and familiarity. In the midst of these circumstances he had not forgotten his relationship to the chosen people, but on the contrary was interested in them, and made inquiry of those who came to the court concerning Jerusalem. The news they brought was full of sadness, and grief possessed his heart. He carried his burden to God in prayer, asking that He would give him favour in the eyes of the king he served. There was thus evidently in his heart a resolution to do more than pity, if the door of opportunity offered.

The sadness in his heart could not wholly be hidden, and when the king detected it Nehemiah was filled with fear. Through the fear a splendid courage manifested itself, and he asked that he might be allowed to go and help his brethren. The request was granted, and he departed for Jerusalem. Having arrived, he carefully ascertained the true state of affairs, and then called the elders to arise and build. Opposition was at once manifested on the part of surrounding enemies, and with strong determination Nehemiah made it perfectly clear that no co-operation would be permitted with those who were derisive of the effort.

The account of the method of arrangement for the building of the wall shows how system characterized Nehemiah's procedure. The description given takes in the whole city's circumference. The arrangements made indicated the necessity for speedy work, and were characterized by a sense of the importance of division of labour, and a fitting apportionment thereof in the matter of persons and neighbourhoods.

As the work proceeded the opposition of outsiders turned from derision to anger, but rose no higher at the moment than that of contempt. An illuminative sentence, "the people had a mind to work," shows how completely Nehemiah had captured and inspired them, and we are not surprised when we read that the wall was half finished. At this point opposition became more severe, and a positive attempt was made by conspiracy to hinder the progress of the work. In Nehemiah's method there was neither foolish independence of God nor foolhardy neglect of human responsibility. "We made our prayer and set a watch."

A new difficulty arose among the people themselves. The rich had exacted usury from their poorer brethren to such an extent as to oppress and impoverish them. Nehemiah again acted with promptitude. There is a fine touch in his declaration, "I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles." Setting an example of self-denial, in that he took no usury, nor even the things which were his right as the appointed governor of the people, he produced immediate results in that all the nobles did the same. Thus the people were relieved, and went forward with their work with new enthusiasm.

Opposition now moved on to a new plane. Having begun in contempt, and proceeded through conspiracy, it now adopted a method of cunning. Affecting friendship, the enemies of Nehemiah four times proposed conference with him, which he resolutely declined. This was followed by an open letter containing a slander. With singular directness he denied the slander, and carried on his building. Finding that he was not to be seduced, they attempted to fill him with fear. This attempt he scorned, and hastened the workers. Through the whole period he was harassed by the complicity of certain nobles with Tobiah.

At last the wall was finished by the setting up of the doors, and the placing in order of porters, singers, and Levites. Arrangements were made for the safety of the city in the presence of surrounding enemies by careful provision as to the hour for opening and closing the city gates, and by an arrangement of watchers.

B. The Reading of the Law - Nehemiah 7:73b-10:39

In this section of the book, Ezra appears upon the scene. A most remarkable religious convention was held. The first day witnessed the assembling of the people, and was given to the reading of the law. This was not merely the reading aloud of passages therefrom, but was reading accompanied by exposition undertaken by men specially appointed to act in conjunction with Ezra. It was a day of conviction, resulting in great sadness in the heart of the people. On the second day a smaller gathering of the rulers was held, who came in order more perfectly to understand the law of God. An immediate application was made by the observance of the feast of tabernacles.

Following the feast, after a brief interval, came the great day of humiliation. The people separated themselves entirely from all that were not actually within the covenant, and gave themselves to confession and humbling before God. In all this they were led by the Levites, and the great prayer they offered is given in full. Its first section was an ascription of praise; its second set forth Jehovah's grace in contrast with the repeated failure of the people; and the last movement was that of definite seeking for His continued goodness and help.

Following upon the humiliation of the people they entered into new covenant relationships with God. This covenant was sealed representatively by priests, Levites, and rulers. To its terms all the people agreed. They were set forth in general phrases and in particular application. Generally the people promised "to walk in God's law ... to observe and do all the commandments." Particularly the covenant referred to matters in which the people had been in danger of failure, those namely of intermarriage with the heathen, of neglect of the Sabbath, of Temple maintenance and arrangement, and of the offering of first-fruits and tithes.

C. The Settlement of the Cities - Nehemiah 11:1-13:31

In this third and final division of the book the arrangements made for the settlement of the cities are given. In the first section we have the account particularly of the settlement of Jerusalem. Perhaps not more than fifty thousand had returned from captivity. By no means all of these had come to Jerusalem. Many of them were scattered through the surrounding cities. Jerusalem was peculiarly difficult of settlement, in that it was the centre of danger and of possible attack. It was therefore arranged that the princes should dwell in the city, and ten per cent, of the people, selected by lot, must take up their abode there. In addition to these there were certain who voluntarily came forward to dwell in the place of danger.

It would seem as though the dedication of the wall had been postponed for some considerable time. The actual time is of no moment. The ceremony of dedication proceeded in three stages - first, two processions of singers who chanted the praises of God; secondly, the reading of the law; and finally, the separation of the mixed multitude from the people of God.

After the building of the wall Nehemiah had evidently gone back to the court of the king. Twelve years later he returned, and the last deeds recorded were such as reveal the continued strength and loyalty of the man. There were four abuses which confronted him. Eliashib the priest had given place within the very Temple of God to Tobiah. Nehemiah flung out occupant and furniture, and restored the chamber to its proper use. In the second place he found that the Levites, instead of being able to devote their whole time to the service of the Temple, had to earn their living, because the people neglected the bringing in of the tithe. He corrected this abuse. In the third place he found that the Sabbath was violated, and he restored the Divine order. Finally, the people had again made mixed marriages, and with characteristic roughness and force he dealt with the matter.