Nehemiah 3:7 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

Navigator

Nehemiah 3:7

Comments

Everyone became a builder out of necessity. Goldsmiths became bricklayers, and apothecaries (perfumers) got their hands dirty in the work. Foreigners, Gibeonites, were one with children of Israel in the work. The encouraged each other because they had a common purpose, and they believed that God was with them in the work as Nehemiah had told them. They work with his words of encouragement about the providence of God towards him, still warming their hearts.All were involved, rulers and ordinary citizens. Rephaiah, the ruler of half of Jerusalem was not absent from the work, neither was Shallum, the ruler of the other half part of the work (verse 12). Their normal positions in life were forgotten in the interests of the work, and no one considered physical work beneath them.

Application

This is a picture of what the working church should be. Nobody thinks themselves too important to participate in menial tasks, but all put their hands to the plough. Accountants and cleaners, CEOs and delivery personnel have a common cause. All social distinctions set aside. Our status in this world is not an accurate picture of what we will be in the world to come. Earthly distinctions will be of no consequence in heaven where the first shall be last and the last shall be first.

Questions

Outline

Purpose

Introduction

Nehemiah 3:7 Commentary and Bible Study