Nehemiah 5:1-11
Observation One: Oppression, whether by corporate, by the rich, or by the government, eventually leads to a Tea Party (1-5)
The circumstances driving the record of these five verses were the direinternal economic crisis generated by a local famine. The famine was layered by the relentless heavy Persian taxation was and predatory lending by wealthy nobles against who were taking the opportunity to enrich themselves with predatory usuary from their impoverished fellow Jews.
Observation Two: Leadership must establish self-control over outrage to precede to action (6-7a)
What an incredible statement by Nehemiah. He had an appropriate reaction to opportunists, “I was very angry.” We could add, “when I became aware of what these nobles were doing.” He very self-consciously counseled himself. Given what we know about Nehemiah, I can hear him, “Lord, I want to knock their heads off, but I know that is not what is needed. Please help calm myself so I can act righteously.”
Observation Three: Think through alternative actions and then present offenders with a rationale and action plan that is theologically rooted (7-8) and presented as an appeal (9).
Think of a godly father of five ranging in age from 20 to 10. The oldest thinks himself, as it were, above the law and is using his status as the oldest to manipulate the younger three to stay with the grandparents whenever his and his next brother have their girlfriends over. Dad, who works 3 to 11, discovers their operational plans and is livid.
His first response is to “read them the riot act,” and punish them by taking their car privileges for the next month.
Observation Four: Requested mediation must be specific and respectfully presented (10-11).
There are several realities at play. Nehemiah needs these nobles to be engaged in the battle with the outside enemies. He needs unity among his constituents to have a common cooperative force to establish the city.
Using Dad from the last point, he needs the boys to provide transportation. He needs them assist with raising the young children since his wife recently died.
So, yes, the oppression and/or crisis need to be addressed properly, but the addressing must also serve the larger goals in life.
Observation Five: When appeal finds favor and agreement, there is a need to formalize the agreement so there are no misunderstandings of the procedures going forward. (12)
Whether family, church, or community, documentation of agreements with reference to difficult issues is wise and necessary. For example, in our family illustration above, Dad needs to have a written plan to frame activities, and it needs to be posted so all the children are reminded of it daily.
Observation Six: Attach a penalty for reneging (13).
Agreements dealing with difficult situations need some teeth. And these consequences need to be articulated clearly and signed by all parties.
Observation Seven: Before becoming a champion of the oppressed, be sure you are living above reproach before man and God (14-19).
This is a theme that runs throughout Scripture. I teach a SS class on living a legacy and point out that doing so is made up of three major parts. The first is lived before you teach it. The Dad who says, “Don’t do as I do, do as I say,” has set him and his son up for failure.
While Nehemiah is not, by name, in the hall of faith of Hebrews 11, he is a good practical Old Testament example of applying godly wisdom the life challenges. Reflecting on these Old Testament example, the write of Hebrew continues, Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (NIV).
He gives three instructions that we can see Nehemiah practiced within his historic context.
• Throw off hinderances—this is what Nehemiah did when he stopped and consulted with himself.
• He was committed to running his race in a God-dependent, God-honoring manner
• He obviously did not fix his eyes on Jesus, but he did fix his eyes on Yahweh and the promises he knew.
Conclusion and Implication
Nehemiah, like Abrabam, lived by faith trusting God meeting the challenges utilizing the revelation they had to discern wisdom, enhance their trust, devise actions. God has completed His progressive revelation (see Hebrews 1 and 1 Peter 1). We also have a reveled and therefore a conscience awareness of the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower us (see this help article at: https://www.gotquestions.org/power-Holy-Spirit.htmland) to make intercession for us (Romans 8:26-27), so now, like Nehemiah, lets us consult with ourselves interfacing with the Holy Spirit, make decisions, and suit up for the battle trusting the Lord.
