Nehemiah 12:1-26 – Our Work in the Kingdom
It may seem from an initial reading of chapter 12 that the real importance in the chapter is not to be found until we come to verse 27 with the description of the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. There is no doubt that this was a very significant event in the history of Nehemiah and of the returned exiles, but it would be a mistake to ignore the teaching of the first twenty-six verses and fail to learn the lessons contained there.
The long list of the returned priests and Levites would not seem to have any great interest for Christians living in the twenty-first century, but this list has at least two significant lessons to teach:
1. Although the names mean nothing to us and possibly have little to teach us with regard to the history of the people of God, the very fact that they are included in the infallible Word of God does mean that God intends us to learn something from them. The Bible is the record of God’s dealings with men and so although the names are unknown to us, they were known to God and important in the working out of his purposes. We may not be known outside our own limited circle, but as we faithfully serve God we are known to him and important in the work of the kingdom.
2. The list deals with the priests and Levites who went to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel in 538 and with their descendents in Ezra’s day, thus showing a continuity spanning almost a century from 538 to 444 – from Zerubbabel to Nehemiah. All these faithful men had a part to play although many would never live to see the completion of the wall and join in the joyous celebration at the dedication. This is an example of what Jesus says centuries later, that one sows and another reaps (John 4:37).
Questions
- What encouragement can we receive from reading these long lists of names?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would be faithful in our service to God.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.