Nehemiah – Lesson Eight – -12 Introduction The wall was finished, the gates were set firmly in place, and the watchmen signaled the coming and going of tradesmen from well beyond their borders. With all this in place, it would seem that personal sacrifice and risk-taking was greatly reduced for the Israelites. Yet, one more opportunity would test their resolve. When the call came to repopulate the holy city, to come and live within the walls, it was met with resistance. What caused these chosen, set- apart people of God to hesitate in taking their rightful place in his holy city?

Before you cast your first stone, consider your own excuse. What is keeping you from being all in with God? What fears or personal preferences are testing your resolve as one who has been chosen for a life of worship and obedience to holy living?

As you study this lesson, ask the Holy Spirit to renew your desire to establish your claim in God’s place of blessing, and to be listed among those who will one day joyfully receive the words of the King, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Please note: Questions are based on the New International Version of the . Personal application answers can reflect your opinion and/or spiritual growth. These questions are marked ‘PA.’ Unless otherwise noted, when answering questions that refer to a specific scripture verse, you can use the words of the verse itself or summarize the answer in your own words.

The Settlers 1. (a) From Nehemiah 11:1-2, how were people selected to repopulate ?

(b) What do you learn about casting lots and God’s will from: Exodus 28:30 –

Numbers 26:55; 27:18-21; 33:53-54 –

Proverbs 16:33 –

Ezra 2:63 –

Nehemiah 10:34 –

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(c) Why was it not necessary for Moses to cast lots? See Exodus 33:11a.

(d) Why is it unnecessary for the casting of lots to be used by Christians today to determine God’s will? See Acts 1:21 – 2:4 with John 16:13.

2. (a) From Nehemiah 11:4, 7, 10, 15, and 19, list the names of the tribes and groups who settled in Jerusalem. (Note: A parallel passage is found in :2-21.)

(b) From Nehemiah 11:4-6; Genesis 38:26-29; 46:12; Ruth 4:18-22, what is the name of Perez’ twin brother, and what is the significance of Perez’ family line?

(c) What wall secured the New Quarter along the northwest side of Jerusalem, and who was in charge of this area? See :8; 11:9.

(d) From what responsibility was the tribe of Levi exempt and why? See Numbers 1:44-50.

(e) From Nehemiah 11:17, name the descent of Asaph and his responsibility.

3. (a) From Nehemiah 11:21 with Psalm 15 and Psalm 24:3-6, what does the psalmist say about those who can have access to God at his temple?

(b) PA: From Nehemiah 11:23-24 and the Psalms, what is one of your favorite Psalms written by Asaph or ?

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The Celebration 4. From :8, 24, what kinds of songs are mentioned and what style of singing is used?

5. From Nehemiah 12:27, what kind of musical instruments accompanied the songs of thanksgiving?

6. (a) From Nehemiah 12:30, what did the priests and do?

(b) What does Leviticus 16:30 say about the purpose and result of purification?

(c) PA: The action of spiritual purification means to be set apart to God from sin. What are some ways you purify yourself in order to prepare for worship and thanksgiving to God?

7. (a) From Nehemiah 12:31-43, the two choirs circled the city from opposite directions and met in the temple. How does Nehemiah 12:43 compare with Psalm 150?

(b) PA: Can you recall a time when God gave you great joy? If so, what was memorable about it and how did it affect other people around you?

8. (a) In Nehemiah 12:44-47, the people were pleased to contribute toward the support of the priests, Levites, singers and gatekeepers. What does 2 Chronicles 8:14-15 say about those “days long ago” mentioned in Nehemiah 12:46?

(b) PA: What are some ways you or your church could benefit from Nehemiah’s example and even be pleased in following “ordinances from days long ago”?

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Points to Ponder The Settlers The reestablishment of Jerusalem as the holy city of God was beginning to take shape. The leaders of the tribes and the temple moved into the city. Redistributing a cross-section of the remaining Israelites was done in an orderly fashion according to God’s divine will through casting lots. Some joyfully accepted the decision to move, but others needed a more obvious persuasion as the lot fell their way. Moving from the countryside into the city affected families economically and socially; requiring adjustments both in business and in a stricter discipline of obedience to God’s Law and worship practices. But overall, the Israelites were keenly aware of their calling as a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Confident in the fact that they had a clear claim in the historical right to being there (:20), it was their intention to see that Jerusalem and were restored to their proper glory.1

Judah, Benjamin and Levi were the tribes that stayed with King David’s heirs in the Southern Kingdom under the leadership of King Rehoboam. During the Assyrian invasion of the Northern Kingdom under the rule of King Jeroboam, many Israelites escaped to Judah. Subsequent generations from all the tribes of Israel survived the exile and returned to resettle in Jerusalem, but Judah, Benjamin and Levi were the nucleus. “Now the future of Israel lay with them and with those who had rallied to them from the other tribes.”2

Combining the information from 1 Chronicles 9 with Nehemiah 11, a more complete list of the names of the Israelites who resettled in Jerusalem is given. 1 Chronicles 9:4-6 adds the descendants of Zerah, the twin brother of Perez (Genesis 46:12), to the list of those from Judah. The “men of standing” (Nehemiah 11:6) were men who were wealthy, strong in ability or valiant militarily. In this verse it is more likely associated with wealth or ability.

There are more names from the tribe of Benjamin listed in 1 Chronicles 9:7-9 who are identified as the heads of their families. Showing that there was order to the resettlement, Joel is identified as the chief officer or overseer of this society.3 Judah, son of Hassenuah, is in charge of the New Quarter (a.k.a. second district or market district).4 (See 2 Kings 22:14; Nehemiah 3:8; 11:9; Zephaniah 1:10-11.)

Much like the listing of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, the priestly names can refer to the families but may not name the current clan chief. Favorite names were passed down from one generation to another adding to the challenge of distinguishing the relationship of fathers, sons, uncles, etc.5 In Nehemiah 11:11,12, the official in charge of the temple is the high priest. Those who carried on the work are generally thought of as the priests, although the Levites were included in this description in 1 Chronicles 23:24-32. “The men of standing” (Nehemiah 11:14) most likely referred to those who served as military protection under the chief officer, Zabdiel. It was generally understood that the tribe of Levi was exempt from military service

1 Derek Kidner, and Nehemiah: An Introduction and Commentary, Tyndale Commentaries, Volume 12, InterVarsity Press, 1979, Downers Grove, IL, p. 128-129 2 Ibid., p.128 3 Ibid, p.129 4 Zondervan NIV Study Bible, Zondervan, 2011, Grand Rapids, MI, p.763, Note on Nehemiah 11:9 5 Kidner, p.129 4

(Numbers 1:44-50), but given the vulnerable condition of Jerusalem, it is possible that exceptions were made at this time in their history.6

“The glimpses of the people involved in temple duties are tantalizingly brief, but enough to indicate the hive of activity that was maintained there. The picture comes to life more fully in 1 Chronicles 9:17-34, where we see the posting of the gatekeepers, the checking in and out of utensils, the preparing of offering-cakes, and so on. Here the mention of the outside work (16) tells its tale of the supplies and maintenance that a large establishment requires, while the next verse recalls us to the point of it all, the thanksgiving in prayer (17). The names Asaph and in this verse go back to David’s founding of the temple choirs and bands (2 Chronicles 5:12). There is more about the singers in verses 22-24.”7 Here we have a reminder of how this holy city is defined and the particular attention given by those who devoted themselves to live up to its name.8 Such was the honor and obedience given to God by his chosen people. Oh, the effort, but when they got it, they got it right and God was pleased.

The Levitical gatekeepers who were in charge of opening and closing the entrances to the temple were mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:17-27 and :45. We know that others supplemented guard-keeping by coming in from the villages for a week at a time (Nehemiah 11:20). Strong security was necessary to guard the temple treasures and its sacredness. The questions and answers found in Psalm 15 and Psalm 24:3-6 “may be echoes of the kind of challenge that these guardians of the sanctuary would put to those who sought entry.”9 These psalms give instruction concerning anyone who might want access to God at the temple. God welcomes as his guest those who are morally righteous and blameless; uniting loyalty to him and faithfulness to his covenant directives.10

The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel. This fortified hill was located in the northern part of the southeastern hill of Jerusalem. It formed the original . It was just south of the temple area.11 (See 2 Chronicles 27:3.) Ascending the hill of Ophel northward, leads to the temple. Uzzi, a descendant of the psalmist Asaph, oversees the musicians responsible for the music in the services of the house of God (; Nehemiah 11:22). Daily worship required daily planning. King David appointed Levites to make a joyful sound with musical instruments such as bronze cymbals, lyres, harps, rams horns, trumpets and with singing. (See 1 Chronicles 15:16-22.) This kingly regulation was carried on through Nehemiah’s time with support from the Persian kings funding the Levites in their planned worship of prayers and music (Ezra 6:8-10; 7:20-23). Zerah’s descendant, Pethahiah, was a commissioner representing the people of Judah and reporting their affairs to the Persian court, including how all that was allocated for the temple was being received by the God of heaven on the king’s behalf.

“As a province of the Persian Empire, the whole territory governed by Nehemiah was called Yehud (Judah), and was bounded on the north by the province of and on the south by

6 H.G.M. Williamson, Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 16, Ezra, Nehemiah, Thomas Nelson, 1985, Nashville, TN, pp. 351-352 7 Kidner, p.130 8 Ibid., p.131 9 Ibid., p.131 10 Zondervan NIV Study Bible, 2011, p.870, Note on Psalm 15:1-2 11 Zondervan NIV Study Bible, 2011, p.751, Note on Nehemiah 3:26 5

Idumea ().”12 Historically, the tribe of Benjamin occupied territory north of Jerusalem and the tribe of Judah went twenty miles south to Hebron. Resettlement under the Persians allowed the people freedom to settle where they wanted as long as they remained at peace. Families were allowed to return to their native areas wherever possible. This was not an attempted expansion of the province.13 Many of the towns listed in Nehemiah 11:25-30 are also recorded in Joshua 15 where the allotment of land for the tribe of Judah is described in detail. Also, noteworthy are the following locations: Dibon (verse 25) is distinct from the Moabite Dibon of Isaiah 15:9; the valley of Hinnom (verse 30) is outside the south wall of Jerusalem; Hazor (verse 33) is one of many in the Old Testament; Ono (verse 35) is in the far northwest corner of the province.14 It is understandable why Nehemiah viewed Sanballat’s request with guarded suspicion to meet him there (:2).15

12 Kidner, p.132 13 Ibid., p.132 14 Map from Tremper Longman III, David E. Garland, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 4, I Chronicles – Job, Zondervan, 2010, Grand Rapids, MI, p.379 15 Kidner, p.133 6

The Celebration Chapter Twelve opens with the names of the priests and Levites who returned with and Joshua from the Babylonian exile in 538/537 B.C. (Ezra mentioned here is not the Ezra of the book who returned in 458 B.C.) Originally, King David established twenty-four (:7-19). The names listed here account for twenty-two priestly families. There are different opinions as to why this is so, but in later , twenty-four priestly divisions were re-established. Also, comparing these lists with the priestly names in :2-8, interchange between family names and personal names occurred, accounting for fifteen priestly family names and six personal names.16 The Levitical families shown in this chapter fill out the summary given in Ezra 2:40. The names Mattaniah, Bakbukiah (or Bukkiah), Unni and Abda (or Obadiah) were repeated from generation to generation. (See 1 Chronicles 15:20; 25:4 with Nehemiah 11:17; 12:9, 25). All of these lists serve to show the continuity of commitment by priestly and Levitical families to the service of the temple. Now for the returning exiles in this generation, the reality of what they lived for took on a joyful celebration in dedicating the wall of Jerusalem.

Behind the scenes of any great occasion are extensive plans, preparation, and rehearsing. All these activities engaged the senses both in body and spirit; fortifying the emotions of the people involved. All of the Levites and musicians were gathered together in Jerusalem to participate in the dedication ceremonies. The Levites purified themselves, the people, the gates, and the wall. They also purified all that was sacred in the temple and the temple itself (Leviticus 4:12; 1 Chronicles 23:28 and 2 Chronicles 29:15). “Ritual purity was intended to teach God’s holiness and moral purity” (Leviticus 16:30).17 The holy city was being prepared by its holy people. The musicians brought with them cymbals, harps and lyres, and tuned up their voices to sing songs of thanksgiving. “There was much more than pageantry in this processional embrace of the city and its walls. It was an extended thanksgiving and a re-consecration, a claiming of these stones for Israel and for God. . . .Its dominant note was confession of what God had done.”18 Two antiphonal choirs led the processions; one going clockwise and one going counter-clockwise to eventually meet at the temple. Imagine the significance for those who had faithfully worked on the wall, the gates, and their own house along the way to God’s house. Reflecting on where they had been, where they were now, and the commitment and the challenge to persevere, undoubtedly elevated their emotions of gratitude and praise to their faithful God.

Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadel, that you may tell of them to the next generation. For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end (Psalm 48:12-14).

Near and far, the sound of great rejoicing was heard from all the people of Judah. They offered great sacrifices with great joy. Great care was taken by the people to fill the storerooms of the temple with their contributions of first fruits, tithes, and offerings. All was given that was required to daily supply the priests, Levites, gatekeepers and musicians with what they needed to fulfill the requirements of the Law in the service of purification and the performance of songs

16 Ibid., p.133 17 Zondervan NIV Study Bible, 2011, p.765, Note on Nehemiah 12:30 18 Kidner, p.138 7 of praise and thanksgiving to God. With obedient hearts and open hands, the people of Judah dedicated themselves and their city to God.19

Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD (Psalm 150).

Ancient words ever true, changing me . . . The Settlers Repopulating the city of Jerusalem took courage and faith on the part of some of the Israelites. The leaders were willing because they were leaders. But for others it wasn’t as easy. Risk had to be taken and sacrifice made. Has God called you to a life of faith that requires sacrifice and risk? What has been your response? How has this helped you trust God more and grow closer and more dependent upon him? See Mark 10:17-31; Luke 12:22-34; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:12-16.

Many people with many different kinds of skills were needed to bring life and energy to the city of Jerusalem. Temple priorities consumed the time and commitment of hundreds of people. A holy city was repopulated with a holy people set on accomplishing God’s plans. How is God fulfilling his plans through you? What skills, gifts, and talents are you allowing God to use for his kingdom work? See Romans 12:1-2; 15:15-22; 1 Corinthians 3:5-9; Ephesians 4:11-16.

The Celebration Watchmen on the wall were replaced by worshipers making their way to God’s house. The Levites engaged in the rituals of purification in preparation for worship. In what ways do you prepare yourself for worship each week? See Psalm 15; 24:3-6; 139:23-24; Hebrews 10:22.

Trumpets that had been used to signal danger were transformed into instruments of praise. How fitting it was for King David, the psalmist, the poet and musician, to be the first to incorporate music into the temple worship services. Today, a variety of musical instruments and music styles are incorporated into worship services. Sadly, it is often the subject of debate and division for many worshipers. Does your opinion of this subject take center stage distracting you from true worship each week? Will you ask the Lord to help you find significance in worshiping him regardless of the musical style? See Psalm 48:9; 57:8-11; 100.

Precious Promise: Nehemiah 12:43 – “And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I desire to serve you and worship you whole-heartedly. I offer to you my sacrifice of praise. Amen.

19 Life Application Study Bible, Tyndale House, Carol Stream, IL and Zondervan, 2011, Grand Rapids, MI, p.743, Note on Nehemiah 12:44-47 8