Nehemiah

5

vs. 15-18 “the use of wealth and the rewards of position”

            It’s worth noting two things about Nehemiah from this passage.  Firstly, it is noticed that he did not usurp his position of governor by taxing his people so that he could live in a wealthy lifestyle.

            Secondly, however, it’s worth remembering the position that he held (1:11) as cupbearer.  This position of prominence gave him the opportunity to withhold from demanding taxes from his people.  Power and authority can often be used to both great good and bad and Nehemiah demonstrates how he used his position to gain privileges for the people as well as provide for him and his guests without burdening the people.

            Note also that while he was a cupbearer, later on in the work of rebuilding he and many others not accustomed to the manual labour were all joined together with one purpose (example in 3:8).

6

v. 5 “written with intent”

            The fact that the letter was unsealed offers the suggestion that this was done so on purpose so that the rumours could be spread throughout the country thus putting Nehemiah in a bad light and to discourage the people as a whole.  It was likely posted or read out loud.

11

v. 2 “redistribution to the city – a reflection of the times”

            Unlike today’s society, people preferred to live in the countryside simply because there was more produce to live from and incoming armies had the tendency to attack large cities rather than countryside dwellings.  The people, therefore, commended those who were willing to volunteer for this task.  Don’t forget, of course, that Jerusalem was still under severe opposition and those that were in the city were placed at far greater risk.  A modern example of this can be seen in WWII when thousands flocked to the countryside from London due to the German bombing.