Theological Commentary: Click Here
There is an
interesting concept that we get as we read through Nehemiah 11. We see that many of the leaders volunteer to
live in Jerusalem. After all, that’s
where the power resides. That’s where
the walls are. That’s where the temple
is. Anyone who is anyone is going to
live in Jerusalem.
What’s
interesting about this chapter is that we also learn that there had to be a
draft to get people to come to Jerusalem.
What is this draft and why is it necessary? Largely, this draft was to fill Jerusalem
with other people: merchants, servants, workers, etc. Jerusalem wouldn’t function if all it had
were the rich and elite. Who would
actually do anything of substance?
Therefore,
there was a draft to fill Jerusalem with regular and lower-class people. The question s why. Why would people need to be convinced to come
and live in the center of the Hebrew culture?
The reason is simple. To live in
Jerusalem meant to voluntarily give up one’s land and one’s means for providing
for family. To live outside of Jerusalem
is to live on land that can be farmed or can raise animals. The live in Jerusalem meant that you had to
work just to make money. Then, you would
have to find someone who would trade your money for goods. It’s a process we understand really well in
modern days, but it was a troublesome process fraught with pitfalls in the
ancient world.
So, what is
the neat part of this chapter? I can
think of two elated teachings that we can get.
First, notice that the city doesn’t function with just the elite. The city needs people of all abilities and
status to function. It’s a sign of
humanity’s need for all people, not just the elite. Second, remember that this is God’s
city. God wants people of all status around
Him. He isn’t just the God of the
elite. He doesn’t love those with the
most resources. God loves all people and
values what all people can bring to Him.
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