Have you ever committed to do something? There are formal commitments, like contracts and marriage vows, but sometimes a commitment is just our word or a promise that we will do something (or, in some cases, not do something). Sometimes, though, as human beings, we fail to live up to our promises. In those cases, others may give us a second chance: an opportunity to re-commit to what we said we would do. For those experiencing the shame of letting someone down, there is all the more motivation to keep one’s new commitment when given a second chance.
The next few articles are from Nehemiah chapter 10. However, chapter 10 is probably going to make more sense if we first back up a little bit. In fact, let’s summarize what happened since chapter 5 (in the previous article).
In Nehemiah 6, those opposed to the rebuilding of the wall (including Sanballat and Geshem, who have been mentioned in previous articles on this site) continue to try and get Nehemiah to stop.
- They try to trap him by getting him to visit, so they can ambush him.
- They try to spread rumors that the Jews are getting prepared to revolt against the Persian empire.
- They get a false prophet to try and trick Nehemiah into sinning.
However, in Nehemiah 6:15, we find that the wall was completed, and verse 16 confirms that the enemies of the Jewish people realize that God had helped this to happen.
In Nehemiah 7, various roles are appointed after the wall was rebuilt. There’s also a big list of people who had returned in the “first wave” of exiles from Babylon.
In Nehemiah 8, Ezra (the same one from the book of the Bible with his name) reads the Law of Moses to a gathering of Israelites. After learning about the Festival of Tabernacles, the people celebrate this by living in “temporary shelters” (see v.14, 16).
In Nehemiah 9, once the Israelites have been re-taught the Law, they assemble in mourning, confession, and worship. A prayer fills up much of this chapter.
While the first 27 verses of Nehemiah 10 list people who affirmed this agreement, let’s read Nehemiah 9:38 as an introduction to our next text that starts in Nehemiah 10:28.
“In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it.”
Nehemiah 9:38 NIV
In fact, the NIV footnote suggests that this verse starts chapter 10 in Hebrew texts, making it that much more of a fitting introduction to a study from Nehemiah 10.
It’s time for the people to make a commitment. Jerusalem had been overthrown decades earlier because God’s people had chosen to flagrantly disregard His instructions (as well as God Himself), but it was time for a fresh start.
How about you? Have you broken a promise to someone else? Or, have you broken a promise to God? I don’t know about other people individually, but God is merciful and gracious, and offers us additional chances, even if we’ve chosen to separate ourselves from Him by sinning. Consider returning to God, expecting a loving Father who desires for us to return to His family, rather than someone who callously doles out punishment for sins. Our sins did earn the death sentence for us, but Jesus paid that sentence when He gave up His life for us on the cross. A God who did that can certainly take you – or me – back when we have messed up.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for February 26, 2023
References:
- The Lookout, February 26, 2023, © 2022 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Ezra-Nehemiah, by Keith Schoville. © 2001 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 