God and his people. We may notice here four things:—The state of the Jews that had escaped who were left of the captivity. The position and character of Nehemiah. The prayer which was mingled with the lamentation. The practical aim and purpose which followed the prayer. All are based upon the one foundation of the special gracious relation of God to his covenant people. We may therefore distinguish the following practical points in this chapter:—
I. An illustration of THE DIVINE METHOD and character in dealing with those who are the objects of special regard.
1. Faithfulness. The Jews suffered because they rebelled. They suffered still because they still needed discipline. They were "in great affliction and reproach" that they might be taught to seek help of God. They had no walls to their city that they might be labourers together with God in rebuilding them. They were surrounded with opponents that their holiness might be maintained, their zeal and constancy developed and tried, their victory made manifest.
2. Forbearance and compassion. A remnant left. The burning bush unconsumed. The "day of small things" in which the Spirit of God reveals his might, full of promise. Eminent saints are more sought after and more appreciated at such times.
II. A conspicuous example of RELIGIOUS CHARACTER. Nehemiah.
1. Found in a palace, in a heathen palace, in a king's cupbearer. Resistance to temptation. Cultivation of faith in unfavourable circumstances. A friend made of the mammon of unrighteousness. A testimony borne to the superiority of the man of God, as in the case of Daniel and his associates. Mercy granted in the sight of the heathen.
2. Deep feeling of brotherhood with God's people. A tender heart. An inquiring mind. An unselfish regard for the condition of those afar off. Anxious concern that God's glory should be seen in his Church.
3. Strong faith. Keeping hold of Divine promises, looking for their fulfilment, troubled by delay, turning from external facts to God.
4. Prayerfulness and humiliation' before God. "He sat down and,, wept, and mourned for days, and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. There is no emergency in which the man of faith loses sight of his great resource in setting himself and his desires before God. When he does so, he will not be ashamed of his tears. To the true heart the condition of the Church is a personal sorrow or a personal joy.
5. The practical aim mingled with the supplications. The faith which prays is the faith which works. When we ask God for help we should be ready for service. Nehemiah did not satisfy himself with weeping and praying. He said, "Here am I, send me." The true prayer is always consecration.
III. An eminent instance of PRAYER AT A GREAT CRISIS. The characteristics of Nehemiah's prayer were—
1. Adoring faith. He believed that God was God.
2. Remembrance of the word of God, and his gracious revelation of himself in keeping covenant and mercy.
3. Confession of sin and acknowledgment of God's righteousness.
4. Humble boldness in appealing to him who has given his word to fulfil it.
5. Spiritual insight and foresight. Looking on the world and its rulers and all its affairs as in the hand of him whose throne is the throne of grace, to which his people can come at all times. To such a faith the Persian monarch is only "this man," a mere instrument in the hands of God.
6. Identification of the personal life and feelings with the interests and doctrines of God's Church. "Prosper thy servant." Not for his own sake, but for thy people's sake. "I was the king's cupbearer;" but I was the representative of Zion, and the intercessor for Jerusalem.
IV. A GREAT ENTERPRISE undertaken in dependence upon God.
1. The foundation was sure. It was an enterprise on which God's blessing could be sought.
2. The instrument was fit. Nehemiah was conscious both of intense desire and consecration, and of personal quality by which he was adapted to the work.
3. The method was wise. He did not break away from his connection with Persia, but sought to use the earthly power for the heavenly purpose.
4. The spirit was truly religious. "Prosper thy servant this day." Without God nothing is strong. With his help all things are possible. He rules both men and things for his people.—R.
HOMILIES BY J.S. EXELL