Nehemiah 5:1-19
Nehemiah's primary task is rebuilding the city wall and gates of Jerusalem. But he made the most of his time and accomplished a number of other important tasks as well. Today Nehemiah takes on the challenge of righting a serious situation where the common Jewish people were being gouged financially by the nobles and officials.I learned quite a bit about godly leadership from Nehemiah today. After I read Nehemiah 5:1-19 through, I went back and looked for qualities Nehemiah displayed and used that I found admirable. Here's my list: helper; fixer; hard worker; compassionate; concerned for the people; honest; fair; spokesperson; generous; genuine. What was the most meaningful thing you saw about Nehemiah in chapter 5? What did you learn from it and how will you put it into practice in your life? Tami W.
It was Nehemiah's compassion for those who were struggling against overwhelming odds that struck me. And it was his boldness in talking to those who were selfishly taking an unfair advantage of the people.
As I read chapter 5 it was almost as if I were reading yesterday's newspaper. While I am not in a leadership position as Nehemiah was therefore my impact on the world around me is limited but I worship and pray to an unlimited God therefore I will pray for the leadership of our world.
Grace and PEACE,
Gary
He was a man of great morals because he could have profited from all that was going on but instead made his country men give back what they were taking from their own flesh and blood.I believe we can all learn from Nehemiah as the way we should be treating our fellow man and helping those in need.
This story reminds me of something I heard long ago about the responsibility of leaders. One of a leader's main responsibilities is to remove obstacles for the people who are doing the day-to-day work. That is, handle those tasks that the people with less authority can't do anything about. Sometimes these things are very difficult, often tedious, and carry high risk.
Nehemiah reminds me of the kind of leaders we needed in leadership positions today. Men with morals, values and compassion for all people, not jut those who would be of help or benefet to them.
Its important we keep our leaders lifted up in prayer to make decsions that are pleasing to God.
I am impressed by this passage. Wouldn't it be great if this was in all the management books to be used as a best practice and example? I appreciate all the comments that reminded me that it is so important to pray for our leaders. As I listen to the talks of our presedential candidates I hope that we can find the one that will lead like Nihemiah.
What does it mean when it talks about the food allowed for the governor?
As other have already mentioned, Nehemiah's concern for the "least of these" really jumps out in chapter 5. The fact that he practices what he preaches, in not laying a heavy burden on the people himself, is also obvious, and that combination of traits shows exactly why God chose to use Nehemiah in the first place. Down through the Bible's narrative, God has looked to use people who care deeply about the hurting and broken. Nehemiah is one more example of that.
Hi Lori,
From the reading it appears that the governor received a food allowance as part of his position. In other words, food is provided as part of the compensation package. That’s still a practice in some jobs today. For example, a job that requires travel may cover meal costs. Having a company car would be another example.
Tami W
He was a man of great compassion. He did not take from the people his rightful food allowance but instead fed many people out of his own pocket. He implored of the Lord that God remember his works of generosity. I see that God favors people who give generously and who do not demand all of things due to them. I see great generousity from Nehemiah and I can model that in my own life.
Nehemiah was faithful and compassionate God-man. All for God's people!
What really spoke to me was verse 7, where it is said that after Nehemiah heard of the people's outcry he took counsel with himself and then laid the case against the people. In other words he thought before he spoke. Righteous angered is tempered with truth and love. I have some times with great zeal laid a case against someone without giving thought before I speak, guilty of speaking truth in anger as opposed to speaking the truth in love. The other thing that was remarkable was that Nehemiah was not only quick to expose the evil but also demonstrated by his actions the righteous behavior he prescribed and expected of others. Lastly he was willing to forego his right for the sake of the well being of the people.