In the previous chapter, the wall has been rebuilt. But this is not the end of the story. In fact, it only marks half of the book of Nehemiah. What then, is the rest of the book going to be about?
(A) Appointed (Neh 7:1-4)
Nehemiah appointed two major roles immediately after the completion of the wall. Nehemiah appointed the gatekeepers, singers and Levites with respect to the doors and walls that had been established (Neh 7:1). They were put there to defend God’s city. But why the singers and Levites? What could they be good for? Let us read on.
He also appointed Hanani (Nehemiah’s brother, the one who brought him the report, c.f. Neh 1:2) and Hananiah the governor of the castle to be in charge. They could possibly replace the governors mentioned in Nehemiah 3:9,12. They are to control the opening and closing of the gates (Neh 1:3). The gates are to be opened at noon — the hottest point and also inhospitable — and when most of the citizens are awake. They were to also appoint guards — some at their guard posts, while others were just in front of their homes (Neh 1:3). This was to maximise security and safety within the gates.
In these two appointments, we see that one group was focused on watching outward, while the other group focused on shoring up defence to prepare for external threats As we read in Isaiah 62:6-7, the watchmen are never silent and continue to cry out to God as they keep watch. They do not rest from putting God in remembrance. They were to call out to God relentlessly.
Similarly here, the singers and the Levites were to also be alert and do their duty. In doing so, they continue to long and yearn for the day when God will rebuild the city! On that day, they will no longer be a scorn among the nations.
Life in a fragile city means defence and proper operation of the city is important. But what is more important are God-fearing men who look forward to God working and defending His own city. The watchmen do not rest but offer ceaseless prayers and look forward to when the city is no longer scorned.
A fragile city also needs good and wise leadership — God-fearing men who are faithful to God and recognise that they are ultimately answerable to God. They need to think about the welfare of God’s people and not their own pockets. They establish structures to protect God’s people, and result in the city’s flourishing.
Do you feel like a Levite or singer on the wall — unsuitable for the task you have to do? When God puts us in these positions, we can joyfully take it up. Each work is meant to build up the church.
If you are in a church, you will be under the authority of someone. How do you respond to a shepherd? Do you encourage them? Do you help them to do the task of helping the church flourish and grow?
(B) Assembled (Neh 7:5-65)
God put it into Nehemiah’s heart to assemble the nobles and the officials and the people to be enrolled by genealogy (Neh 7:5). Nehemiah discovered the book of the genealogy of those who came up first (Neh 7:5b). This was the first wave that returned under Zerubbabel. This is a very practical task as in doing so, Nehemiah was seeking to figure out who is supposed to be in the city.
The returnees could be divided into various groups with different roles. Nehemiah 7:7b-38 listed the people of Israel. These were helpful as it shed light on who had the rightful claim to the land.
Next, we see that there are the priests (Neh 7:39-42). The priests worked in the temple and were appointed as mediators between God and His people. They were to also offer sacrifices on behalf of the people to God. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, they offered sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people. The priests also teach the law, as we will see in Nehemiah 8.
The next group consisted of the Levites (Neh 7:43), the singers (Neh 7:44) and the gatekeepers (Neh 7:45). The tribe of the Levites has been set aside for temple operations, as we see in 1 Chronicles 23:28-32. They are to assist the priests, prepare food for the offerings etc. The singers (Neh 7:44) were specifically tasked to praise God day and night, accompanying the sacrifices (c.f. 1 Chron 23:30). The gatekeepers (Neh 7:45) were to guard the gates, temples and camp at specific locations. They were also to open the gates at specific times. The temple was to be guarded from God’s people — to protect the sanctity of the temple so that it will not be defiled by a sinful people. They are also to be responsible for other tasks (c.f. 1 Chron 9:17-32).
There were also the temple servants (Neh 7:46-56) and the sons of Solomon’s servants (Neh 7:57-60). The temple servants were to attend to the Levites as they do their work (Neh 7:46-56, c.f. Ez 8:20). The sons of Solomon’s servants (Neh 7:57-60) could refer to the people in 1 Kings 9:20-22. They were once not God-fearing and did not follow God. But here, they are not listed as slaves but are a part of the people of God.
Yes, this list shows who is in, and therefore, who is out. But God also welcomes all who turn away from their sins, repent and believe. As Nehemiah seek to welcome new inhabitants of this city, he also includes these. Part of the people include those who have turned away from their sins. So we are to also welcome all who repent and believe and turn to God.
What is the focus here? There is a focus on the worship of God. Everything is arranged towards and for temple worship. Nehemiah refers to Ezra because he is not seeking to establish a new city. Nehemiah is seeking to revive the worship of God in His holy city under His rule.
We read also about how he dealt with priests that could not prove their descent (Neh 7:61-65). The decision on the priesthood was put on hold. They were not rejected immediately but they were not to partake of the most holy food until a priest with Urim and Thummin should arise (Neh 7:65). This is a form of protection as the priests were not to act presumptuously and thus, offend a holy God. There was a fervour to uphold God's worship done in God's way.
This is a wonderful picture of waiting on the Lord and not just doing something because someone is sincere or has a good heart or intention. What do we do when we do not have a clear word from God? Do we try to make God's word say what we want? Or do we wait in reverence, perhaps even "waiting away your life" but seeing that as good, done in obedience to God's word?
See also how God’s people are not just an amorphous mass. It is clear who is in, and who is not.
Today, do we commit to be with God’s people, part of a church with a defined membership? Do we live in a way that is committed to one another, even when it is inconvenient? God’s people also gather! This is the value of the local church today.
This genealogy is also helpful because it is not just a list. It eventually leads to Jesus Christ, who took the form of man and came through the bloodline of David. God’s people, generation after generation, lived by faith, looking forward to the coming Messiah.
(C) Accumulated (Neh 7:66-73)
Nehemiah provides a final tally of God’s people and their livestock. God provided for His people, even under Persian rule (Neh 7:66-69). They had servants, singers and livestock. They were still not freed for they were allowed by Cyrus to return and repopulate the city.
The people continue to look forward to the day when all of God’s people will return and repopulate the city. In Nehemiah 8, we also see how they will rediscover the law.
In Nehemiah 7:73, “the reference to the seventh month (September/October)—a festival month including the Day of Atonement—leads into the covenant renewal that follows.”
God continues to work among His people and restore them, even though the walls have been rebuilt, as we will continue to see in the rest of the Book.