the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 2 of 5
Nehemiah 6:15-19; Nehemiah 7:1-7
Fifty-two days have been enough for the men of Judah to fill in the gaps and rebuild the wall. For the most part they were inexperienced in handling the trowel and pickaxe. But they had zeal and a heart for the work (Nehemiah 3:20; Nehemiah 4:6). In the eyes of the Lord, the devotion of His workers is more valuable than their capability. Indeed, He gives that capability to those who are devoted to and wait upon Him.
The efforts of Tobiah to frighten Nehemiah, and the support which this evil-minded person receives from several nobles of Judah, are the last signs of hostility from the enemies. Henceforth Jerusalem with its walls rebuilt seems to the surrounding nations "builded as a city that is compact together" (Psalms 122:3). But it is still necessary to keep watch over it. Nehemiah takes care of the gates as well as appointing guards (see Isaiah 62:6-7). Other duties are assigned including those of the two governors of the city (vv. 1, 2). Both have earned this responsibility: Hanani through his concern for the people (Nehemiah 1:2), Hananiah by virtue of his faithfulness and his fear of God (v. 2).
