Long Ago: the Walls of Jerusalem

Israel has experienced times of close relationship with God and times when they rebelled and strayed, leading to exile. God was steadfast in his love for them and merciful.

For long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers, and there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. Nehemiah 12:46

The book of Nehemiah is an amazing account of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. In the first chapter Nehemiah prays after mourning and fasting.

And I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned   . . .  O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name   Nehemiah 1: 5-6,11

Nehemiah led the people of Israel who had returned from exile in the rebuilding of the walls surrounding Jerusalem. They encounter taunting and threats from people who did not want to see Jerusalem rebuilt. But they persevered.

When the wall was completed, Ezra read the book of the law.

And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the LORD had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. Nehemiah 8:1-3

As the people returned to following God’s commands, they once again sang with joy and praised God.

So both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God . . . And the singers sang with Jezrahiah as their leader. And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away. Nehemiah 12: 40, 43

We have much in common with the people of Israel. We sin and need to confess our sin. We need the word of God to remind us of God’s steadfast love and his commands.

This Christmas season and every day, we can respond with joy and thanksgiving, praising God. God sent Jesus to save us, and the Bible assures us that Jesus will return in final victory.

The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Sharing this post with the Five Minute Friday writing community. Kate’s prompt is: LONG