“that I gave the charge of Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many. And I said to them, “Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot; and while they stand guard, let them shut and bar the doors; and appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, one at his watch station and another in front of his own house.””
Nehemiah 7:2-3 NKJV
ʼemeth – faithful and reliable men. The men chosen were the two he felt he could be trusted to provide oversight – not because he “liked” them, but because he had observed their character, their commitment, and their consistency over time. He judged them to be faithful because of what he saw in them over time and as a result, his measure of trust increased substantially.
Second, they yārē’ ĕlōhîm- they had a deep and profound sense of reverence and honor for the One true, living G-d. The implication is that they didn’t just know G-d by name – rather it was personal to them. They followed Him in word and deed. The same Hebrew word used in this passage to describe their “fear” of G-d is the same one used to describe how the midwives felt when they refused to kill the first born of the Hebrew women as ordered by pharaoh Exodus 1:17. It’s also the same word G-d used to describe Job in Job 1:8 when He spoke to satan.
And, lest we be discouraged and think G-d only promotes or favors a few, keep reading to verse 3: appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, one at his watch station and another in front of his own house.
Each of us have a place and assignment to “guard” and “keep watch” – mišmereṯ – like sentries at a guard post, attentive to what’s happening in their realm of influence. The truth in this is simple – each of us have a part to play in the work of the Kingdom on the earth. We’re not merely bystanders. We are called to be guards – to protect and oversee the place He’s positioned us in this season. It may not be a position of glory – but each part of the Wall mattered. Every person working together provided protection. It wasn’t left to the two overseers – it was something everyone played a part in.
Perhaps your calling is to pray – perhaps it is to give. Whatever your call, whatever your role, be bold and do it. Together, we will see His kingdom come on the earth. Don’t lose heart.
Father – thank You for Your Word and Your presence. Every day without fail You open Your Word. Thank You. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Nehemiah 6-7
September 27, 2022