Nehemiah chapters (1-6) show us how Nehemiah accomplished his first objective - the building of the wall. Chapter seven is transitional and records the first steps toward consolidating the work. This move towards consolidation will soon be interrupted by a spiritual awakening in chapters (8-10), but will resume again after God has prepared the heart of his people for self-government in chapter eleven.

Leaders know the importance of setting realistic goals. Nehemiah's first objective was to build the wall of the city. He motivated the people to work with him and, at different times, measured their advancement (Neh. 4:6; 6:1.15). He allowed for interruptions (Neh. 4:10,13; 5:1-13) Finally the wall was finished; his first objective had been reached. Before the rebuilding of the wall was completed, he took inventory of the situation. "Phase Two" of the operation, the consolidation of the work, had already taken shape in his mind. Here we see another one of those desirable characteristics of the leader, the ability to plan ahead.

The first thing we note as we look at chapter seven is the new leadership Nehemiah provides for the city (7:1-4). Following this, God prompts him to take a census of the people. This is done with a view to determine the purity of the people and the priesthood, and in the repopulating of the city of Jerusalem. Finally Nehemiah insures the proper support of those engaged in the service of the house of the Lord.

OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER:

I. LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS (7:1-4)

II. THE CENSUS (7:5-69)

III. NEHEMIAH INSURES FINANCIAL HELP TO THOSE INVOLVED IN THE LORD'S SERVICE (7:70-73)

I. LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS - (7:1-4)

Nehemiah selects certain men to whom he can delegate responsibility. What qualifications did these men possess to qualify them for their positions?

Alexander Hamilton said, "The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain for rulers men who possess the most wisdom to discern, and the most virtue to purse the common good of society; and in the next place, to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous."

Verse two puts forth the two basic qualifications for a position of responsibility in Christian service, faithfulness and the fear of God. The leader must have the discernment and ability to choose able men who will be "problem solvers" not "problem makers." The leader also must be willing to examine his own weaknesses and employ men who will take up some of the slack he might leave through his weaknesses.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, "The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it." Roosevelt brings out another important characteristic of the leader; to adequately train other leaders you must be willing to give them opportunity to make mistakes; you must give them free hand at what they are doing.

Nehemiah gives Hanani and Hananiah general guidelines, then gives them the liberty to carry out his requests.

II. THE CENSUS - (7:5-69)

While taking the census, Nehemiah finds a record of the Jews who had returned to their homeland under Zerubbabel (See Ezra 2). In verses 61-65, we read of some of those who were dismissed from the priesthood because they could not prove a pure genealogy. At some time in the past they had intermarried with Gentiles. Thusly Nehemiah takes serious steps to insure the spiritual purity of the Jewish people.

 

III. NEHEMIAH INSURES FINANCIAL HELP - (7:70-73)

In further implementing "phase two" of his plan, Nehemiah insures that those who work in the temple will be adequately cared for. As a consequence of the census, the heads of the fathers' houses are again brought into prominence in the community. They had long been overshadowed by the various rulers that ruled over them.

The "Tirshatha" is Nehemiah himself. Nehemiah was a leader an example in every way. He led in the building and in the giving.

IN THIS CHAPTER WE SEE:

[1]. The leader should be actively involved in training his subordinates for leadership positions.
[2]. Faithfulness and fear of God are the two primary qualifications for spiritual leadership.
[3]. The leader needs to give his subordinates the opportunity to explore their own potentialities by striving to create new possibilities for themselves and others.
[4]. The leader by example must show those he is responsible to and for, what giving is all about. Giving is more caught than taught. Attitudes are hard to teach, they're contagious.