"If there is one thing that man learns from history, it is that man doesn't learn from history."

As one examines the history of the world in which we live, one can clearly see that there is not a single record of any civilization that maintained any semblance of what we would call "moral fiber", without a religious foundation. Man left to himself will eventually destroy himself. The history of Israel and the Jewish people, greatly exemplifies the basic principle behind this concept ... that is, God blesses obedience.

In Nehemiah eight we saw some of the principles and ingredients that lend toward true, biblical revival. Chapter nine recounts the history of the Israelites and provides a fitting prelude to the signing of the covenant in chapter ten.

OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER:

I. PREPARATION OF THE PEOPLE: (9:1-3)

A. Fasting

B. Humility

C. Separation

D. Confession

E. Reading

F. Worship

II. PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE: (9:4-31)

A short history:

A. Creation Abraham (5-8)

B. Captivity Red Sea (9-15)

C. Wanderings Canaan (16-25)

D. Judges - Captivity (26-31)

III. PROMISE OF THE PEOPLE: (9:32-38)

I. THE PREPARATION OF THE PEOPLE - (9:1-3)

The longest prayer in the Bible is recorded in this chapter. It is interesting to note the areas in which the people prepare themselves before they go to the Lord. We may learn something about a proper prayer life.

A. Fasting - (Ps. 69:10) "...chastened my soul with fasting." (Isa. 58:3; Ps. 35:13)

B. Humility - sackcloth & earth. Sackcloth was a symbol of mourning. (1 Kings 20:31,32; Job 16:15; Joel 1:8). Earth - (Job 30:19; 42:6).

C. Separation - (Ezra 9:2; 2 Cor. 6:14,17)

D. Confession - (1 Jn. 1:7,9)

E. Reading - (Jn. 5:39)

F. Worship - (Ex. 20:3; Rev. 19:10; Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10)

 

II. THE PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE - (9:4-31)

The Levites begin their prayer with adoration. They contemplate the majesty of God, extol His power, and describe His gracious intervention on behalf of His people.

Someone once said, "There are two things that are the most difficult thing to get people to do: to think... and to do things in the order of their importance, priorities."

Nehemiah had successfully communicated these principles to the people. The people were willing to take an objective viewpoint concerning themselves. They were willing to reflect on past sins, failures, and mistakes. People learn two ways in life: by taking good advice and through experience. Experience is usually the hard way and I might add, the most commonly selected alternative.

The first lesson learned is God blesses a faithful heart (vs. 8).

Secondly, God will provide, if need be, miraculously, for our very needs (vs. 15).

Thirdly, God is always ready to forgive (vs. 17) "thou are a God ready to pardon."

Lastly, inspite of man's rebellion and hardness of heart, the Lord is merciful (vs. 31).

 

III. THE PROMISE OF THE PEOPLE - (9:32-38)

The prayer of the Levites led the people to a higher level of commitment. There was in their attitude a desire for a new and better relationship with their God. only this would bring to fruition their spiritual longings and nationalistic hopes Consequently, the people decided to make a solemn agreement in writing and to seal the document with the signatures of the leaders of the people. It was a nice idea ... but we are faced with the grim reality that man cannot guarantee anything (vs. 38)

History encourages us by reminding us that God will fulfill His Word. God is not an "indian giver", He is not a man that He should lie, He follows through and fulfills all of His unconditional promises and will meet His commitments on those that are conditional.

WE LEARN IN THIS CHAPTER:

[1]. A knowledge of history gives us perspective on our present day problems. From history we are able to learn from the example of those who have preceded us.
[2]. The history of man and his ability to enjoy life - individually as well as nationally - is intimately intertwined with his conformity to the will of God.
[3]. From our study of Nehemiah nine we can take courage from the fact that God is active in history. By observing God's activity in the past, Israel came to know more of His work in the present.
[4]. A Biblical approach to history will neither make us wide-eyed optimists nor downhearted pessimists.