Restoration
Their apostacy had resulted in the exile of the nation
Having been settled in Babylon for several generations
They were now permitted by the Lord to return to Jerusalem
However the city remained in a state of ruin,
Nehemiah, a Jew born in exile, was a high official in the court of the king.
When news of the state of the city reached him, he was greatly distressed,
and following a prolonged period of prayer this was noted even by the king
Boldly,trusting in the Lord, Nehemiah explained the reason for his being distressed.
As a result, he was not only given permission to travel to the city,
but also the authority and the provision of all the materials needed for its repair
This situation does not honour the Lord he announced, determined to restore the walls of the city
Moved to tears by how dishonouring to the Lord he found things to be,when he got there
With the authority of the King and the materials he had brought with him, Nehemiah began the task of restoration by rebuilding the walls
Despite the opposition hey encountered, Nehemiah encouraged the people by reminding them to trust in the Lord
Even though it needed them to build with a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other,within a matter of fifty two days they had rebuilt the walls !
The city had begun to be restored although far from being as it had formerly been in all its glory.
Then in the presence of all the people Ezra the scribe read the book of the Law once delivered to Moses for their guidance by the Lord
As they listened, the assembly was moved to tears of repentance, realising how far they had strayed from the faith of their forefathers.
Crying out for His mercy they sought to reinstate the sacrifices and practices described in the Law dedicating themselves anew to their Lord
The city now being secure there was great rejoicing as the people gave thanks !
©