The Preacher's Commentary Series, Volume 11: Ezra / Nehemiah / Esther

Top Highlights

“Third, the case of Nehemiah encourages us to seek God’s guidance in prayer.” (Page 164)

“This short passage shows Nehemiah as a successful motivator of people: he identified a problem and formulated a solution, he called the people to be involved in the solution, and he motivated them to act by addressing their concerns and interests.” (Pages 173–174)

“Notice in this passage what Nehemiah did with his grief. He did not try to forget it, nor did he simply pine away; rather, he fasted and prayed. He took his grief before God. Prayer is the place to process God’s work in our hearts; it is where we discover and clarify God’s call upon our lives. Prayer provides the only sure foundation for our lives and our leadership.” (Page 163)

“‘Both my father’s house and I have sinned.’ As a leader, Nehemiah did not exalt himself above the people, nor did he deny his own wrongdoings. The fact is, he confessed with blunt honesty: ‘We have acted very corruptly against You.’ He placed no ‘positive spin’ upon the facts, one that would minimize Israel’s failure. Already we perceive that Nehemiah understood that God’s restoration would come to the people, not because they deserved it, but because of God’s faithfulness.” (Page 160)

“Scripture shows that godly leaders feel pain. Like the Suffering Servant foretold in Isaiah, they are men and women of sorrow who are acquainted with grief (Is. 53:3). We who lead in God’s kingdom might do well to repeat the prayer of Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision: ‘May my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.’ If we are open to feeling God’s heart for the world and its hurting people, then we will be leaders who grieve.” (Page 162)