BIBL104 - Kings & Leaders
The Story of the Old Testament
The narrative of the Old Testament begins with the creation and the fall of Adam. Following the death of Noah, scripture presents the story of the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. From there the story of the twelve tribes unfolds with Joseph being sold into Egypt. Though Joseph grew in prosperity in the kingdom, the Isrealites were found in bondage and were delivered through Moses and the ten plagues. During that period Moses wrote the Torah.
Joshua, Moses' successor, leads the Israelites into the Promised Land, conquering cities and allocating territories to each tribe. After Joshua's death, the period of the Judges ensues, a time characterized by cycles of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance. The narrative progresses with the Israelites' desire for a king to lead them, mirroring the practices of surrounding nations. Samuel, the last judge, anoints Saul as the first king of Israel. However, Saul's disobedience to God's commands leads to his rejection, and Samuel anoints David, a shepherd boy, as the next king. David, a man after God's own heart, establishes a powerful and prosperous kingdom.
Solomon, David's son, succeeds him as king. Known for his wisdom and wealth, Solomon builds the first Temple in Jerusalem, a magnificent structure dedicated to the worship of God. After Solomon's death, the kingdom divides into two: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The Old Testament concludes with the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of the Israelites in Babylon. Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel provide spiritual guidance and hope during this period of exile. Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah play crucial roles in the restoration of the Temple and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Zerubbabel (Planted in Babel) & Ezra
Zerubbabel and Ezra played pivotal roles in the history of the Israelites after the Babylonian exile. Their leadership and dedication were instrumental in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the restoration of the Jewish community. In 538 BC, the first year of Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, a decree was issued allowing the exiled Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. Zerubbabel, a descendant of King David, was appointed governor of Judah and led a group of about 40,000 people back to their homeland.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Zerubbabel and his followers were determined to rebuild the altar and the Temple. They laid the foundation of the Second Temple in 536 BC, but the construction was interrupted due to opposition from neighboring nations.
Around 80 years later, in the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerxes I, king of Persia, Ezra, a priest and scribe, led another group of Israelites back to Jerusalem. Ezra was a knowledgeable scholar and was commissioned by the king to teach the laws and commandments of God to the people. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Ezra discovered that many of the Israelites had intermarried with the neighboring nations and adopted their customs. He initiated a series of reforms, urging the people to return to their ancestral faith and traditions. He also played a crucial role in the compilation and editing of the Hebrew Bible, ensuring the preservation of the sacred texts for future generations. (Ezra 7)
Nehemiah: A Great Leader and Hero
Nehemiah was a great leader and hero, who reformed Jerusalem. He had a strong personality and put his trust in God, despite the many difficulties he faced along the way. He is a good symbol of prosperity, success and leadership. Born in exile from a Jewish family, he became the cupbearer of King Artaxerxes in the Persian Empire. In this high position he was responsible for protecting the King and gained the King’s trust. As cupbearer, Nehemiah was entrusted with the King's safety, ensuring that the King's drink was not poisoned. This intimate role allowed Nehemiah to gain the King's confidence and favor, which would later prove crucial in his mission to rebuild Jerusalem.
In the 12th year of the king, Nehemiah knew about the situation of the people in Jerusalem. The words of Nehemiah describe this situation:
It came to pass in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the citadel, that Hanani one of my brethren came with men from Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” Nehemiah 1:1-3
Overwhelmed with grief, Nehemiah wept for days. In response, he engaged in fasting and prayer. With unwavering determination, he approached King Artaxerxes, requesting permission to return to Jerusalem and lead the effort to rebuild the city's wall. Recognizing the sincerity and concern of Nehemiah's, King Artaxerxes granted his request. Equipped with the king's support, Nehemiah embarked on his mission, arriving in Jerusalem to begin the daunting task of restoring the city's fortifications.
With God's grace and the collaboration of his fellow Israelites, Nehemiah led an incredible feat. In a remarkable display of efficiency and unity, the wall of Jerusalem was completed in just 52 days. This achievement stands as a testament to Nehemiah's exceptional leadership skills, his ability to inspire and motivate others, and his unwavering faith in God.
The book of Nehemiah serves as both a historical record of Nehemiah's return to Jerusalem and a theological exploration of the re-establishment of God's people, encompassing both physical and spiritual restoration. Nehemiah himself is a great example for any modern successful leader. Through careful examination and meditation, we can glean eight key principles that exemplify effective Christian leadership.
These principles encompass a range of leadership qualities, including prayerfulness, vision, strategic thinking, courage, perseverance, team building, humility, and dependence on God. Nehemiah's ability to envision a rebuilt Jerusalem, his consistent prayer for guidance and protection, his courage in the face of opposition, his perseverance through numerous challenges, his strategic planning and organization, his skill in mobilizing and empowering others, his humility before God and others, and his unwavering reliance on God's provision and strength all serve as a model for Christian leaders today. The principles gleaned from Nehemiah's example can be applied in a variety of contexts, including church leadership and even secular workplaces. Ultimately, the book of Nehemiah provides a rich source of wisdom and inspiration for anyone seeking to lead with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to God's purposes.
1.Prayerfulness: Recognize the Issue & Present it to God
In the ancient city of Jerusalem, which symbolized the soul, Nehemiah's heart was deeply troubled. He yearned for news of his brethren, the Jews who had escaped captivity and returned to their homeland. With great concern, he inquired of Hanani and other men from Judah about the state of the city and its people: “That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.” Nehemiah 1:2
Upon learning of the desolate condition of Jerusalem, Nehemiah's soul was filled with grief. It was as if the ruin of his own soul weighed heavily upon him. He could not dismiss the plight of the people, claiming it was not his problem or that he had no personal connection to the city. Instead, Nehemiah recognized the distress of the people and felt a profound sense of care for the city of his ancestors and the temple of God. Jerusalem, he realized, represented the very essence of the soul. Its ruin caused him immeasurable sadness.
With tears streaming down his face, Nehemiah mourned the loss of his beloved city and its people. He refused to turn a blind eye to their suffering, declaring that he could not ignore their plight simply because he did not reside in Jerusalem or had not been born there. Nehemiah's empathy for the people of Jerusalem was palpable. He felt their pain as if it were his own. His tears were genuine, his fasting and prayers fervent. Through his actions, he demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his people and his unwavering faith in God.
In his time of sorrow, Nehemiah turned to God, pouring out his heart in praise and supplication. He reminded God of His promises and sought His divine intervention. "When I heard these words," Nehemiah proclaimed, "I sat down and wept and mourned for days and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven."
Nehemiah's prayer, recorded in Nehemiah 1:5-11, reveals the depth of his faith, his understanding of God's promises, and his unwavering commitment to seek God's guidance and favor. His prayer began with an acknowledgment of God's greatness and majesty. He addressed God as the "Lord God of heaven," emphasizing His sovereignty and authority over all creation. Nehemiah also recognized God's faithfulness in keeping His covenant and mercy with those who love Him and obey His commandments. This understanding of God's character and faithfulness set the stage for Nehemiah's heartfelt supplication.
“And I said: “I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who Keep Your Covenant and mercy with those who love you and observe Your commandments, please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both my father’s house and I have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, nor the ordinances which You commanded Your servant Moses. Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations; but if you return to Me, and keep My commandments and do them, though some of you were cast out to the farthest part of the heavens, yet I will gather them from there, and bring them to the place which I have chosen as a dwelling for My name.’ Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power, and by Your strong hand. O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name; and let Your servant prosper this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”” Nehemiah 1:5-11
With humility and a deep sense of responsibility, Nehemiah confessed the sins of the children of Israel, including his own father's house. He acknowledged that they had acted corruptly and had failed to keep God's commandments, statutes, and ordinances. Nehemiah's willingness to take ownership of the sins of his people demonstrated his genuine repentance and his desire for forgiveness and restoration.
Nehemiah then reminded God of His promise to Moses. He recalled God's words, "If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations; but if you return to Me, and keep My commandments and do them, though some of you were cast out to the farthest part of the heavens, yet I will gather them from there, and bring them to the place which I have chosen as a dwelling for My name." This promise provided hope and assurance to Nehemiah, knowing that God was willing to forgive and restore His people if they turned back to Him.
Nehemiah pleaded with God to hear his prayer and the prayers of those who desired to fear God's name. He asked for God's ear to be attentive and His eyes to be open to their supplications. Nehemiah understood that true success and prosperity for himself and his people depended on God's favor and blessing. He sought God's mercy and guidance to enable him to carry out the task of rebuilding Jerusalem and leading the people of Israel in righteousness and obedience.
Nehemiah's prayer exemplifies the power of humble, sincere, and faith-filled intercession. His deep knowledge of scripture, his understanding of God's character, and his unwavering trust in His promises empowered him to pray with boldness and confidence. Nehemiah's prayer serves as a model for all believers who desire to see God's will accomplished in their lives and in the world.
2.Vision and Plan
Nehemiah was a man with a vision and a plan. He saw the need for the wall to be rebuilt, and he knew that he was the one to do it. He had a clear picture in his mind of what the finished wall would look like, and he was determined to make it a reality. But Nehemiah didn't just have a vision; he also had a plan. He knew that he couldn't do it alone, so he sought the permission of the King to build Jerusalem. He also requested a letter for the timber and wood from the Keeper of the King's Forest. He showed the King how he put God first, others second, and himself last.
The King was impressed by Nehemiah's vision and plan, and he granted all of his requests. He even appointed Nehemiah as a Governor and gave him horses and guards to escort him on his journey from Persia to Jerusalem. Nehemiah knew that God was with him, and he prayed to God for guidance and strength. He also planned his actions carefully. He spent about a month thinking and planning what he might need to be able to build the wall. He set priorities and made a list of what was needed. He also followed the rules and respected authority.
When it was time to take action, Nehemiah set out his priorities. He knew that the most important thing was to build the wall, so he focused all of his efforts on that. He also knew that he needed to keep the people motivated, so he held regular meetings and encouraged them to keep working. Nehemiah's vision and plan were successful. The wall was rebuilt in just 52 days, and the people of Jerusalem were overjoyed. Nehemiah had shown them that anything is possible if you have a vision, a plan, and the determination to see it through.
As a leader, you should always plan for what you need before you start the action. Have a clear list of what is needed and also follow the rules and respect authority.
3.Unite, inspire and encourage the people
Nehemiah's first step was to carefully inspect the wall of Jerusalem, assessing its condition and identifying the extent of the work required. This thorough assessment allowed him to develop a clear and achievable goal for the project. “Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come let us rebuild the wall of reproach.” I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king’s words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, “Let us arise and build.” So they put their hands to the good work.” Nehemiah 2: 17-18
Once Nehemiah had a clear plan in mind, he shared his vision with the people. He spoke passionately about the importance of rebuilding the wall, emphasizing the benefits it would bring to the community. He shared his personal experiences, including the favor of God and the support of the king, to instill confidence and trust.
Crucially, Nehemiah sought to align the goals of the people with his own. He encouraged them to understand the reasons behind the work, emphasizing how it would benefit their lives and the future of Jerusalem. By creating a shared sense of purpose, Nehemiah was able to unite the people and inspire them to work together towards a common goal.
Nehemiah's leadership strategy offers valuable insights for leaders today. Effective leaders should take the time to study the situation and inspect the condition before initiating any project. They should set clear and achievable goals, ensuring that everyone involved has a shared understanding of what needs to be accomplished. Furthermore, leaders should actively encourage and inspire their teams. They should communicate the reasons behind the work and help people understand how it aligns with their personal and organizational goals. By creating a shared sense of purpose and inspiring a vision of a better future, leaders can unite people and unlock their potential to accomplish great things.
4.Perseverance: Focus & don’t get distracted
In the midst of adversity and opposition, Nehemiah's unwavering focus and determination serve as a testament to the power of staying on track. When faced with the ridicule and contempt of his enemies, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, Nehemiah refused to be swayed from his purpose. Drawing strength from his faith in God, he boldly proclaimed that the God of heaven Himself would prosper their endeavors, and that they, as His servants, would arise and build.
“But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they laughed at us and despised us, and said “What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the King?”
So I answered them and said to them “ The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.” Nehemiah 2:19-20
Despite the enemies' mockery and attempts to undermine their work, Nehemiah remained steadfast in his resolve. He recognized that the task before them was not without challenges, but he believed in the power of unity and collaboration. Assigning different gates to different groups, he enabled the people to work in parallel, thereby accelerating the construction of the wall.The mockery however did not cease:
“Now it came about that when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and very angry and mocked the Jews. He spoke in the presence of his brothers and the wealthy men of Samaria and said, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Are they going to restore it for themselves? Can they offer sacrifices? Can they finish in a day? Can they revive the stones from the dusty rubble, even the burned ones?” Now Tobiah the Ammonite was near him and he said, "Even what they are building - if a fox should jump on it, he would break their stone wall down!”Nehemiah 4: 1-3
Yet, Nehemiah persevered and united all once more to prayer: “Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.” (Nehemiah 4:9) Nehemiah understood the importance of protecting the morale and well-being of his people. To this end, he prayed to God for divine intervention, seeking His defense and guidance. Recognizing that the enemies' mockery could potentially demoralize the workers, he took proactive steps to ensure that they did not feel discouraged or defeated.
Nehemiah's exemplary leadership qualities shine through in his ability to stay focused on the work at hand, his unwavering faith in God, his commitment to protecting his people, and his willingness to adapt and innovate in the face of obstacles.
5.Humility: Reevaluate & update the plan
Nehemiah demonstrated strong leadership by taking decisive action to protect the city and its inhabitants (Chapter 4:13-23). This process involved:
- Assessment of Risks: Nehemiah carefully analyzed the threats posed by his enemies and identified areas of vulnerability in his plan. He recognized that the builders were exposed to attacks while working on the walls.
- Division of Labor: To mitigate these risks, Nehemiah divided the people into two groups: one group responsible for building the walls and the other for guarding the city. This strategic division of labor allowed for both construction to continue and security to be maintained.
- Preparation for Defense: Nehemiah instructed the builders to keep their weapons ready at all times. He also implemented a communication system using trumpets to signal an attack, ensuring that everyone could respond quickly and effectively.
Recognizing the persistent threat, he strategically assigned multiple groups to guard different gates, ensuring comprehensive coverage and minimizing vulnerabilities. He divided responsibilities effectively, designating specific individuals for building and others for guarding, optimizing productivity and security.
Emphasizing preparedness, Nehemiah instructed the builders to keep their weapons readily accessible, enabling them to respond swiftly to any potential attack. Implementing a clear communication system, he utilized a trumpet to signal alerts and coordinate defense efforts in case of an emergency.
Proactively managing risks, Nehemiah continuously reevaluated his plan and made necessary adjustments to address evolving circumstances. He identified potential dangers and provided guidance on how to mitigate them, equipping the people with the knowledge and strategies to navigate challenges effectively. Transparent and inclusive in his leadership, he openly shared the risks with the community, fostering trust and encouraging collective responsibility for their safety and well-being.
6. Deal with the surprises
Nehemiah confronted unexpected challenges that threatened the success of his mission to rebuild Jerusalem. In the face of these surprises, he demonstrated remarkable resilience and wisdom. In the book of Nehemiah, we encounter a passage where he addresses the exploitation of his fellow Israelites by their own leaders, who were exacting usury from them.
““And I became very angry when I heard their outcry and these words. After serious thought, I rebuked the nobles and rulers, and said to them, “Each of you is exacting usury from his brother.” So I called a great assembly against them. 8 And I said to them, “According to our ability we have redeemed our Jewish brethren who were sold to the nations. Now indeed, will you even sell your brethren? Or should they be sold to us? 9 Then I said, “What you are doing is not good. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?” Nehemiah 5:6-9
Nehemiah recognized the injustice of this situation and the potential for it to bring reproach upon the Israelites from their gentile enemies. With righteous anger, he called a great assembly and confronted the nobles and rulers, demanding that they cease their oppressive practices. Their respond was immediate: “But through Nehemiah’s strength of leadership the people followed him. “So they said, “We will restore it, and will require nothing from them; we will do as you say.” Nehemiah 5:12
Nehemiah's leadership shines through in his ability to address internal issues promptly and firmly. He understood that as a leader, he had a responsibility to ensure justice and maintain the integrity of the community. This is no easy feat. By addressing the problem of usury head-on, he demonstrated his commitment to the well-being of his people.
However, Nehemiah's challenges did not end there. He also encountered a conspiracy to kill him, orchestrated by Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, who sought to discourage and disrupt the work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6:1-9). Nehemiah faced these threats with unwavering determination, seeking strength from God and refusing to be intimidated by his enemies: “For they all wanted to frighten us. Thinking they will become discouraged with the work and it will not be done. But now O God, strengthen my hands.” Nehemiah 6:9
Despite the relentless opposition, Nehemiah remained focused on his mission. He recognized that the true enemy was not those who plotted against him but Satan, the adversary who sought to hinder the work of God. Nehemiah chose to keep his focus on the task at hand, knowing that the Lord was his refuge and strength.
As a leader, Nehemiah teaches us how to face unexpected surprises. He emphasizes the importance of addressing internal issues promptly and firmly, starting with self-reflection and leading by example. He also reminds us of the need to be vigilant against external threats and to seek strength from God in times of adversity.
7. Organization & Setting Rules
- Gathering and Registration:
After the wall was built and the doors hung, Nehemiah appointed gatekeepers, singers and Levites, the faithful people in charge of Jerusalem. Nehemiah recognized the need to gather and register the nobles, rulers, and people: And my God put into my heart to gather the nobles, and the rulers and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy...” Nehemiah 7:5 This act of organizing and documenting the community ensured order and accountability. It allowed for a clear understanding of who was responsible for what and provided a solid foundation for future tasks.
- Assignment of Responsibilities:
Nehemiah instructed them when to open the city doors and appointed guards at the doors and in front of the houses. He appointed gatekeepers, singers, and Levites to take care of the city's daily operations. He entrusted these faithful people with specific responsibilities, ensuring that the city would function smoothly and securely. This delegation of authority demonstrated his trust in his people and his commitment to empowering them.
- Humility and Gratitude:
Nehemiah's actions after completing the wall reveal his humility and gratitude. He did not seek to glorify himself or remain in power but instead gave credit to God for the work's success. This attitude reminds leaders to recognize that their achievements are a result of divine guidance and that they should always remain humble and grateful.
- Celebration and Dedication:
Nehemiah organized a grand celebration and dedication ceremony to mark the completion of the wall. “Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 This event brought the community together, fostering unity and a sense of accomplishment. It also served as a reminder of the importance of dedicating their work to God and seeking His blessings.
Nehemiah's example teaches us several essential lessons for leaders:
- Establish clear organizational structures and responsibilities to ensure accountability and efficiency.
- Celebrate successes and acknowledge the contributions of others, fostering a positive and motivating work environment.
- Delegate tasks and empower team members, trusting them to take ownership and make meaningful contributions.
- Remain humble, recognizing that true success comes from divine guidance and support.
- Take time to celebrate milestones and achievements, bringing the team together and reinforcing a sense of purpose.
8. Follow up on the achievement
After successfully rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and restoring order to the city, Nehemiah realized the importance of following up on his accomplishments and ensuring their sustainability. However, several problems arose that threatened the progress that had been made. One issue was the presence of Tobiah, an Ammonite official who had previously opposed Nehemiah's efforts. Tobiah had been granted a room within the temple complex, which was a violation of Jewish law. This act not only compromised the sanctity of the temple but also provided Tobiah with a foothold within the city.
Another problem was the neglect of the house of God. The Levites and singers, who were responsible for leading worship and maintaining the temple, had abandoned their duties and returned to their fields. This resulted in a lack of religious observance and a decline in spiritual fervor among the people. Additionally, the Sabbath was being desecrated as people engaged in work and trade on this holy day. Moreover, some Jews were marrying foreign women, which was forbidden by Jewish law. These actions threatened the distinctiveness and unity of the Jewish community.
Recognizing the gravity of these issues, Nehemiah decided to return to Jerusalem after some time in Babylon where he had resumed his position. He sought permission from King Artaxerxes to return and address the problems that had arisen. Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, Nehemiah was deeply grieved when he learned about the extent of the evil that had been done by Eliashib, the high priest. Eliashib had not only allowed Tobiah to occupy a room in the temple but had also prepared a lavish space for him. This room had been used to store grain offerings, frankincense, religious articles, tithes, and offerings for the Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and priests.
Nehemiah took decisive action to correct these issues. He ordered Tobiah to be expelled from the temple, and the rooms were thoroughly cleaned and restored to their original purpose. He then summoned the Levites and singers and urged them to return to their duties. He also ensured that the city gates were not opened on the Sabbath, preventing people from engaging in work and trade on that day.
Furthermore, Nehemiah addressed the issue of intermarriage by confronting the people who had married foreign women. He firmly reminded them of God's law and the importance of preserving the purity and distinctiveness of the Jewish community. He urged them to take an oath not to marry outside the Jewish faith.
An Exemplary Leader
The book of Nehemiah is not only a historical account of Nehemiah’s return to Jerusalem but also about re-establishing God’s people both physically and spiritually. His relationship with God is what guides him to be a successful leader. We learn key precepts of leadership by examining Nehemiah’s plans and acts.
We can learn a lot from the Book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah himself is a great example for any modern successful leader. He shows the importance of accountability and confidence. He illustrates the importance of having a clear vision and strategic planning. He showed courage in the face of danger and he had courage to bear the responsibility of leadership. He focused on his plans and influenced the people around him through excellent communication skills. He had humility and integrity and showed positivity and resiliency when doubters emerged. He was able to adapt to changes, cooperate with others and delegate duties. In the end he successfully followed up the achievement.