We read in chapter 7, verse 4, that “the city was large and great: but the people were few therein.” Now in our chapter we find them casting lots so that one out of ten should dwell in Jerusalem, while the rest dwelt elsewhere. It is lovely to see here too that some willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem, doubtless out of love for the holy city that the Lord had chosen for His habitation. Jerusalem might be in ruins, yet faith could see that she was destined to arise out of the dust to be “the joy of the whole earth,... the city of the great King.” (Psa. 48:82). And in Psalm 122 we read: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee.”
It further says that the people blessed those who offered themselves willingly. There are those even now who admire devotion to Christ in others but who do not have the heart or courage to follow the same path themselves.
Following this we have a list given of those who dwelt in Jerusalem, and those who dwelt in other cities. This reminds us that the Lord keeps a record of all that is done for Him, and not one thing is forgotten. But we must be born again (John 3) before anything can be acceptable to Him. This list is continued in chapter 12 where we have also the dedication of the wall. Two companies were appointed to go upon the wall, to give thanks and to sing praises unto the Lord. Ezra led one company in one direction, while Nehiah led the other company in the other direction, and it would seem that both made a circuit of the walls until they met before the house of God. There, we read, they rejoiced: “for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off.” Even the children took part in praising God, and this should be an encouragement to even little ones, for “Children’s praise He loves to hear, Children’s songs delight His ear.”
At that time there were those ap-i pointed who should look after the offerings, the firstfruits and the tithes, while others led in the singing and praises unto God, according to the commandment of David and Solomon.
This rejoicing and praise, after the building of the wall, reminds us of Isaiah 26:1-31In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. 2Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. 3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:1‑3), which speaks also of the future blessing of Israel: “In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because He trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD forever: for in the LORD Jehovah is everlasting strength.”
We know that in Revelation 5 the song of praise begins with the redeemed in heaven. Then it is carried on don to earth and embraces all creation. But it is only the redeemed who are caught up there who sing that new song of glory to the Lamb that was slain. All who refuse to own Him as Saviour nowt will be left behind on earth for Hisi judgments.
ML 10/04/1959