JOY OF JERUSALEM HEARD FROM AFAR!
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from all their homes and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyousH8057 dedication with thanksgiving and singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres . . . On that day they offered great sacrifices, RejoicingH8055 because God had given them great joyH8057. The women and children also rejoicedH8055, so that the joyH8057 of Jerusalem was heard from afar. And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoicedH8057 over the priests and Levites who were serving.
Nehemiah 12:27, 43-44
There was a resounding, rippling, reverberating sound of joy throughout Jerusalem that could be heard from afar! Why this exuberant celebration? Word had come to Nehemiah in Susa where he served as a cup bearer to the king, that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates burned down as well. He wept, fasted, and prayed for his homeland then courageously approached the king for leave to go repair the walls (Neh. 2). God answered his prayer, and he was given permission and safe passage to return to Jerusalem. God enabled Nehemiah to unify the people and lead them in rebuilding the city wall in only 52 days even with attacks from their enemies. Men carried building materials and tools in one hand and swords or spears in the other. Nehemiah records that “the people had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6b), and the Lord helped them achieve this fantastic feat. When the wall was complete, all the Levites were summoned from their homes. Nehemiah divided the singers into two groups, each walking a different direction around the wall so that the joyful sound echoed across Jerusalem. The remnant of God’s people had sought the Lord and returned from exile. Under Ezra’s leadership, God’s temple was restored. Now, under the direction of Nehemiah the walls surrounding Jerusalem were once again a strong fortress against their enemies. Nehemiah had prayed fervently for his nation, and God had mightily answered His prayer. Therefore, the sound of rejoicing was heard far and wide!
Nehemiah wept, fasted, and prayed for days, interceding on behalf of his nation. Our nation has strayed greatly from our Judeo-Christian heritage. We rant about blatant sin. We post memes about the state of our government. We may even participate in civil protests. How many of us weep, fast, and pray for America? How many of us intercede fervently for our national leaders? Perhaps less standing up to complain and more kneeling to humbly seek the Lord and repent of our sin and that of our country is in order.
Father, we ask Your forgiveness for the complacency we sometimes fall into concerning blatant sin. Please purify our own hearts and guide us in interceding for our nation. May America one day resound with the joy of returning to You, Lord!