Nehemiah – The Noontimes

Nehemiah 6:1-14: A Great Enterprise

Nehemiah 6:1-14: A Great Enterprise

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

I am engaged in a great enterprise and am unable to come down; why should the work stop, while I leave it to come down to you?

In this portion of the rebuilding story, Nehemiah knows that Israel’s enemies – Sanballat and Gesham – plot against them, trying to create problems for the Jewish people as they rebuild their city and temple. They invite the builder to the plain of Ono – about 25 miles northwest of Jerusalem – in a plot to harm him. If he does not meet with him, they threaten, they will alert the king of Persia that Nehemiah was planning to make himself king. Nehemiah refuses their “invitation,” turning away outside threats.

We also read about the advice given to Nehemiah by Shemaiah, a prophet who was likely paid by Sanballat and Tobiah to lure the builder into breaking an important law – lay people were allowed to seek asylum by grasping the horns of the altar in the courtyard, but were not permitted to enter into the temple itself. Nehemiah fends off this “invitation” and another from the prophetess Noadiah, turning away threats from within. (Mays 348)

What was it that called these outer and inner enemies to want to overthrow Nehemiah? As we see in the previous chapter, he has the well-earned reputation of being a man lacking self-interest, he cannot be bought or bribed, and the enterprise he has undertaken is going well. His work goes well because it is God’s work, and Nehemiah trusts God to see the work finished. Those who plot Nehemiah’s end do not understand this perhaps because they do not live their lives in this way. They do not see themselves as stewards of God’s grace for this is the great enterprise in which Nehemiah sees himself engaged. It is the huge project he will not forsake.

Today we hear a portion of the third chapter of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians read to us at Mass in which he explains this special stewardship with which each of us is charged: to share our talents – whatever they may be – with all, in order that we participate fully in God’s plan. Whether we know or believe this does not matter, we still carry this gift within, and we are meant to share it as Nehemiah shares: utterly, totally, and always. We are accountable for our own participation in the great enterprise.

Robert Morneau writes in today’s meditation and then poses questions in DAILY REFLECTIONS FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS: Waiting in Joyful Hope 2010-2011: Everyone is given the privilege and duty of being a steward of God’s grace . . . This stewardship, this receiving, nurturing, and sharing of God’s love and life, is a way of life and involves serious accountability . . . In what way are you called to be a steward of God’s grace? What is your unique gift? Do you have a sanctified vision of God’s plan of salvation?

rebuilding-the-wall-of-jerusalem-s[1] — *William Brassey: Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem*

Nehemiah will not be drawn away from what he sees to be the work that God has laid in his hands. He is confident of God’s call in his life, and the firmness of this belief is seen in the focus he gives to this work. He allows no influence – either from within his community or from outside it – to diminish his determination. In this way, he takes up the gift and privilege of serving God. In this way, he engages in the greatest enterprise any of us will ever know, the work of God’s incomprehensible yet breathtaking plan for our salvation.

A re-post from November 28, 2011.

Mays, James L., ed. HARPERCOLLINS BIBLE COMMENTARY. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1988. 348. Print.

Morneau, Robert F. DAILY REFLECTIONS FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS: Waiting in Joyful Hope 2010-2011. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2010

Images from: https://regehrlein.wordpress.com/2018/06/03/nehemiah-leader-of-wall-builders/ https://makezine.com/article/home/fun-games/model-of-herods-temple-continues-to/ and https://www.1st-art-gallery.com/William-Brassey-Hole/Rebuilding-The-Wall-Of-Jerusalem-Under-Nehemiah.html?srsltid=AfmBOooHHdg5TgGMVVW3wzPyRCxsNHCiTFHQ30OKt5NeKqKmsVvfpvFP

December 23, 2025

determination, Ephesians, focus, God’s plan, Nehemiah, Noadiah, Robert Morneau, Sanballat and Gesham, sanctity of salvation, sharing, Tobiah

Ezra 6: Rebuilding

Ezra 6: Rebuilding

Saturday, September 6, 2025

Written on January 8 and posted today as a Favorite . . .

The house is to be rebuilt . . .

*Habitat for Humanity Volunteers rebuild after a disaster in Nepal*

We are so often exhausted by life’s demands that we cannot experience joy when we hear good news . . . the house is to be rebuilt.

In today’s Noontime, King Darius reiterates the original command given by King Cyrus . . . the house is to be rebuilt. Nehemiah, the administrator, and Ezra, the priest, set about restoring the city and temple in Jerusalem. They travel through dangerous territory and carry with them a letter of safe-passage from their former enemy. They arrive in Jerusalem to find a pile of rubble so dense that horses cannot find a pathway – they must pick their way on foot through toppled stone. They return from exile most likely drained of energy, but there is hope and even joy because . . . the house is to be rebuilt.

I am struck by the concordance of the instructions in the decree we read today with the original description of the temple that Solomon built which we read in 1 Kings 7. God does not forget his promise to the Jewish nation that . . . the house is to be rebuilt.

Nor does God forget all that God has promised us, his daughters and his sons. Just like the destroyed temple, we too will be rebuilt and in fact are being rebuilt each day. We are the temple in which the Spirit dwells, and as the cares of the world tear at its pillars and nibble at is foundation, Jesus becomes the master planner who constantly offers to help us reconstruct. His constant attention and love remind us that . . . the house is to be rebuilt.

I am thinking of Psalms 126 and 127. Those who go out weeping return singing . . . we labor in vain unless the Lord is the master builder of our house.

Whatever our flaws, whatever our sorrows, all will be converted to joy for we are promised that . . . the house is to be rebuilt.

Whatever our obstacles, whatever our fears, they become our stepping stones to serenity once we remember that . . . the house is to be rebuilt.

A re-post from August 14, 2011.

For more on how Habitat for Humanity rebuilds after disasters, click on the image or visit: https://www.habitat.org/ap/our-work/rebuilding-after-disasters

September 6, 2025

1 Kings 7, builders, Darius, Ezra, fear, God the Father, Jesus, Jesus as the Master Builder, joy, Nehemiah, Psalms 126-127, serenity, Spirit, The Temple

Nehemiah 7: Seek Trust – Process

Nehemiah 7: Seek Trust – Process

Thursday, December 12, 2024

We often take a look at how the exiled people prepared to return to Jerusalem; we also reflect on how the people who journeyed home depending on God to protect them rather than troops and arms. Today we a look at the same story a little further along, and from a different perspective – that of the builder/administrator Nehemiah.

This rebuilding of all that has been lost is not an easy task; it is a long and arduous process and nothing ever feels complete. Indeed, the writer records that the enemies of Israel, once they hear that the walls and gates of that great city have been rebuilt, plot to bring the nation down again; yet even so, the people are exhorted to confide in God alone. We hear in Nehemiah’s own words (6:15) that our enemies lost much face in the eyes of the nations, for they knew that it was with God’s help that this work [of rebuilding] had been completed. Reading further, we see how plots and their schemers roil around these people who huddle in the ruined glory of their ancestors as they try to rebuild. The remnant nation is shielded from her enemies as restoration – through God – transforms rubble to beauty.

Once the outer structure is established, Nehemiah begins to re-organize within and he re-arranges the people to protect the little gain they have purchased. Being wise and following the call of Yahweh, Nehemiah knows that greed will spark jealousy in their enemies and so he takes a census to count the flock, to present them as delivered by their God.

We have visited with Ezra and Nehemiah before in the Noontimes, and we have watched this pair of men – the priest and the administrator – work in concord to save a humbled nation from harm as she returns home. We might marvel at the trust they place in God as they take on the responsibility of shepherding these faithful in their process of restoration.

When we allow God to assist us in our recovery from calamity . . . and when we have rebuilt the doors and gates of our precinct . . . when we have set up gatekeepers and appoint night watchmen to guard against further damage by old and wily foes . . . we must rely on God to put into our hands all the tools that we will continue to need as we once again flourish in the sun. For if we have trusted God with the great misfortunes on our lives, so must we trust him with the many small mishaps of the day. This God who loves us is capable of great and small deeds. When we find ourselves at stopping points in our process of rebirth, we will also need encouragement to continue to progress to full and joyful renewal and rejuvenation. When we place our trust in God, when we turn the long and difficult process over to the one who creates all good . . . then we too will want to take our census and to count ourselves as present and as saved by our God.

Image from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walls_of_Jerusalem

A Favorite from June 14, 2009.

December 12, 2024

calamity, census, Nehemiah, rebirth, rebuilding

Nehemiah 5: Self-Interest

Nehemiah 5: Self-Interest

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

How does Nehemiah confront oppression in the process of rebuilding Jerusalem? When we examine this chapter of his story, we find that Nehemiah operates with transparency, honesty, and generosity.

When Nehemiah receives God’s call, he answers it in a very big way; he does not do things in half measures. We see that he regards his work in re-building as his vocation and he does not take monetary re-payment for the work of the rebuilding. Nor does he take credit for this amazing feat. In contrast to his predecessors, he takes no reimbursement for his work in the rebuilding Jerusalem’s city walls and Temple. He makes both the physical and financial outlay knowing that God will sustain him. In this way, Nehemiah shows us how to understand our true relationship with our creator.

Nehemiah is an excellent administrator who prays constantly, and who is constantly guided by God. He is neither self-serving nor glory seeking. He understands that God does all, and is all. He speaks with God as his good friend and says: Keep in mind, O my God, in my favor all that I did for this people.

Together with the priest, Ezra, Nehemiah creates a physical structure that enables the faithful to return to Yahweh. He invites the Jewish people, magistrates and peoples from all nations to his table – something unusual for an observing Jew of his era – yet he listens for God’s voice and does whatever is asked of him to realize the work laid out by his God. He rises over a foreign king, distant and local enemies, long-entrenched customs, gossip, and even the in-fighting raging around him in order to achieve this incredible goal of taking the rubble that surrounds him in order to participate in the making of God’s kingdom for both God and God’s people.

We, today, can be new Nehemiahs. We can create around us structures that are collegial, safe, and predictable. We can form relationships that are open, honest, and supportive. We can refrain from nay-saying, gossip and destructive thinking. We can seek solutions, listen more than we talk, think of self last, and remember that God does all and is all.

Adapted from a reflection written on December 23, 2007.

Tomorrow, praying with Nehemiah.

Image from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walls_of_Jerusalem

To read about walking the ramparts of Jerusalem, visit: https://www.waynestiles.com/blog/walking-atop-the-wall-of-jerusalem/

September 25, 2024

collegiality, Ezra, generosity, honesty, Nehemiah, predictability, safety, transparency

Nehemiah 1 and 2: Arrival in Jerusalem

Nehemiah 1 and 2: Arrival in Jerusalem

Sunday, September 22, 2024

Yesterday we reflected on Nehemiah’s exit from captivity and his arrival in Jerusalem. Today we pause to explore how Nehemiah begins the Lord’s restoration.

When Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem, he rests three days before he set[s] out at night with only a few other men. Three days, a few other men, apparent ruin, death and destruction, three days, restoration. Jesus fulfills the promise of restoration three days after his death.
Nehemiah had not spoken to anyone of his total plan for Jerusalem. He goes at night to investigate and when he does, the ruin is so complete that he has to dismount and continue on foot because there is too much rubble for his horse to traverse. He speaks to the magistrates and others of his plan and they reply: Let us be up and building! Those who have been left behind amid the bleak destruction respond to God’s call of hope which arrives with the administrator, Nehemiah. This is our season of Hope.
The hopeful are ridiculed and mocked by the aggressors; yet they maintain their newly found energy to rebuild. Nehemiah responds to the jeering: It is the God of Heaven who will grant us success. We, his servants, shall set about the rebuilding. They put their trust where it belongs – in God.

In a season that anticipates a time of Light and Hope, Restoration and Rebuilding, Turning and Returning to God, we have the opportunity to practice boldness in Christ Jesus. Let us respond to our Call together with the love of the Holy Spirit; and let us place our Trust in the one who most deserves that confidence, in God alone.

For with God all things are possible, even the gathering of the dispersed remnant from the farthest corners of the earth to be gathered into the promised dwelling place, the place of God’s name. For with God all things are possible, even resurrection after devastating and annihilating ruin to be gathered into the promised dwelling place, the place of God’s name.

For with God all things are possible, even the fulfillment of all of those dreams which seem so crazily and utterly hopeless to be gathered into the promised dwelling place, the place of God’s name.

For with God all things are possible, for this is the season of Hope. Amen.

Image from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/505951339358713567

September 22, 2024

boldness, hope, Nehemiah, trust God

Nehemiah 1 and 2: Rebuilding Walls

Nehemiah 1 and 2: Rebuilding Walls

*The Damascus Gate by night in Jerusalem*

Saturday, September 21, 2024

We visit with Nehemiah several times a year and each time we rediscover the themes of covenant, restoration, and rebuilding. Today’s reading takes us to the beginning of the restoration of Jerusalem after the northern invasion and the Babylonian exile. This book was written in about 430 B.C.E. and as it begins, we see Nehemiah, the Jewish man who serves as Cupbearer to the foreign king. Footnotes tell us this means that he was an important official who was allowed to come into the presence of not only the king but the queen as well. This would suggest that he was a eunuch but there is no evidence to support that fact. What we do understand is that he was highly placed in this foreign administration and we can guess, when we see his skills displayed throughout this story that he rose to that position through his skill. But there is an important element to this story. Nehemiah prayed constantly, and this praying kept him connected intimately with his creator. Nehemiah called on God continually for direction, and God gave direction to this good and loyal servant.

As the story begins, news arrives with several Jewish men who have just come from Judah, from Jerusalem. The news is not good; but filled with courage and a love of his God, Nehemiah responds to his creator’s call and so it is with a mixture of trepidation and courage that he goes to the king. As we read, we find several interesting points.

Today’s reading begins in the month of Chislev – the same month in which we will later see (in the year 165 B.C.E.) the celebration of the re-dedication of the temple which we were reading and reflecting about some days ago. We too are in the month of Chislev, and the celebration of Hannukah was just completed this week. The Festival of Light – the season of a small shaft of light piercing the intense darkness.
Should you prove faithless, I will scatter you among the nations; but should you return to me and carefully keep my commandments, even though your outcasts have been driven to the farthest corner of the world, I will gather them from there, and bring them back to the place which I have chosen as the dwelling place for my name. This is the covenant promise which Jesus fulfills four centuries later and which he continues to fulfill for us each day.
Nehemiah not only asks permission to visit his former city, he also asks for soldiers, protection, and permission to fell trees with which to rebuild the city and gates, and a house for himself. He does not do things by half-measures; he is totally and truly dedicated to God in temperance, patience, endurance and perseverance.

Tomorrow, arriving in Jerusalem.

Adapted from a Favorite written during Advent, on December 15, 2007.

Image from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jerusalem_Damascus_Gate_by_night.JPG

September 21, 2024

covenant promise, endurance, light pierces the darkenss, Nehemiah, patience, perseverance, temperance

Sirach 49:11-13: Heroes after Exile

Sirach 49:11-13: Heroes after Exile

Monday, May 22, 2023

Over the last several days, we reflected on the idea of taking a dare on the strength of the relationship between God and humanity. Today we return to a favorite as we reflect on Nehemiah, a man who led his people out of exile and created an environment in which they might become heroes. How might we live our own lives as new Nehemiahs?

Nehemiah was the administrator who brought his own money, sweat and tears to the reconstruction of the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem. He provided not only the structure, organization and the will, but the risk-taking attitude and perseverance to create the continuity between the pre and post exile worlds. He created an environment for the Word of God to flourish in the post-captivity Jerusalem. At various times over these several years as we have spent Noontime together, we have reflected on this man, this work, this wisdom, this patience, this persistence, this dedication and devotion to God. These are all qualities necessary for discipleship.

As we go about our lives we are continually called to rebuild and to reconstitute ourselves and others. We are called to Christ, the one who saves.

True heroes are those who understand that the saving work they do – their amazing feats, their miracles – come from God. They know that God is the source of all goodness and healing. And they praise God unceasingly in the midst of turmoil and strife. True heroes create structures and times and places in which God can dwell with the faithful. True heroes find reward in the endless suffering that accompanies discipleship. True heroes are rare. When we find them, we best hold on to them, and follow.

Adapted from a favorite from May 9, 2008.

To reflect on the nature of optimism, watch Tari Shalot’s Ted Talk on The Optimism Bias. Enter the name Nehemiah into the blog search bar and explore this man’s determination and willingness to take a risk. Click on the image of Nehemiah’s wall above to learn about the archeological work at Nehemiah’s wall and gate. Or visit: http://www.biblicalarchaeologytruth.com/nehemiahs-wall.html

Images from: http://www.bloggingtheologically.com/2009/03/09/lessons-from-nehemiah-1-humility/ and http://www.biblicalarchaeologytruth.com/nehemiahs-wall.html

May 22, 2023

Jerusalem, Nehemiah, optimism, Tari Shalot, the faithful

Nehemiah 8: Joy and the Law

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Nehemiah 8

Joy and the Law

We continue through the Old Testament looking for stories of joy that might surprise us. If today’s story calls you to search further, click on the word Joy in the categories cloud in the blog’s right hand sidebar and choose a reflection, or enter the word Joy in the blog search bar. You may also want to visit the Joy for the Journey blog at www.joyforthee.blogspot.com to see how joy surprises you there. Today our story is taken from the Book of Nehemiah.

The priest Ezra and the organizer Nehemiah bring the faithful back to Jerusalem to rebuild the, city, the temple and their relationship with Yahweh. The faithful find it in themselves to ask forgiveness, to ponder their recklessness and abandon. Yahweh receives the faithful with loving forgiveness. For Yahweh has been waiting with open arms all along their journey home.

We might find it difficult to understand what The Law really is, and last winter we spent a number of weeks reflecting with Psalm 119. In this series, we found a variety of ways in which we are called to perceive the concepts in the Mosaic Law and in the end we determined that this psalm – the longest Chapter in scripture – is actually an exchange of love letters between God the Creator and us, God’s creatures. This is what the stories in Nehemiah call us to today.

Nehemiah 8:9-10: And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 12:43: They offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. The joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.

What is this law that brings the faithful back to God?

Aleph, Beth, Gimel, Daleth, He . . . the first five letters in the Hebrew alphabet and the opening stanzas of this prayer of the Law. These letters bring us the understanding that we are made in God’s image of mercy, forgiveness and love. This is God’s promise.

Waw, Azyin, Heth, Teth, Yodh . . . the second five letters bring home to us the idea of trusting God beyond all others and all else. We also come to understand that joy is always somewhere hidden in sorrow. This is our portion.

Kaph, Lamed, Mem Nun, Samekh . . . kindness, transformation, dedication, insight, promise. These are the gifts we receive when we contemplate God’s law. These are the gifts that often only come through strife and contention. God promises that despite our portion of suffering, there will always be great joy. This is our call.

Ayin, Pe, Sadhe, Qoph, Resh . . . discernment, serenity, freedom, discipleship, eternal life. Once we begin to live in God’s Way rather than our own, we understand how and why we are Children of God. We understand that we are most free when we give ourselves over to God. We understand that we must die to self before we experience eternal life. This is our rescue.

Shin and Taw . . . the Law of Love arrives when the creator comes to walk among us as a man of flesh and bone. We are marked with the sign of Tau, claimed as God’s own. When we journey through and with God’s Law we begin to experience transformation. This is our redemption and our own resurrection from the life of the dead.

If we struggle to find how God’s Law brings more freedom and not less, we might spend time with this story. If we balk at the lesson that we must die in order to rise, we might spend time with this Psalm. Ezra and the Levites teach the people. Nehemiah organizes the work. Together these leaders and these people enact God’s Law. Together these leaders and these people find rejoicing in what had once been a great sorrow.

To investigate God’s Law in these stanzas, enter Psalm 119 in the blog search bar.

To learn more about Ezra and Nehemiah, spend time with the stories in these two books. Enter their names in the blog search bar and explore. Click on the images for other reflections. Or use the scripture link to compare different Bible versions of these verses.

Images from: http://dwellingintheword.wordpress.com/2012/12/13/944-psalm-11925-56/ and http://jennyrain.com/2011/09/gitzentats-you-create-choose-joy/

For more about anxiety and joy, click on the image above or visit: http://riselikeair.wordpress.com/2014/01/09/anxiety-joy-a-journey/

November 3, 2021

Ezra, joy, Nehemiah, Psalm 119, The Law

Ezra 6: Joy and Dedication

Monday, November 1, 2021

Ezra 6

Joy and Dedication

We move further into scripture looking for stories of joy that continue to surprise us. To explore other stories, click on the word Joy in the categories cloud in the blog’s right hand sidebar and choose a reflection, or enter the word Joy in the blog search bar. You may also want to visit the Joy for the Journey blog at www.joyforthee.blogspot.com to see how joy surprises you there. Today our story is taken from the Book of Ezra.

We dedicate buildings and highways, poems, novels and songs. We create solemn ceremonies and speak reverent words to remember the dead, the lost, and even the forgotten. In all of our endeavor to avoid past mistakes and to keep in mind past and present loved ones and sacred places, we will want to remember to also dedicate ourselves to service in God. For it is in this giving that we find eternal joy.

The people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. With joy they celebrated the festival of unleavened bread seven days; for the Lord had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel. (Ezra 6:16 & 22)

God says: I know that you appreciate all that your forbears have sacrificed for you, and that you also dedicate days and memorials to your many causes. But as you read these words in this moment of the time I have given to you, begin to dedicate yourself to the goodness I have planted within you. Take a step toward seeing a glimmer of goodness you find so difficult to encounter in your enemies. Step forward in a life of full and authentic dedication to creation. Commit to dedicating a few moments of each day to speaking and listening to me. In doing all of this you will find joy in the most surprising of times and places. This I promise to you.

Visit Ezra 6 today and spend some moments among the verses. Listen for God’s voice to speak to you.

To learn more about Ezra and Nehemiah, spend time with the stories in these two books. Enter their names in the blog search bar and explore. Click on the images for other reflections. Or use the scripture link to compare different Bible versions of these verses.

For a better understanding of these Books, go to: http://biblehub.com/dictionary/e/ezra-nehemiah.htm

Image from: http://chrisaltrock.com/tag/joy/

For more about anxiety and joy, click on the image above or visit: http://riselikeair.wordpress.com/2014/01/09/anxiety-joy-a-journey/

November 1, 2021

Ezra, God time, goodness, Nehemiah

Tag: Nehemiah

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