Suspended ministrations restored.
Nehemiah, on his return, soon discovers another serious evil which his absence had occasioned; and, with his usual promptness, ability, and energy, corrects it.
I. THE SERIOUS IRREGULARITY WHICH HAD ARISEN. The services of the temple, if not discontinued, had been deprived of much of their dignity and impressiveness by the withdrawal of the Levites, including the singers, from their duties. Their appointed daily allowances (Nehemiah 12:47) had been withheld, and they had retired to their fields to obtain a livelihood by other employments.
II. ITS CAUSES.
1. Nehemiah's absence. His presence and authority were as yet necessary to keep all classes to their duty. The reformation he had effected was not sustained by any vital change in the hearts of rulers or people. Their resolutions, so solemnly made under excitement (Nehemiah 10:1-39.), were superficial and short-lived.
2. The indifference and negligence of the rulers (verse 11), who should have taken care that the regulations were observed.
3. The unfitness for his office of the high priest. He ought to have deemed as his own the interests of the inferior ministers of the sanctuary. But his misconduct, as related in verses 4, 5—whether the lack of offerings gave opportunity for it, or was occasioned by it—shows how little likely he was to concern himself about them, so long as his own position and gains were not affected.
4. The covetousness of the people. They are reproved by Malachi about this time for robbing God by withholding the tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:8). Had they furnished the means, the treasurers would hardly have failed to supply the Levites; or if these had proved unfaithful (as seems hinted in verse 13), the people could surely have secured the substitution of others.
5. Probably the worldliness of the Levites themselves. If their hearts had been in their work it is likely they would have found means of continuing in it. A general declension had evidently taken place, and the various classes would act and react on each other to increase the degeneracy of all.
III. ITS CORRECTION. Nehemiah—
1. Remonstrated with the rulers.
2. Gathered and reinstated the Levites.
3. Restored the general payment of tithes and offerings.
4. Appointed as treasurers men of good repute, to receive the contributions of the people, and thence "distribute unto their brethren."
IV. NEHEMIAH'S PRAYER THEREUPON. Is expressive of—
1. Satisfaction with his work. Could think of it before God as an evidence of his love for God's house.
2. Confident expectation of Divine recognition, acceptance, and recompense of his work. He could expect little of these from the men whose disorders he had corrected. Enough if God approved.
3. Humility. "Wipe not out," etc; as he felt might justly be done. Comp. verse 22: "Spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy." To interpret these appeals to God as "prayer for posthumous fame" is surely to miss their meaning.
In conclusion, notice—
1. The duty of zealously maintaining the public worship of God. All combining according to their ability. Some ministering, others contributing money or money's worth; some faithfully using their talent for management, others exercising their authority to correct abuses and reprove negligence. Those who love God's house will deem such services a privilege and honour. Those who withhold support deserve reproof, and have no right to complain of defective ministrations. "A scandalous maintenance makes a scandalous ministry."
2. The Divine recognition and reward of practical love to the house of God.
3. The worth to a Church of able, devoted, and noble-minded leaders.