8). The completion of the wall. 6:15

a). The second phase of Nehemiah’s plan was completed. This was not the completion of the project though. Remember that Nehemiah
was not only rebuilding the walls. We need to be reminded that the city had been surrounded by protective walls in the
centuries before.

(1). David took the city from the Jebusites. 2 Samuel 5:6-9
(2). The enemies of Israel. 2 Chronicles 21:16,17
(3). Joash King of Israel broke into the city of Jerusalem and took treasures.
2 Kings 14:13,14
(4). Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the city. 2 Kings 25:10

b). The walls were simply physical barriers which could be breached. What the people needed to understand was that the walls were a symbol of their obedience to and separation unto God. Without the walls, the Jews were a disobedient, dispersed nation. It was not about protection, it was about submission! The army of Israel on the walls could not withstand the military forces of the world. This had been proved before. The people needed the walls to remind them that they were the people of God – His chosen people in His chosen place.

A church identity is manifested by love for God, His Word, and a holy life. The church is not separated by a wall, but by the Word.

Read 1 Peter 2:1-10.

The walk of the believer begins in the heart and is manifested in action. The walk of the Jews began in their hearts and resulted in actions – building the wall!

Now – Remember Nehemiah’s initial question concerning Jerusalem –

Nehemiah 1:2 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.

He was concerned for the state of the people. He was still concerned for the state of the people which involved their relationship with God. He began Phase three which would build their sense of community and their submission, obedience, and service to God.

c. Phase three – requirements for security. 7:1-73

1). Installation of faithful leadership. 7:1,2

a). They were dedicated men of God.
b). They were devoid of leadership skill. This revealed itself in time.
The people did not follow them as they had followed Nehemiah.
Refer to Nehemiah 13:1-9 We will examine this further in chapter 13

This situation reveals the difficulty for second or third generation leaders. If the man cannot instill trust and respect from the people, no matter how much faith he has, or experience, or ability, he will not be able to lead the people in growth, and in most instances will not be able to maintain the level his predecessor achieved.
After Solomon, out of nineteen kings of Judah, only eight kings were faithful to God. There were four faithful kings that had faithful sons who were good kings. It is also interesting to note that four unfaithful kings, ungodly men who turned from the ways of the Lord, had good sons that were faithful to God and sought to reform the nation.
The problem is not restricted to governing nations or pastoring churches. It is seen as occurring in every area of life which reveals it is inherent in human nature.

In every area of life we must know that we are doing God’s will. Too many times believers separate their lives into secular and spiritual. We must realize that our lives are under the authority of God – all spiritual. Remember Paul’s admonition to the leaders of the churches in Acts 20:28. They were in their positions according to the will of God and they must take those positions seriously. We cannot force people to follow, that is their choice and God is holding them personally accountable to follow the leaders He has placed before them. But the leader must lead with courage and conviction that he is doing God’s will.

2). Implementation of security measures. 7:3
3). Initiated a registry of families. 7:4-69

a). Determine citizenship.
b). Determine property rights.
c). Determine priesthood.

4). Investing financially to support the work. 7:70-73