Passage
Nehemiah 7:1-73 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
Integrity and the Fear of God
Date: Nov. 10, 2014
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 7:2
First, appoint someone who fears God (1-3). Nehemiah did not choose the gatekeeper of Jerusalem from among smart or strong men. He appointed someone of integrity who feared God more than most people do. Such a person blesses the whole community.
Second, the registry of returned exiles (4-73). God put it in Nehemiah's heart to list the returned exiles by family. He found the genealogy of the first returnees. Nearly 100 families or towns are mentioned. He numbered the priests, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers, temple servants, and servants of Solomon. The whole company numbered 42,360, besides 7,337 slaves and 245 singers. Some could not prove their Israelite descent, including Tobiah, and were excluded from the priesthood as unclean (Gentiles). The governor and family heads gave gifts for the temple.
Prayer: Lord, give us and make us leaders of integrity who fear you.
One Word: People of integrity who fear God
