God put into my heart…

[1] Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, [2] That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. [3] And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house. [4] Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded. [5] And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein, …[73] So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities. Nehemiah 7

The wall is built but the work is not finished. Nehemiah needs to fortify the city. He puts his brother, Hanani, and Hananiah, the ruler of the palace, in charge of Jerusalem. The reason was a simple one; they were faithful and feared God.

Plans are then made for when the gates will be opened and closed. Watches are set to guard the city and its inhabitants.

Nehemiah then sets to the task of putting together a genealogy. As the task was being undertaken a register was found listing the families.

The reason for the genealogy undertaking is because “God put into my heart to … reckon by genealogy.” Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible states, “God put into mine heart - With this good man every good thing was of God. If he purposed any good, it was because God put it into his heart; if he did any good, it was because the good hand of his God was upon him; if he expected any good, it was because he earnestly prayed God to remember him for good. Thus, in all his ways he acknowledged God, and God directed all his steps.”

Nehemiah, a man of fortitude, made sure everything was in place. He was led by the Lord in all he did.

Am I led by the Lord in all I do? Are you? My mantra needs to be:

[5] Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Have a blessed day,
Donna