Chambers

[4] And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah: [5] And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests. [6] But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king: [7] And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. [8] And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber. Nehemiah 13:4-8

As we continue through the last chapter of Nehemiah, you have to wonder, what was the priest thinking? Or was he thinking? Tobiah was an enemy not only to Nehemiah but to the things of God. The chamber in the house of God had been cleaned out to store the sacrifices and other items used in sacrifices. (Nehemiah 12:44) The priest went into the chamber and had it cleaned up and makes an apartment for Tobiah.  We are not told what the alliance was but historians believe Tobiah was married to a Jewess. 

Just picture the whole scene, Nehemiah has been away for awhile. He comes back to check and see how everything is running where he once was governor. He remembers how everything was left,  redistricting and everyone working together. I am sure the dedication and celebration are in his memory as he starts to go to the house of God.

Imagine his surprise and shock when he finds Tobiah in the house of God, living in a “great chamber.” In Nehemiah fashion, he does the right thing. He takes all of Tobias’s “household stuff” and throws it out of the chamber.

Are we filling the “chambers of our heart” with stuff that doesn’t belong there? Is it full of the “things of this world”? Where are your daily thoughts? Are they focused on the day’s activities or focused on what Jesus would have you do?

Review the following verses and make changes where needed.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21 

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:45 

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5 

Have a blessed day,
Donna