Positivity Successor - Episode 439 - Positivity Successor (Labor Day, NEHEMIAH CHAPTER)

Episode Date: September 7, 2026

Mental Health Awareness! ♥️🙏 Physical Health Awareness! ♥️🙏 Spiritual Health Awareness! ♥️🙏 Emotional Health Awareness! ♥️🙏 Labor Day 2026! 538-559 NEHEMIAH CHAPTER BIBLE! God Bless! Amen 🙏

Hey, positive people. Welcome to Positiveity Successor. Skagit from Monday through Sunday, including holidays, every season, every year, including leap year. Thanks to tune to the live channel, your podcast. God bless. Amen. Have a positive day. Welcome to Positive Successor Episode 439. Happy Labor Day. Today is the first of three-hour, one-hour, two-hour conversations of the Positive Successor podcast. Continue on with the Bible.

Let's get into it. with the chapter of Nahemia. So let's get into it. Nehemia. Who wrote this book? The author of Nehemia is unknown. Many people think the book was written by Ezra. Why was this book written?

The book of Nehemia tells how God used Nehemia to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. What happens in this book? Nehemia is made a god. is made governor of Judah. He has the Jews rebuild the city walls. Nehemia also helps the people of Judah stop living sinful lives. What do we learn about God in this book? God wants his people to be courageous, courageous, and keep on doing his work.

Who is important in this book? The important person in this book, is Nehemia. When did this happen? The events of this book happened between 44 and 430 BC. Where are some of the stories in this book? The walls are rebuilt. Nehemia 3. Nehemia helps the poor. Nehemia 5. Opposition to the rebuilding. Nehemia 6. Ezra reads God's. law, Nehemia 8. The Israelites confessed their sins. Nehemia 9.

Nehemia asked to be remembered. Nehemia 13. Nehemia's prayer. 1. The words of Nehemiah son of Hakalaya and the month of

Kisla live in the 20th year while I was in the Sidao of Sousa, Hanani. One of my brothers came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.

They said to me, those who survived the exile and are back in the province, providence are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire. When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said, O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps this covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands.

Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer. Your servant is praying before you day. and night for your servants. The people of Israel, I confess the sins we Israelites. Including myself and my father's house have committed against you.

We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees, and laws. You gave your servant Moses. Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations. But if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon,

I will gather them from there and bring them to the place. I have chosen as a dwelling for my name. They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive. To the prayer of this, your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name,

revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man. I was cupbearer to the king. People in Bible times. Cup bearer. The cup bearer was a very high government official in Bible times. It was an honor to fill the king's cup when he ate

and to taste the king's food and wine to be sure it was not poisoned. Ordinary people drank out of shallow clay cups, but kings drank out of cups made of gold and silver. Our taxerists sends Nehemia to Jerusalem. 2. In the month of Nissan and the 20th year of King Artaxerus, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, so the king asked me, why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart I was very much afraid But I said to the king

May the king live forever Why should my face not look sad When the city Where my fathers are buried lies in ruins And its gates have been destroyed by fire The king said to me What is it you want then I pray to the God of heaven

and I answer the king if it pleases me pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it then the king with the queen

sitting beside him asked me how long will you will your journey take and when will you get back? It pleased the king to send me so I set a time. I also said to him, if it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of transufrates so that they will provide me safe conduct until I arrive in Judah.

And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king, forest so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residents i will occupy and because the gracious hand of my god was upon me the king granted my requests so i went to the governors of trans euphrates and gave them the king's letter the king's letters. The king had also sent army officers in cavalry with me. When San Balat, the Horanite, and Tobiah, the Amonite official heard about this,

they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites. Nehemia inspects Jerusalem's walls. I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days, I sat out during the night with a few men. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. By night, I went. out through the valley gate toward jackal well in the dunn gate examining the walls of jerusalem which had been broken down in its gates which had been destroyed by fire then i moved on toward the fountain gate and the king's pool but there was not enough room for my mounts to get through so i had to went up to the valley by night, examining the wall.

Finally, I turned back and re-entered through the valley gate. The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. Then I said to them, You see the trouble we are in? Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire.

Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace. I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. They replied, let us start rebuilding so they began this good work

but when Sambalat the Horanite Tobaya the Ammonite official and Gashem the Arab heard about it they mocked and ridiculed

us what is this you are doing? They asked Are you rebelling against the king? I answered them by saying, the God of heaven will give us to success. We, his servants, will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or a historic right to it. Let's live it.

Nehemia 2 1 through 5. Fast, silent prayer. In Bible times, some kings would kill anyone who made then feel upset. Read Nehemia 2.1 through 5. Why was Nehemia afraid? What did Nehemia do when the king asked why he looked sad? We don't know what Nehemia prayed,

but it must have been a fast silent prayer because Nehemia answered the king's question right away. Can you think of times boys and girls might want to say fast? silent prayers. You might pray, God, help me remember what I studied just before you take a test, or you might quickly ask for safety when you have to walk to the bus stop on an icy sidewalk. Think of at least five situations and write down a fast prayer for each. It is good to know that God listens to fast, silent prayers, as well as two long ones. Builders of the wall

3 Eli Shib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the sheep gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the

100, which they dedicated in as far as the tower of Hananil. Hananil. The men of of Jericho built the adjoining section. Isakur, son of Emory, built next to them. The fish gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hesana.

They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. Merrimoth, son of Eurya, the son of Hacca's, Repair the next section. Next to him, Meshalam, some of Barakia, the son of Meshezabelle made repairs

next to him Zaduk. Sonabana also made repairs. The next section was repaired by the men of Takoa. But the nobles would not put their shoulders to the work

under the supervisors. The Jasana Gate was repaired by Jolada, Senepeza, and Mesulam, Sondabazdia. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. Next to them, repairs were made by men from Gibbyon and Mizpah. Melatia of Gibbon and Jadon of Maranaf Places under the authority of the governor of trans-Euphrates. Uziol Tsun of Harahya, one of the goldsmiths repaired the next section.

In Hanania, one of the perfume makers made repairs next to that. They restored Jerusalem as far as the broad wall. Broad wall. Raffaia, son of her ruler of the half district of Jerusalem, repair the next section adjoining this Jedia, Jadaia, son of her rump,

Ramah, Ramaf, made repairs opposite his house. And Hattush, son of Hashabinia, made repairs next to him.

Malaja son of Haram and Hashib, some of behalf of Malab, prepared another section in the tower of the ovens. Salam, son of

Halohash Rour the half district of Jerusalem repaired the next section with the help of his daughters The valley gate was repaired by Hanan In the residence of Zenoa They were built it and put its doors and boats and bars in place They also repaired 500 yards of the wall

As far as the Dungg gate The Dunge gate was repaired by Malkaja, son of Rakab, ruler of the district of Beth Harat, Hakaram. He rebuilt it and puts doors and boats and bars in place. The fountain gate was repaired by Shalom, son of Cole Jose, ruler of the district of Mizbah. He rebuilt it, roofing it over and putting its doors and bolts and bars in place. He also repaired the wall of the pool of Salome. By the king's garden, as far as the steps going down from the city of David.

Beyond him, Nehemia son of Buk, Rue of the Haphton, district of Beth Zir made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs of David as far as the artificial pool in the house of the heroes next to him the repairs were made by the Levites under Raham son of Bonnie beside him Hashabia ruler of half the district of Kula carried out repairs for his district next to him

the repairs were made by their countrymen under Benui son of Hennedad Ror of the other half district of Kila next to him

Azar son of Joshua Rora Mispah repaired another section from a point facing the ascent to the armory as far as the angle. Next to him, Baruch, son of Zabai, zealously repaired another section, from the angle to the entrance of the house of Eliasheb, the high priest.

Next to him, Maramoth, son of Yuria, the son of Hakas, repaired another section, from the entrance of Elijah's house to the end of it. The repairs next to them were made by the priest from the surrounding region. Beyond them, Benjamin and Hashub made repairs in front of their house, and next to them Azaria, some... Mazia, the son of Anania, made repairs beside his house. Next to him, Benui, son of Hanadad, repaired another section from Azaria's house to the angle and to the corner. And the corner.

And Palo, son of Uzai, worked opposite the angle and the tower, projecting from the upper. Palace near the court of the guard. Next to him, Padaea, son of Poros, and the temple servants living on the hill of Ophil, made repairs up to a point opposite the water gate toward the east and the projecting tower. Next to them, the men of Toccoa repaired another section from the great, projecting tower to the wall of Ophil. Above the horse gate, the priest made repairs, each in front of his own house.

Next to them, Zaduk, son of Emmer, made repairs opposite his house. Next to him, Shemaiah, son of Shikania, the guard at the east gate made repairs. Next to him, Hanania, son of Shalemiah, and Hanan, the sixth son of Zalaf, Hanania, son of Shalya, and Hanan, the sixth son of Zalya, and Hanan, the sixth son of Zalaf,

repaired another section. Next to him, Meshalam, son of Berekeya, made repairs opposite his living quarters. Next to him, Malchaja, one of the goldsmiths, One of the goldsmiths made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants opposite the inspection gate and as far as the room above the corner. In between the room above the corner and the sheep gate, the goldsmiths and merchants made repairs. Opposition to the rebuilding.

4 When San Balat heard that we were rebuilding the wall he became angry and was greatly incensed He ridiculed the Jews And in the presence

Of his associates And the army of Samaria He said What are those feeble Jews doing Will they restore their wall Will they offer sacrifices Will they finish in a day Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble, burned as they are?

Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, what they are building. If even the fox climbed up on it, he would break down their wall of stones. Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. turn their insults back on their own heads give them over as plunder in a land of captivity do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins

from your sight for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders so we rebuilt the wall till all of all of it reached half its sight its height.

Four, the people worked with all their heart. But when Sembalets, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Estud heard that the repairs to Jerusalem's walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed. They were very angry. They all all plotted. together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it.

But we pray to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. Meanwhile, meanwhile, the people in Judah said, the strength of the laborers is giving out and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall. Also, our enemies said, Before they know it, or see us, we will be right there among them And will kill them and put an end to the work. Then the Jews who lived near them

Came and told us ten times over. Wherever you turn, they will attack us. Therefore, I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families with their swords, spears, and bows. After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for our brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives, and your homes.

When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work. From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with the spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah, who were building the wall, Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held the weapon in the other. Each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked, but the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me. Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people,

the work is extensive and spread out, and we are worried. widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us. So we continue the work with half of, with half the men holding spears from the first light of dawn till the stars come out. At that time, I also said to the,

the people, have every man and his helpers stay inside Jerusalem at night so they can serve us as guards by night and workmen by day? Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes. Each had his weapon even when he went for water. Let's live it. Nehemia 4.1 through 23. Ready to fight. Read this story with their parents. I'm going to get you after school, Tim threatened.

Tim was bigger than Bruce, and Bruce didn't want to fight him. So Bruce took a different way home from school. The next day, Tim warned he can't hide from me again. That afternoon, Bruce went out in front of the school. He asked a friend to hold his books. When Tim came out, Bruce was waiting for him. Bruce just stared at Tim and waited.

Tim looked at Bruce. Bruce didn't look afraid, so Tim, finish the story. Would your parents want to finish it the same way? Now read Nahemia 4 with their parents. How do you think Nehemia would finish the story? story of Bruce and Tim. Christians don't agree on whether or not it's right to fight back. Some Christians, some say Christians should never fight, while others say that you should not start

a fight, but that it's okay to fight back. Talk about this with their parents. What do they think? Nehemia helps the poor. Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their Jewish brothers. Some were saying we and our sons and daughters are numerous.

In order for us to eat and stay alive, we must get grain. Others were saying we are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards and our homes to get grain during the famine. Still others were saying, we have had to borrow money to pay the king's tax on our fields and vineyards,

although we are of the same flesh and blood as our countrymen. And though our sons are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. So some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless because our fields and vineyards belong to others. When I heard their outcry in these charges, I was very angry. I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them You are exacting

Usory from your own countrymen So I called together a large meaning to deal with them And said As far as possible We will We with them and said

We have As far as possible We have brought We have bought back Our Jewish brothers Who are sold to the genitals. Now you are selling your brothers only for them to be sold back to us. They kept quiet because they could find nothing to say. So I continue, what are you doing? What you are doing is not

right. Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our genitals? Gentile As far as possible, we have bought back our Jewish brothers who were sold to the Gentiles. Now you were selling your brothers only for them to be sold back to

us. They kept quiet because they could find nothing to say. It wasn't general of those guys. It was Gentile. My bad for pronouncing it wrong. It's Gentiles. So I continued.

What you are doing is not right? Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies? I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let the exacting of usury stop. Get back to them immediately. Their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses, And also the usury you are charging them, the hundredth part of the money, grain, new wine and oil. We give it back, they said, and we will not demand anything more from them.

We will do as you say. Then I summoned the priests and made the nobles and officials take an oath to do what they have promised. I also shook out the folds of my robe and said, In this way, may God shake out of his house and possessions, every man who does not keep this promise. So may such a man be shaken out and emptied. At this, the whole assembly said, amen, and praise the Lord, and the people did as they had promised.

Moreover, from the 20th year of King's Artaxeris, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his 32nd year, 12 years, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. But the earlier governors, those preceding me, place a heavy burden on the people. Those preceding me placed a heavy burden on the people

and took 40 shekels of silver from them in addition to food and wine. Their assistance also lorded it over the people. But out of reverence for God, I did not act like that. Instead, I devoted myself

to the work on this wall. All my men were assembled. Therefore, the work. Those preceding me placed a heavy burden on the people and took 40 shackles of silver from them in addition to food and wine. Their assistance also lorded it over the people, but out of reverence for God, I did not act like that. Instead, I devote myself to the work on this wall. men were assembled there for the work. We did not acquire any land. Furthermore, 150 Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations.

Each day won ox. Six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me. And every 10 days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor because the demands were heavy on these people. Remember me with favor. Oh my God. For all I have done for these people. Let's live it. Nehemia 5-1-3-12.

Taking advantage. Matt was laughing. He had just sold an old G.I. Joe toy to Jeff. Jeff paid Matt $5. Matt was laughing because he had gotten that toy at a garage sale for $2.4. Was Matt just being a good businessman? Was Matt fair to Jeff? What if Jeff were to find out how much the toy costs, Matt?

What if Jeff never found out? Read Nehemia 5-1-3-12. How are some people in Judah unfair to poor people? What did Nehemia say about this? What did he tell the rich to do? Jesus said, Do to others what you would have done, what you would have them do to you.

Matthew 712. page 159 If Matt were to use this rule What would he do What would he do for Jeff? You think of times when you can use Jesus rule

And not take advantage of others Further opposition to the Rebuilding 6 When word came to San Bullett Tobiah Shisham, the Arab and the rest of our enemies

that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it. Though up to that time, I had not set the doors and the gates. Sambalat and Gishem sent me this message. Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the planet of Ono. But they were scheming,

to harm me. So I sent messengers to them with this reply. I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it

and go down to you? Four times they sent me the same message. And each time I gave them the same answer. Then the fifth time Sambalat sent his aid to me

with the same message and his hand was an unsealed letter in which was written it is reported among the nations and Gashem says it is true that you and the Jews are allotting

are plotting to revolt and therefore you are rebuilding the wall you are building the wall moreover according to to these reports, you are about to become their king, and I've even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem. There is a king in Judah. Now this report will get back to the

king, so come, let us confer together. I sent him this reply. Nothing like what you were saying is happening. You are just making it up out of your head. they were all trying to frighten us thinking their hands will get too weak for the work and it will not be completed but I prayed now strengthen my hands one day

I went to the house of Shemaia son of Delia son of Dalia the son of Dalia I sent of Mahatab who was shut at his home. He said, let us meet in the house of God

inside the temple and let us close the temple doors because men are coming to kill you by night they are coming to kill you. But I said, should a man like me run away or should one like me go into the temple to save his life.

I will not go. I realize that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sambilat had hired him. He had been hired

to imitate me so that I wouldn't commit a sin by doing this. And then they would give me a bad name to describe discredit me. Remember, Tobiah and San Balet, oh my God, because of what they have done.

Remember also the prophetess Naladia and the rest of the prophets who have been trying to intimidate me. The completion of the wall. The completion of the wall. So the wall was completed on the

25th of aloo. In 52 days, when all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. Also, in those days, the nobles of Judah were sending many letters to Tobiah and replies from Tobiah. kept coming to them. For many and Judah were under oath to him. Since he was son-in-law, Sushikhania, Sama Vara, and his son, Jehohohanan,

had married the daughter of Meshulam, some of Berekeh. Moreover, they kept reporting to me his good deeds, and then to tell, telling him what I said, and Tobias sent letters to intimidate me. Words to treasure. This work had been done with the help of our God.

Nehemia 616. 616. 7. After the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levites were, appointed. I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hanania, the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do. I said to them, the gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are still

on duty, have them shut the doors and barred them. Also appoint the residents of Jerusalem as guards. Some at their posts and some near their own houses. The list of the exiles who returned. Now the city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it. And the houses had not yet been rebuilt. So my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the common people for registration by families. I found the genealogical record of those who had been the first to return.

This is what I found written there. These are the people of the Providence who came up from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nabich, Nabuch, Chadnazar, King of Babylon, had taken captive. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town, and company with Zerubabal, Joshua, Nehemia, Azaria, Ramia, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilsan, Meshoreth, Big Vell, Big Vey, Naham and Bana.

The list of the men of Israel. The list of the men of Israel. The descendants of Paroche, 2,172. Of Shepatia, 372. A Varra, 652. Abahath, Malab, through the line of Yeshua and Jalab. 1818 of alum

1,254 Of Zat 2,8455 Of Zaki 760 Of Benui 648 Of Bebe 628 Of Asgid

2,322 Of Adonikam 66666666666666 of Big Vey 2007 of Aden 655 of Atatur

through Hezekia 98 of Hasham 328 of Bazaai 324 of Harif Herif

112 of Gibbon 95 The men of Bethlehem and Natalba 188 of Vanath 1,128 of Beth Asmath 42 of Coriath

Jerome Jerome Kepra and Beroth 740 of Rama and Gabba, 621, a McMash, 122, at Bethel, Abethonai, 123. Of the other, Nebo, 52, of the other Alam, 1,254, of Haram, 320, of Jericho, 3455,

of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, 721, of Santa 3,930. The priests, the descendants of Judea through the family of Jesula, 973, of Emmer 152, a Paschere, 1,247, of Hiram, 1,277. The Levites. The descendants of Yeshua through Khamiel through the line of

Adavia 74. The singers. The descendants of Asaf 148. The gatekeepers. The descendants of Shalom,

Adir, Talman, Akub, Hatta, and Shobai 138 The Temple Servants The sentence of Zaha

Hasupa Tavaoth Kuros Siyah Padan Abana Hagba Sha'amai

Hanan Gadell Gahur Ruea Réya Rizin Nikoda Nekota

Gada Ghazam, Uza, Paseya, Baza, meunim, nefasim, Bakbuk, Hakufa, Hakufa, Harhur, Basluth, Mahira, harsha,

Harkos, Sissera, Tama, Naseya, and Hatipa. The descent sons of the servants of Solomon. The descendants of Sotai, Sopareth, Perida, Jala, Darken,

Gidell, Shepatia, Hatil, Pokoreth, Hazabame, and Amon. The temple's servants and the descendants of the servants of Solomon, 392.

The following came up from the town of Tel Malah, Tel Harshah, Karab, Adan, and Mir. But they could not show that their families were

descended from Israel. The descendants of Delilah, Tobiah, and Nekota, 642. And from among the priests, the descendants of Hobaya,

Hakaz, and Barzeli, A man who had married a daughter, Barzile, the Galidite, and was called by that name. These searched for their family records, but they could not find them, and so were excluded from the priesthood, has been clean. The governor, therefore, ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food until there should be a priest ministering with the Urim and Thumman. The whole company numbered 42,360,360. Besides their 7,337 men servants and maid servants. And they also had 245 men and women singers. There were 736 horses, 245 mules, 435 camels, and 6.

770 donkeys. Some of the heads of the families contributed to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 drashamas of gold, 50 bowls and 530 garments for priests. Some of the heads of the families gave to the treasury for the work, 20,000 drachamas of gold and 2,200 minas of silver. The total given by the rest of the people was 20,000 drachamas of gold, 2,000 minas of silver, and 67 garments for a priest.

The priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, and the temple servants along with certain of the people and the rest of the Israelites settled in their own towns. Ezra reads the law. 8. Ezra reads the law. When the 7th month came in, the Israelites had settled in their towns. 8. All the people assembled has one man in the square before the water gate.

they told Ezra to scribe to bring out the book of the law of Moses which the Lord had commanded for Israel

so on the first day of the seven month Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly which was made up of men

and women and all who were able to understand he read it allowed from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the war gate and the presence

of the men, women and others who could understand and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law. Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden high wooden

platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right, stood matithia Shama Anna Aya Yuria Hilkiya

and Mazia Ananis Latwa Padea Michelle Meshau Malkaja Hasham Hashabadadana

Lataria Lataria and Meshala Azra opened the book All the people could see him because he was standing above them and as he opened it

the people all stood up Ezra praised the Lord the great God and all the people lifted their head hands and responded amen amen then they bowed down

and worship the Lord with their faces to the ground the Levites Teshua Bonnie Shurabia Jaman Akulib Shabhhah, Jaze, Jalida, Azaria, Josabad, Hanan, and Pelaahya, instructed the people in the law while the people were standing there.

They read from the book of the law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand. understand what was being read. Then Nehemia, the governor, Ezra the priest, and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing, the people said to them, all, this day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep. For all the people had been weeping, as they listened to the words of the law, Nehemia said, Go and enjoy choice, food,

and sweet drinks and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. The Levites calmed all the people saying, Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve.

Then all the people went away to eat and drink. and to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy because they now understood the words that had been made known to them. On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites gathered around Ezra to give attention. Attention to the words of the law. they found written in the law which the Lord had commanded

through Moses that the Israelites were to live in booths during the feast of the seventh month and that they should proclaim this word and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem go out into the hill country and bring back branches

from olive and wild tree, all the trees, and from myrto's, palms, and shade trees to make booths as it is written. So the people went out and brought back branches and built themselves booths on their own roofs in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God. and in the square by the water gate and the one by the gate of Ephraim. The whole country that had returned from exile

built booths and lived in them from the days of Joshua so none until that day the Israelites had not celebrated it like this and their joy was very great day after day from the first day to the last Ezra read from the book of the law of God

They celebrated the feast for seven days And on the eighth day In accordance with the regulation There was an assembly Life in Bible times Books In Old Testament times A book was a scroll

A strip of parchment Animal skin Or papyrus paper was rolled up on two sticks. One copy of Isaiah made 200 years before Christ is born. It is 10 inches high and 24 feet long. It was about 100 years after Christ that sheets of papyrus began to be stacked together into something

like our books. The Israelites confessed their sins. On the 24th day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and having dust on their heads. Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners.

They stood in their places and confessed their sins. and the wickedness of their fathers. They stood where they were and read from the book of the law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day and spent another quarter in confession and worshipping the Lord. Their God.

Staying on the stairs were the Levites. Joshua, Bonnie, Kathmiel, Shabania, Bani, Sherebia, Bani, and Canani. Who called with loud voices to the Lord,

their God? In the Levites, Jashua, Karmil, Bani, Hashabnia, Shurabia, Jadaia, Shibania,

and Pethahaya, said, stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name. It may be exalted above the blessing and praise. You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry hosts, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You gave life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

You are the Lord God who choose Abram and brought him out of the Caledians, and named him Abraham. He named him Abraham. You found his heart faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him to give to his descendants, the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, emirites, pyrexites, gibocytes, and Gurgosites. You have kept your promise because you are righteous. You saw the suffering of our forefathers in Egypt. You heard their cry at the Red Sea

You sent miraculous signs and wonders about Pharaoh Against all his officials and all the people of his land For you knew how arrogantly the Egyptians treated them You made a name for yourself, which remains to this day You divided the sea before them So that they passed through it on dry ground but you hurled their pursuers into depths like a stone into mighty waters. By day you led them with a pillar of cloud and by night with a pillar of fire

to give them light on the way they were to take. You came down to Mount Sinai. You spoke to them from heaven. You gave them regulations and laws that are just in right. And decrees and commands that are good. You made them to know, you made known to them your Holy Sabbath and gave them commands, decrees, and laws through your servant, Moses. And their hunger, you gave them bread from heaven, and in their thirst, you brought them water. from the rock.

You told them to go in and take possession of the land. He had sworn with uplifted hand to give them. But they, our forefathers, became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey your commands. They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles. You performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion. appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery.

But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore, you did not desert them, even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf and said, This is your God. who brought you up out of Egypt or when they committed awful blasphemies. Awful blasphemies. Because of your great compassion, you had not abandoned them in the desert.

By day the pillar of cloud did not seize to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they, were to take. You gave your good spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your mana from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst. For 40 years, you sustained them in the desert. You lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out, nor did their feet become swollen. You gave them kingdoms and nations, allotting to them. even the remotest frontiers. They took over the country

of Sahan, king of Hechban, in the country of Og, King of Boshan. You made their sons as numerous as stars in the sky.

You brought them into the land that you told their fathers to enter and possess. Their sons went in and took possession of the land. You subdued before them the Canaanites who lived in the land. You handed the Canaanites over to them, along with their kings and peoples of the land.

You subdued before them, the Canaanites, who lived in the land. You hand the Canaanites over to them, along with their kings and the peoples of the land. To deal with them as they pleased. They captured fortified cities. and fertile land. They took possession of houses filled with all kinds of good things. Well, well was already dug,

vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees and abundance. They ate to the full and were well-nourished. They reveled in your great goodness. But they were disobedient and rebelled against you.

They put your law behind their backs. They killed your prophets who had admonished them in order to turn them back to you. They committed awful blasphemies. So you handed them over to their enemies who oppressed them. But when they were oppressed, cried out to you from heaven you heard them and in your great compassion you gave them deliverers who rescued them from the hand of their enemies but as soon as they were at rest they didn't they again did what was evil in your sight then you abandon them to the hand of their enemies so that they

ruled over them and when they cried out to you again you heard from heaven and in your compassion you delivered time after time. You warned them to return to your law, but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances by which a man will live if he obeys them. Stubbornly, they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked, and refused to listen. for many years you were patient with them by your spirit you admonished them through your prophets yet they paid no attention so you peoples yet they paid no attention so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples but in your great mercy you do not put an end to them or abandoned them for you are gracious and merciful God.

Now therefore, oh, our God, the great, mighty and awesome God, who keeps this covenant of love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes, the hardship that has come upon us, upon our kings and leaders, upon our priests and prophets, upon our fathers, upon our fathers, upon our fathers and all your people from the days of the kings of Assyria until today. And all that has happened to us, you have been just. You have acted faithfully while we did wrong. Our kings, our leaders, our priests, and our fathers should not follow your law. They did not pay attention to your commands,

or the warnings you gave them, even while they were in their kingdom, enjoying your great goodness to them in the spacious and fertile land, you gave them, they did not serve you or turn from their evil ways. But see, we are slaves today. Slaves in the land you gave our forefathers so they could eat its fruit and the other good things it produces.

Because of our sins, its abundance harvest goes to the king you have placed over us. They rule over our bodies and our cattle as they please. We are in great distress. Words to treasure. You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Nehemia 917. The agreement is a agreement.

of the people. In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing. And our leaders, our Levites, and our priests, are affixing their seals to it. Those who sealed it were

10. Nehemia, the governor, the son of Akalia, Zadeqia, Serea, Azaria, Jeremiah, Pashir, Amaria, Malkaja, Hatush, Shabania, Malasya, Mawash, Harim, Maramath, Abadya, Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch, Mashalam, Abijah, Maja, Majia, Bilga, and Shimea. These were the priests.

These were the priests. the Levites Joshua Son of Azania Manui of the sons of Hanadad Kadmil

and their associates Shabania Hadia Hadia Kalita Pilea Hanan Mika

Rahab Hashabia Zakur Shurabia Shibiya Shibania Shibania Hadya, Vani M. Binanu. The leaders of the people.

Paroosh, Pahav, Malab, Alam, Zatou, Bani, Bani, Azgad, Babai, Adanaja, Big Vai, Adin, Adir, Hezekiah, Azir, Hariyah, Hasham, Bazai, Harif, Anahath, Babi, Nebigh, Magpiyash, Meshilam, Hezer, Meshwabelle, Zadok, Judula, Fletia, Hanan, Ananian, Oshaya, Oshaya, Hanayah, and Oshaya, Hashib Halalajesh

Pilha Shobak Shobak Raham Hashabna Mazia Ahaya Hanan

Anan Malish Haram Bana The rest of the people priests, Levites gatekeepers

singer Singers, temple servants, and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand. All these now join their brothers, the nobles, and bind themselves with the curse and an oath to follow the law of God, given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrease of the Lord of the Lord of our Lord.

We promise not to give our daughters in marriage to the peoples around us or to take their daughters for our sons when neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath. We will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. Every seventh year we will forego working the land and we will cancel all debts. We assume the responsibility for carrying out the commands to give a third of a shekel each year for the service of the house of our God,

for the bread set out on the table for the regular grain offerings and burnt offerings for their offerings on the Sabbaths, new moon festivals, and appointed feasts. For the holy offerings, for sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the duties of the house of our God. we the priests the levites and the people have cast lots to determine when each of our families is to bring to the house of our god at set times each year a contribution of wood to burn on the altar of the lord our god as it is written in the law we also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the lord of the lord each year the first fruits of our crops and of every fruit tree as it is also written in the law we will bring the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle of our herds and of our flocks to the house of our god of our god to the priests ministering there moreover we will bring to the store storerooms of the house of our God to the priests the first of our ground meal of our grain offerings of the fruit of all our trees grain offerings of the fruit of all our trees and of our new wine and oil and we will bring a tith of our crops to the levites for it is the levites who collect the tiths in all the towns where we work.

A priest descended from Aaron is to accompany the Levites when they receive the and the Levites are to bring a tenth of the tiths up to the house of our God. To the storm rooms of the treasury, the people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of grain. New wine and oil to the storm rooms where the articles for the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers stay. We will not neglect the house of our God. Let's live it. Nehemia 10, 28 through 39.

A do good plan. The people of Judah had confessed their sins. then they did something else. They promise God that they would do better and even put their promises in writing. Nehemia 938. To find out what the people of Judah promised God they would do, read Nehemia 1028-39.

When we sin, it is important to tell God we are sorry. and it is also important to plan how to do good in the future. You can plan ahead to please God. Get a sheet of notebook paper. Write down one thing you will do to please God this week. Write down your do-good plan as a letter to God. Begin has people in Nehemia's time. Did by writing, I promise.

Words to treasure. we will not neglect the house of our God Nehemia 1039 The new residents of Jerusalem 11 Now the leaders of the house Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem

And the rest of the people cast lots To bring one out of every 10 To live in Jerusalem The holy city while the remaining nine were to stay in their own towns. The people commended all the people who volunteered to live in Jerusalem. These are the provincial leaders. These are the provincial leaders who settled in Jerusalem.

Now some Israelites priests, Levites, temple servants, and the sense of Solomon's servants lived in the towns of Judah. each on his own property in the various towns, while other people from both Judah and Benjamin lived in Jerusalem. From the descendants of Judah, Athea, son of Uzia, the son of Zacharya, the son of Amaria, the son of Sepatia, the son of Mahalo, the descendants of Perez, Amazia, The son of Baruch, the son of Col Jose, the son of Isaiah, the son of Adaya, the son of Joy, Arrib, the son of Sacharya, the son of Sacharya, the descendant of Shalah, the descendants of Perez who lived in Jerusalem, totaled 468 able men.

From the descendants of Benjamin. Sahu, son of Mashalam, the son of Joad, the son of Padeya, the son of Kola'eya, the son of Maziah, the son of Mazi, the son of Yathu, the son of Jashiyya, and his followers, Gabe in Saleh, 928 men. Joel Sondyakai was their chief officer and Trudeau Sama Hazan

Nua was over the second district of the city from the priests Jadaia the son of Jorrib

Jakin Zereya Sourah Sourkeya Sankyah the son of Meshalam, the son of Zadok, the son of Mareoth, the son of the Hitha supervisor in the house of God, and their associates, who carried on work for the temple, 822 men, Adia, son of Jiroham,

the son of Pallalia, the son of Amzi, the son of Zacharya, the son of Paschor, the son of Malcaja, and his associates, who were heads of families. 242 men, Amaz Sets, son of Azrao, the son of Azei, the son of Meshilama, the son of Vimmer and his associates who were able men, 128. Their chief officer was Zabdiel, son of Hagidolim, from the Levites. Shimea, son of Hashib,

the son of Azrakan, the son of Hashabia, the son of Bunny, Shabethi, and Josabeth. Two of the heads of the Levites, who had charge of the outside work of the house of God. Matania, Sam Mika,

the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaf, the director who led in Thanksgiving and prayer. Babukya, second among his associates, and Abdah, son of Shammua, the son

of Galo, the son of Judathan, the Levites and the Holy city totaled 284. The gatekeepers, Akub, Talman, and their associates who kept watch at the gates, 172 men. The rest of the Levites with the priests and Levites were in all the towns of Judah, each on his ancestral property. The temple servants slid down the hill of Ophileans, and Zaha and Gishpa were in charge of them. The chief officer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzi,

son of Bani, the son of Ashabia, the son of Matania, the son of Mika. Uzi was one of Asab's descendants, who were the singers responsible for the service to the house of God. The singers were under the king's world. orders, which regulated their daily activity. Pethahaya, son of Meshezabel, one of the descendants of Zura, son of Judah, was the king's agent in all affairs relating to the people.

As for the villages were their fields. Some of the people of Judah lived in Kariath, Arba, and it's surrounding settlements in Debon and its settlements in Jakkeh Zil and its villages in

Joshua and Molada and Beth Pouette and Beth Pouet and Hazer Shua and Bersabat and its settlements in Ziklag

and Makkah Kona and in its settlements in Enriman and Zora and Jarmouth, Zenoa, Adulam, and their villages, in Lakish and its fields, and in Zechia, its settlements. So they were living all the way from Beershaba to the valley of Himnom. The descendants of the Benjaminites from Geba lived to McMash,

Aja, Bethel, and Salmints, and Anath, Nab, and Anab and Anaya. Anaya. And Haizur, Ramah, and Gittem, and Hadid, Zaboyim, and Nabilit, in Lod, in Lod, In Ono, and in the Valley of The craftsmen, some of the divisions of the Levites of Judah settled in Benjamin. Priests and Levites, 12. These were the priests and Levites who returned in Zerubel, some of Shiotel and with Joshua, Terea, Jeremiah, Ezra, Amaria, Malashe, Hattush, Chichania, Shichania,

Shukhania, Raham, Maramoth, Edo, Ginathan, Abijah, Majaman, Maladia, Bilga, Shimea, Joy, Arrib, Jadae, Jadaa, Saul, Amok, Helkiya, and Jadaa. These were the leaders of the priests and their associates in the days of Joshua. The Levites were Joshua, Benui, Camille, Sherebia, Judah, and also Matania. Who together with his associates was in charge

of the songs of Thanksgiving. Back Bukia and Uni, their associates stood opposite them in the services. Jashua was the father of Jericho, the father of Elisheb, the father of Joe Arida, the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan, the father of Jardula.

In the days of Joe Ayakim, these were the heads of the priestly families of Saraya's family, Maraya, of Jeremiah's Hanania, of Azra's Mesulam of Marius Jehoanan of Malish Jonathan of Shikania

Joseph of Harams Adna of Miramov's Halkeha Halkeye Avido's Chacharya of Ginnathons Meshalam

of Ibibaj Zichry of minimums and Molodyas, Pilate. A Bilgas, Shemua, or Shemaiah, Jahan Nathan, of Joy Orib's Matine, Adelaidea's Uzi, Asaluz Kalae of Amok's Eber, of Hilkiah's Hashabia, a Jadae's Nathaniel. The family heads of the Levites in the days of Elyshiv's Jada, Johanan, and Jadaahua,

as well as those of the priests were recorded in the reign of day. the Persian. The family heads among the descendants of Levite up to the time of Johanin son of Eliaship

were recorded in the book of that Anno's and the leaders of the Levites were Hashabia Shurabia Joshua son of Camille

and their associates who stood opposite them to give praise in Thanksgiving. One section responding to the other has prescribed by David the man of God. Matania, Bakbulia, Abadia, Mashalam, Talman, Akub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates. They served in the days of Joachim, Son of Joshua, the son of Josiah

Dek and in the days of Nehemia the governor and Ezra the priest and scribe dedication of the wall of Jerusalem At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem the Levites were sought

out from where they lived and where they were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of Thanksgiving and with the music of Symbol his harps and lures. The singers also were brought together

from the region around Jerusalem, from the villages of the Netto-Hathites, from Beth Gilgau, and from the area of Gabba and Asmaith. For the singers had built villages for themselves around Jerusalem, when the priest and Levites had purified themselves, ceremony. They purified the people, the gates in the wall. I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall.

I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. One was proceed on top of the wall to the right. Toward the dung gate, Hoshia, and half the leaders, of Judah followed them along with Azaria Ezra, Meshalam, Judah, Benjamin,

Shimea, Jeremiah, as well as some priests with trumpets and also Zacharya son of Jonathan, the son of Shimea, the son of Matania, the son of Magaya,

the son of Zakur, the son of Asab, and his associates, Shimea Azaro, Azaro, Malala, Gilelele, Me, Netanyo, Joda, and Hanani when musical trumpets prescribed by David, the man of God.

Ezra, the scribe, led the procession. At the fountain gate, they continued directly up the steps of the city of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of David to the Watergate on the east.

The second choir proceeded in opposite direction. I followed them on top of the wall, together with half the people, past the tower of the ovens to the broad

wall over the gate of F-frame, Jeshania, joshana, the fishnate, the fish gate, the tower of Hano, and the tower of

100. As far as the sheep gate, at the gate of the guard, they stopped. The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God. So did I, together with half the officials, as well as the priests,

Eli Kim, Mazia, many a men, Makaya, Alione, Zacharya, and Hanania with their trumpets. And also Mazia, Shimea, Alizar, Uzi,

Jaho Anan, Malchajah, Alam and Ezra. The choir sang under the direction of Jezra, Jaya. And on that day, they offered great sacrifices, joining, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away. At that time, men were appointed.

to be in charge of the store rooms for the contributions first fruits and tiths from the fields around the town around the towns they were to bring into the storm rooms the portions required by the law for the priests and the levites for judah was pleased with the ministering priests and the levites they performed the service of their god and the service of purification as did also the singers and gatekeepers, according to the commands of David and his son, Solomon. For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there have been directors for the singers and for the songs of praise, and thanksgiving to God. So in the days of Zerubababal and Nehemia, all Israel contributed the daily portions for the singers and gatekeepers.

They also set aside the portion for the other Levites, and the Levites set aside the portion for the descendants of Aaron. Nehemia's final reforms. 13. On that day, the book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people, and there it was found written that no Emonite or Moabite should ever be omitted into the Assembly of God because they had not met the Israelites with food and water had hired Belam to call a curse down on them. Our God, however, turned the curse into a blessing.

When the people heard this law, they excluded from Israel all who were of foreign descent. Before this, Elijah the priest had been put in charge of our storm rooms of the house of our God. He was closely associated with Tobiah, and he had provided him with a large room formerly used to store the grain offerings and incense and temple oracles and also the tiths of grain, new wine and oil prescribed for the Levites. Singers and gatekeepers as well as the contributions for the priests. But while all this was going on, I was not in Jerusalem for in the 32nd year of our taxis king of Babylon. I had returned to the king. Sometime later, I asked his permission and came back to Jerusalem.

Here I learned about the evil thing Eliash had done in providing Tobaya a room in the courts of the house of God. I was greatly displeased and threw all the Tobiah's household goods out of all, out of the room. I gave orders to purify the rooms and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God with the grain offerings and the incense. I also learned that the portions assigned to the Levites had not been given to them and that all the Levites and singers responsible for the service had gone back to their own fields. So I rebuked the officials and asked them,

why is the house of God neglected? Then I called them together and stationed them at their posts. All Judah brought the tiths of grain, new wine and oil into the storm rooms. I put Shulah Maya the priest, Zadok the scribe and a Levite was named Padaea in charge of the storm rooms

and made Hanan son of Zakur the son of Matania their assistant because they were men because these men were considered trustworthy they were made responsible

for distributing the supplies to their brothers remember me for this oh my God and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services

in those days I saw men in Judah treading wine presses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys together with wine, grapes, figs, and all other kinds of loads. And they were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath.

Therefore, I warned them against selling food on that day. Men from Tyree who lived in Jerusalem were bringing in fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them in Jerusalem on the Sabbath. to the people of Judah. I rebuke the nobles of Judah and said to them, what is this wicked thing you are doing? Deserating the Sabbath day.

Didn't your forefathers do the same things so that our God brought all of this calamity upon us and upon this city? Now you are stirring up more wrath. Against Israel by deserating the Sabbath. When even shadows fell on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I ordered the doors to be shut and not opened until the Sabbath was over. I stationed some of my own men at the gates so that no load could be brought in on the Sabbath day.

Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem. But I warned them and said, why do you spend the night by? Why do you spend the night by the wall? If you do this again, I will lay hands on you. From that time on they no longer came on the Sabbath. Then I commanded the Levites. to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this also.

Oh, my God. And show mercy to me according to your great love. Moreover, in those days, I saw men of Judah who had married women in Ashgad, Amon and Moab. half of their children spoke the language of Adhdad or the language of one of the other peoples and not know how to speak the language of Judah. I rebuked them and called curses down on them. I beat some of the men and pulled out their hair. I made them take an oath in God's name and said,

You are not to give your daughters and marriage to their son. nor are you to take their daughters and marriage for your sons or for yourselves. Was it not because of marriages like these that still among King of Israel's sin? Among the many nations there was no king like him. He was loved by his God and God made him king over all Israel. But even he was loved. led into sin by foreign women. Must we hear now that you two are doing all this terrible wickedness and our being

unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women? One of the sons of Joada, son of Eliaship, the high priest was son-in-law to San Balat and the Hala. to San Balat and the Horanite and I drove him away from me remember them

oh my God because they defiled the priestly office and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites so I purified the priests and the Levites of everything foreign

and assigned them duties each to his own task. I also made provision for contributions of wood at designated times. And for the first fruits, remember me with favor. Oh, my God. And that's the chapter of Nahamia. Life in Bible times. An outdoor market. Markets in Bible lands were noisy. exciting places, all sorts of food, lamps, blankets, garments, and other things were sold outdoors. The sellers shouted, buyers argued loudly to get a lower price. In Chapter 13, Nehemia reminded the Israelites that it was wrong to hold a market on the Sabbath. God had set that day aside for the Israelites.

to rest and to worship him. Let's live it. Nehemia 13, 10 through 22. Remember me, God. In Nehemia 13, 10 through 22, Nehemia recalled some of the good things that he had done. He asked God to remember him for his good work because he was trying to please God and help his people.

God was pleased when he saw Nehemia doing good deeds. He pleased when he sees you doing good things to write down on a piece of paper some of the good things that you've done. Show your list to your parents. Ask whether there is anything. they can think of for you to add to your list. We have finished the chapter of Nehemia in the Bible. To everyone around the world, today is Labor Day 2026. Do yourselves a favor and patch yourselves on the back.

The past, the present, and the future of everyone around the world who put in the labor to work in day in and day out every single day putting in the hard work from when when you swipe your card for that clock in

to when you swipe your card in for that clock out and including the overtimes what you're doing now what you did in the past the present and going to do in the future

to all the hardworking, resilient, strong, courageous people around the world who would never give up, never stop, never quit to face your job and never be afraid of anything because we want to face everything in life because there's no reason to be afraid of anything. afraid. There's a reason to face the challenges, obstacles, and things in your way with straight confidence into the future. So thanks for tuning to another Bible read of the whole chapter of Nehemia. Happy Labor Day 2026. God bless. Amen.

Remember to the back of the reflections of ourselves in the mirror. To all the beautiful and handsome people out there. Because you're a work in progress and we'll get you where you want to light believe that. Thanks to tune to our episode positive to your successor. God bless, amen. Tune tomorrow for our next episode, a positive successor. God bless, amen. Have a positive day, everyone.