THE FEAR OF GOD. Nehemiah 5:14-19 The account of Nehemiah's work was likely written sometime after the events recorded in this narrative. These events are presented to establish an accurate historical record for those who lived after the time they occurred and to provide important lessons for all down through the centuries. Leadership must be practiced properly in order to be authentic. Such lessons need to be precise and clearly understood in order to be well learned.
Nehemiah must have returned to report to King Artaxerxes on all that he had been doing in building the wall and the city. Then the king sent him back as governor of Judah for at least twelve years. His leadership ability was obvious, so to establish and maintain the orderly conduct of those under his authority, he acted in a way that was acceptable to those under whose authority he served.
Nehemiah was governor of Judah for 12 years, and during that time he paid all of his own expenses. He sacrificed what was his right as governor to serve as an example to the people he governed. Between Zerubbabel and Nehemiah (over 100 years), there were governors who were likely Persian officials who took advantage of their positions to accumulate wealth at the expense of the poor. Nehemiah, by contrast, was conscious of his relationship with God and committed to obedience to God. He was guided by the principles of service rather than covetousness.
We learn some things only when we have actually practiced them, not just because we have studied or read about them in a book. Nehemiah had calluses from working with his hands on the building project alongside those he led, and likely from farming, to be able "to provide for his own." Taxation, whether fair or unfair, is still a source of complaint among people. Nehemiah had the right to take from the people the provisions they needed to maintain him while he governed the province of Judah. The governors who were before him had taken what they deemed right and likely enough to make them wealthier than they were when they took the "government job." There seemed to be resentment against the government officials because their demands had impoverished the citizens.
When leading people, we must be able to sense their attitudes and listen to their voices. "Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content" applies to leaders as well as to those they lead. It applies to the rich as well as the poor. It is one way those who are wealthy can help the poor and gain their confidence, respect, and loyalty. Nehemiah could honestly say, "So did not I," and the people of Judah knew he spoke the truth. He was able to distance himself from the unjust practices of those who were governors before him because he was motivated "because of the fear of God."
“The fear of God” will guide us as it did Nehemiah, helping us understand who we are and why we are here. When we consider the greatness and power of God, we will not be looking for what we can get away with or what is permissible in our Christian life. We will be seeking ways to serve God acceptably and further the work of the kingdom of God to bring glory to Him. Because something is legal doesn’t mean it is good or pleasing to God.
Reverential fear of divine Persons is not a negative response and attitude, but a positive one. It indicates respect for the Person when we give honor to the Lord as well as honor to those who are due honor. This attitude keeps us from exalting ourselves in pride. Through awareness and acknowledgment of the holiness of God, we are motivated to obey Him and to look upon people and things through His eyes. That in turn opens the eyes of our understanding. True fear of God is not just manifest in the words we say and how we speak them, but our actions will also demonstrate the reality of our words. Wisdom and grace in deeds are as important as words of wisdom and grace. God's people usually respond positively to a leader whose fear of God is real. They usually will seek to emulate one they know who is in fellowship with God, because they know the role he has been given to fulfill is consistent with the word of God.
Nehemiah was motivated by the reverential fear of God to build the walls in obedience to God's will. His relationship with God was such that he was not looking for ways to enrich himself; he did not purchase any more land. He had no interest in seeing what he could get away with and still be serving God. He provided for all he and those working for him needed from his own resources. Every day he had enough meat to feed 600 to 800 people, including 150 Jews and officials.
"Give, and it shall be given unto you" is a principle that works. Accumulating wealth at the expense of others who grudgingly give what is demanded is contrasted with the faith-actions of a "cheerful (hilarious) giver." Nehemiah financed the people who served him and met his own needs, and he had enough left over to meet the needs of others who came to him as visitors. As a man who knew his people, he likely met the needs of the poor with daily beef, mutton, and the meat of birds, provided freely to them at his expense.
Sanctified believers are not trying to see how far they can go in the ways of the world and still be known as Christians. They will seek to use what they have and do what they can to bless others, meet obvious needs, promote what is right, and do all for the glory of God. Like Nehemiah, they do not want to be a burden to other people but to help bear their burdens. They are not looking for position, power, prestige, possessions, or praise. They just want to please God and live for Him.
Those who lead God's people and labor for the Lord do not need to ask for help when they are moved to live by faith. They learn that "in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." The Lord knows our needs, and He is able, from the bounty of His own storehouse, to provide all we need. The example of mature believers who have experienced God at work on their behalf is the best way to teach godly, practical Christian living to those who seek spiritual guidance in life.
For financial gain, people can easily compromise what they know is right. To charge family members interest is really not too bright. All you will have to show as a result of making that choice will be like a pelican in the wilderness with no one to hear your voice. At times, everyone has to decide what they want to do. What others did in the past doesn’t mean you have to. To profit from the misfortune of others really isn’t what God intends. It is right to help those in need around us with the bounty God does send.
To enslave other people by taxing what they eat is contrary to the intention of laboring to meet one’s needs. Much is spent on what is unnecessary, which tends to make one poor. I did not, and still don’t want to, be constantly clamoring for more. When a work for God is being done, I want to put my shoulder to the wheel. Doing my part, no matter how small, certainly affects how I feel about a work being done by others, in which I can have a little part. It tends to tie the hands of the laborers if someone charges a higher price than is reasonable to expect a thing is worth. It’s like paying for it twice. I should consider what my brethren and sisters are doing and help to meet their needs rather than be an added burden.
Keep me, O God, in the present – and in the future too, from a covetous spirit and from claiming in old age things that belong to You. I want to have a gracious spirit, so I can enjoy what others have done. If I can have a small part in the work, it would be a testimony when I am gone. Bless, O Lord God, the labors of those who are building for Thee. Bless those who have a part in the work - those people folks never see. Bless the result of their labors; in the future, may their work always last. I do not want to lay any burdens on people, nor profit with a covetous grasp.
The parenthetical incident was placed here in the narrative, likely because it illustrated the proper attitude and actions of the Lord's people in contrast to the incident that preceded it in this chapter. It is right that we seek God's approval for our labors and attitudes as we serve Him. Any service for the well-being of the Lord's people can and should be done for the glory of God and the blessing of others. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me."
To hear from our Lord Jesus Christ, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” will be more wonderful and satisfying than a physical reward. To be able to cast a crown at the feet of the Lord Jesus, and present all the deeds done in the body in the interests of the kingdom of God, “will be glory for me,” and more importantly, glory for Him! That is what will make our lives a success.