Nehemiah 5:19
“Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.”
Context:The book of Nehemiah is set during the time when the Israelites had returned from exile in Babylon to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the king of Persia, was appointed as the governor of Judah and led the effort to rebuild the walls.
Leadership and Integrity:Nehemiah was a godly leader who demonstrated a strong sense of integrity. In Nehemiah 5, we see him addressing a situation of economic oppression among his own people. Some of the wealthy Jews were taking advantage of their impoverished countrymen, charging excessive interest rates and forcing them to mortgage their property and sell their children into slavery to pay off their debts. Nehemiah confronts these injustices and demands that the wealthy Jews restore the property and cancel the debts.
A Plea to God:In verse 19, we find Nehemiah offering a prayer to God. He asks God to remember his actions on behalf of the people. Nehemiah had taken personal responsibility for the welfare of the Jews and had done everything in his power to address their needs and protect them from injustice.
Recognition of God’s Omniscience:Nehemiah acknowledges that God is aware of all that he has done. He appeals to God, asking Him to think upon him and his actions. Nehemiah is confident that God, who sees everything, will consider his efforts and intentions with favor.
A Desire for God’s Favor:Nehemiah’s prayer reveals his humble dependence on God. He desires God’s favor, not for personal gain, but for the welfare of the people he serves. His ultimate motivation is the well-being and restoration of the community, not personal recognition or reward.
Application:Nehemiah’s example teaches us several valuable lessons. As leaders, we should be concerned about the welfare of others and take action against injustice. We should demonstrate integrity and not exploit or oppress those in vulnerable positions. Nehemiah also shows us the importance of prayer and seeking God’s favor in our endeavors. Ultimately, our actions should be motivated by a desire to serve others and bring glory to God.
