Nehemiah 11:1-19 And the rulers of the people dwelled at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots… The two leading thoughts connected with the holy city in this phase of her history are singularly applicable to the Christian community. I. ENCLOSED WITHIN WALLS, THE CITY GAINED A PECULIAR CHARACTER AND PERFORMED A DISTINCTIVE MISSION OF HER OWN. Our Lord was not satisfied to rescue stray sheep on the mountains only to brand them with His mark and then turn them out again to graze in solitude. He drew them as a flock after Himself, and His disciples gathered them into the fold of Christian fellowship. This is of as vital importance to the cause of Christianity as the civic organisation of Jerusalem was to that of Judaism. The Christian City of God stands out before the world on her lofty foundation, the Rock of Ages — a beacon of separation from Sin, a testimony to the grace of God, a centre for the confession of faith, a home for social worship, a rallying-point for the forces of holy warfare, a sanctuary for the helpless and oppressed. II. THE PUBLIC DUTY OF CITIZENSHIP. The reluctance of Christians to accept the responsibilities of Church membership may be compared to the backwardness of the Jews to dwell in Jerusalem. (W. F. Adeney, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. |
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