Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the theme of reproof is intricately linked with the concept of faithfulness, particularly in the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah, a key figure in the post-exilic period, exemplifies the role of reproof in guiding the Jewish people back to covenantal faithfulness. His leadership and actions underscore the importance of correction and discipline in maintaining a faithful relationship with God.Nehemiah's Role as a Reprover Nehemiah, serving as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, is deeply moved by the news of Jerusalem's desolation. His response is one of prayer and fasting, seeking God's favor to rebuild the city (Nehemiah 1:4-11). Upon receiving the king's permission, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and immediately assesses the situation, recognizing the need for both physical and spiritual restoration. Nehemiah's reproof is evident in his confrontation with the Jewish leaders and people regarding their neglect of God's laws. In Nehemiah 5, he addresses the issue of usury and the exploitation of the poor, which was contrary to the Mosaic Law. He calls the nobles and officials to account, saying, "What you are doing is not right. Should you not walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our enemies?" (Nehemiah 5:9). His reproof leads to repentance and restitution, demonstrating the power of correction in restoring faithfulness. Reproof and Covenant Renewal A significant aspect of Nehemiah's leadership is the renewal of the covenant, which involves a public reading of the Law by Ezra the scribe. This event, described in Nehemiah 8, is a pivotal moment of reproof and instruction. As the people hear the words of the Law, they are convicted of their sins and weep. Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites encourage the people, saying, "Do not mourn or weep. For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law" (Nehemiah 8:9). This reproof leads to a renewed commitment to God's commandments, as the people celebrate the Feast of Booths with great joy and understanding. Reproof in Addressing Intermarriage Another critical area of reproof in Nehemiah's ministry is the issue of intermarriage with foreign nations, which threatened the purity of the Jewish faith. In Nehemiah 13, upon discovering that some Jews had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab, Nehemiah confronts the offenders. He reminds them of Solomon's downfall due to similar transgressions, saying, "Was it not because of marriages like these that Solomon king of Israel sinned?" (Nehemiah 13:26). His reproof is firm, involving both verbal rebuke and physical action, as he takes measures to separate the people from their foreign wives. Reproof and the Sabbath Nehemiah also addresses the desecration of the Sabbath, a sign of the covenant between God and Israel. Observing that merchants were conducting business on the Sabbath, Nehemiah reproves the nobles of Judah, asking, "What is this wicked thing you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day?" (Nehemiah 13:17). He takes decisive action by closing the city gates and stationing guards to ensure the sanctity of the Sabbath is upheld. Conclusion Throughout the book of Nehemiah, reproof serves as a vital tool for restoring and maintaining the faithfulness of the Jewish people. Nehemiah's leadership exemplifies the necessity of correction in aligning the community with God's will, emphasizing the importance of adherence to the covenant and the Law. His actions highlight the role of reproof in fostering a faithful and obedient relationship with God, ensuring the spiritual and communal integrity of the Jewish people. Nave's Topical Index Nehemiah 5:6-13And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. Nave's Topical Index Library The Historical Books. And ii. An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, The Strait Gate; Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Memoir of John Bunyan Resources What was Jesus' message to the church in Laodicea in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about disrespectful children? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian continue spanking his/her children if it is illegal? | GotQuestions.org Reproof: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reproof of Those Who offend, a Warning to Others Reproof: A Proof of Faithful Friendship Reproof: Attention to a Proof of Prudence Reproof: Christ Gives, in Love Reproof: Contempt of, Leads to Remorse Reproof: Declared to Be: An Excellent Oil Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than Secret Love Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than the Praise of Fools Reproof: Declared to Be: More Profitable to Saints, than Stripes to a Fool Reproof: Despised by the Israelites Reproof: Despised by the Jewish Leaders Reproof: Despised by the People of Nazareth Reproof: Eventually Brings More Respect than Flattery Reproof: Faithfulness in a Prophet of Judah, of Jeroboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Amos, of the Israelites Reproof: Faithfulness in Azariah, of Asa Reproof: Faithfulness in Azariah, of Uzziah Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Belshazzar Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Nebuchadnezzar Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahab Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahaziah Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Gehazi Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Hazael Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Jehoram Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Jeroboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Ezra, of the Men of Judah and Benjamin Reproof: Faithfulness in Hanani, of Asa Reproof: Faithfulness in Isaiah, of Hezekiah Reproof: Faithfulness in Israelites, of the Tribe of Benjamin Reproof: Faithfulness in Israelites, of the Two and One-Half Tribes Reproof: Faithfulness in Jehoash, of Jehoiada Reproof: Faithfulness in Jehu, of Jehoshaphat Reproof: Faithfulness in Jeremiah, of the Cities of Judah Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus, of the Pharisees Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus, of the Scribes and Pharisees Reproof: Faithfulness in Joab, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of Herod Antipas Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of the Jews Reproof: Faithfulness in Jonathan, of Saul Reproof: Faithfulness in Micaiah, of Ahab Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Eleazar Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Korah Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Pharaoh Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of the Israelites Reproof: Faithfulness in Nathan, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in Nehemiah, of the Jews Reproof: Faithfulness in Oded, of the People of Samaria Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Barren Fig Tree Reproof: Faithfulness In of the King's Feast Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Two Sons Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Vineyard Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul and Silas, of the Magistrates of Philippi Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul, of Ananias, the High Priest Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul, of Elymas (Bar-Jesus), the Sorcerer Reproof: Faithfulness in Peter, of Simon, the Sorcerer Reproof: Faithfulness in Samuel, of Saul Reproof: Faithfulness in Shemaiah, of Rehoboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Stephen, of the High Priest Reproof: Faithfulness in The Prophet Gad, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in The Withering of the Fig Tree Reproof: Faithfulness in Zechariah, of the Princes of Judah Reproof: General Scriptures Concerning Reproof: God Gives Reproof to his own Children Reproof: God Gives, to the Wicked Reproof: Hatred of, a Proof of Brutishness Reproof: Hatred of, Leads to Destruction Reproof: Hypocrites not Qualified to Give Reproof: Leads to Understanding Reproof: Ministers are Empowered to Give Reproof: Ministers are Sent to Give Reproof: Ministers should Give with all Authority Reproof: Ministers should Give with Christian Love Reproof: Ministers should Give with Longsuffering Reproof: Ministers should Give: Fearlessly Reproof: Ministers should Give: Openly Reproof: Ministers should Give: Sharply, If Necessary Reproof: Ministers should Give: Unreservedly Reproof: On Account of Fearfulness Reproof: On Account of Hardness of Heart Reproof: On Account of Hypocrisy Reproof: On Account of Impenitence Reproof: On Account of not Understanding Reproof: On Account of Oppressing out Brethren Reproof: On Account of Reviling Christ Reproof: On Account of Sinful Practices Reproof: On Account of Unbelief Reproof: On Account of Unruly Conduct Reproof: On Account of Vain Boasting Reproof: Rejection of, Leads to Error Reproof: Saints should Delight in Those Who Give Reproof: Saints should Give No Occasion For Reproof: Saints should Love Those Who Give Reproof: Saints should Receive Kindly Reproof: The Holy Spirit Gives Reproof: The Scriptures are Profitable For Reproof: They Who Give, are Hated by Scorners Reproof: when from God is Despised by the Wicked Reproof: when from God is for Correction Reproof: when from God: Pray That It be not be in Anger Reproof: when from God: should be Accompanied by Exhortation to Repentance Reproof: when from God: should not Discourage Saints Related Terms |