Topical Encyclopedia Liberality, the quality of being generous and open-handed, is a virtue that is exemplified in the life and leadership of Nehemiah, a prominent figure in the Old Testament. Nehemiah, known for his role in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, demonstrates liberality not only in his actions but also in his leadership style and governance.Nehemiah's Generosity in Leadership Nehemiah served as the governor of Judah during the Persian period, and his tenure is marked by a profound sense of responsibility and generosity towards the people. In Nehemiah 5, we see a clear example of his liberality. Faced with the economic distress of the people, who were burdened by debt and exploitation, Nehemiah took decisive action. He called an assembly to address the grievances and rebuked the nobles and officials for their usurious practices. Nehemiah 5:10-11 states, "I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending them money and grain. But let us stop charging this interest. Please restore to them, even today, their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses, along with the interest on the money, grain, new wine, and oil that you have been charging them." Nehemiah's appeal for the restoration of property and the cessation of interest charges reflects his commitment to justice and his generous spirit. He not only advocated for the people but also led by example, refusing to exploit his position for personal gain. Personal Sacrifice and Provision Nehemiah's liberality is further highlighted by his personal sacrifice. As governor, he had the right to claim food and provisions from the people, yet he chose not to exercise this right. Nehemiah 5:14-15 records, "Moreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year—twelve years—neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. The earlier governors, those preceding me, placed a heavy burden on the people and took forty shekels of silver from them in addition to food and wine. Their assistants also lorded it over the people. But out of reverence for God, I did not act like that." Nehemiah's refusal to burden the people financially, despite the entitlement of his office, underscores his liberality and reverence for God. His actions were motivated by a desire to alleviate the people's burdens and to serve them selflessly. Generosity in Community Building Nehemiah's liberality extended beyond financial matters to encompass community building and spiritual renewal. His leadership in the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls was not merely a physical endeavor but also a spiritual and communal one. Nehemiah 8 describes the public reading of the Law by Ezra, which Nehemiah supported, leading to a revival among the people. This event was marked by a spirit of generosity and celebration, as Nehemiah 8:10 states, "Then Nehemiah said to them, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.'" Nehemiah's encouragement to share with those who had nothing prepared reflects his commitment to inclusivity and community welfare. His leadership fostered a culture of generosity and mutual support among the people. Conclusion Nehemiah's life and leadership provide a compelling example of liberality in action. His commitment to justice, personal sacrifice, and community building demonstrate the profound impact of generosity rooted in reverence for God. Through his actions, Nehemiah not only rebuilt the physical walls of Jerusalem but also strengthened the spiritual and communal fabric of the Jewish people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 7:70And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basins, five hundred and thirty priests' garments. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Ezra, the Priest and Scribe A Rebuke against Extortion An Ancient Nonconformist The Promises of the Law and the Gospel Reconciled. Second Sunday after Epiphany Of a Private Fast. Expositions of Holy Scripture Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. Chapter xxiii How the Books were Written. Resources Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Liberality in Antioch (Of Syria) Liberality: Araunah for Sacrifice Liberality: Barzillai and Others to David Liberality: Blessings Connected With Liberality: Characteristic of Saints Liberality: Christ Set an Example of Liberality: Elisha Toward Elijah Liberality: Exercise of, Provokes Others To Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Churches of Macedonia Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Israelites Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Poor Widow Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Israelites at the Erection of the Tabernacle Liberality: Israelites' offerings for the Temple Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Liberality: Joash and his People Liberality: King of Sodom to Abraham Liberality: Labour to be Enabled to Exercise Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Having Faith Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Loving God Liberality: Lack of Brings Many a Curse Liberality: People of Melita (Malta) to Paul Liberality: Pharaoh to Joseph's People Liberality: Queen of Sheba to Solomon Liberality: should be Exercised in Forwarding Missions Liberality: should be Exercised in Giving Alms Liberality: should be Exercised in Leading to Those in Want Liberality: should be Exercised in Relieving the Destitute Liberality: should be Exercised in Rendering Personal Services Liberality: should be Exercised in the Service of God Liberality: should be Exercised with Simplicity Liberality: should be Exercised without Ostentation Liberality: should be Exercised: Abundantly Liberality: should be Exercised: According to Ability Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward all Men Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Enemies Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Saints Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Servants Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Strangers Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward the Poor Liberality: should be Exercised: Willingly Liberality: The Good Samaritan Liberality: The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Liberality: Unprofitable, Without Love Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |
    |