Nehemiah - Coptic MediaCoptic Media

GOD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE Nehemiah was the leader of the third and last patch of the Jewish captives who returned to Jerusalem (About the year 445 or 444 BC – after about a century from the return of the first batc). Caring to rebuild the destroyed wall of the city, and its gates burnt by fire, he calls us to an important fact that touches the life of every believer. Nehemiah perceived that his true mission in life was greater than being the ‘cup-bearer’ of the greatest king at that time, and his personal counselor with great daring with him. Through his fiery heart, he perceived that he had a greater mission by God; namely to consummate a certain job, beyond all his capabilities, talents, and possibilities. . He was called to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and to rebuild the society itself; he was called to fulfill things that may seem utterly impossible. The book of Nehemiah presents to us the truth of “God of the impossible”; who works in all eras, (in the last watch of the night); when all human arms are completely helpless. https://coptic-treasures.com/ Everyone of us is attacked every now and then by some kind of depression. But Nehemiah reveals to us that our God is the Hope for whoever loses hope; who replaces despair with the spirit of hope, joy, and conquest….. Whenever we enter into the whirlpool of feeling complete helplessness, and count the circumstances surrounding us as utterly impossible, God presents to us the message saying: “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God everything is possible” (Mark 10: 27). He works for the sake of all mankind, particularly for the sake of His church; and He cares for everyone, as though there is no one else in the world but him. GOD OF EVERY COMFORT: The name ‘Nehemiah’ reveals the essence of the whole book. For the word ‘Nehemiah’ means (Jehoah is comfort). The whole book goes around the role of God in the life of the church, as well as in that of the believer. Whoever wishes to have true comfort, resorts to God, the Grantor of comfort, and trusts in His promises; for then, the divine comforts will fill him, and will even cover everyone around him; according to the words of the apostle Paul: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1: 3-5). AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH “Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for its services” (13: 14) A historical background: https://coptic-treasures.com/ After the death of king Solomon the kingdom of Israel was divided into: 1- The Northern Kingdom (Israel): Ten tribes, who were captivated by the Assyrians in the year 722 BC. King Shalmaneser the fifth, put king Hoshea under arrest, carried Israel away to Assyria, and placed them in Halah, Habor, the River of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes (2 kings 17: 6). And king Sergon the second boasted in that he led 27290 Israelites into captivity; and replaced them by other people from the region of Mesopotamia (Messisa) and Syria. 2- The Southern Kingdom (Judah): Two tribes: Judah and Benjamin; who were captivated by the Babylonians in the year 586 BC. It was said about Nebuchadnezzar, that: “He carried into captivity all Jerusalem; all th captains, and all the mighty men of valor, ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths. None remained except the poorest people of the land” (2 kings 24: 14); he carried them all to Babylon (2 kings 24: 15). In the year 539 BC, the Persians defeated Babylon; and the king of Persia encouraged the Jews to return to their homeland. 50,000 returned to start rebuilding the temple. Yet, they laid the foundation, but they did not consummate the work. After 16 years, God sent two prophets: Haggai and Zechariah, to exhort the people to resume work, and to rebuke those who got preoccupied with building palaces and houses for themselves, and forgot all about the house of the Lord. In the year 458 BC another batch of the Jews returned to Jerusalem, under the leadership of ‘Ezzra’, who did his best to reform the people spiritually; against strong opposition. And about the year 445 BC, God sent ‘Nehemiah’, and called him to rebuild the broken-down wall of Jerusalem; for, without a wall, Jerusalem would not be https://coptic-treasures.com/ counted as a city. Some put Ezzra after Nehemiah; which is obviously wrong. Nehemiah completed the building of the wall in 52 days, and rebuilt the temple in spite of the opposition of the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Assyrians, and the Arabs; who later on had help from the Samaritans. He confronted all those opponents by having faith in God; and Jerusalem was fortified, 142 years after its desolation in the year 586 BC. The author of the book: According to the Jewish tradition, the four books: The first and the second books of the chronicles; the book of Ezra, and the book of Nehemiah, in the Hebrew text, were one book, written by Ezra the scribe. The two last books, having a mutual nature and perception, many scholars believe that they were authored by Ezra, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; depending upon documents, chronicles of the contemporary kings and kingdoms, beside quoting from the personal diaries of Nehemiah…. Because a great part of the book was written in the singular tense, some believe that it is written by Nehemiah himself; but, most probably, Nehemiah wrote the book by help from Ezra. Who is Nehemiah? Nehemiah was a laic, and not a priest or scribe like Ezra; although his role was not less important than that of Ezra. He was born in captivity; and became a ‘cupbearer – Trachta’ of king ‘Artaxerxes’; a prominent position, probably through the influence of queen Esther, who was still alive – the step-mother of the king,. The job of the cup-bearer was to taste the wine before the king does, to make sure that it is not poisoned. In the Persian era, it was a prominent position, on account of that the king entrusts him with his life. Because the cup-bearer was most probably an eunuch, there was no reference to Nehemiah’s family. https://coptic-treasures.com/ Despite his prominent position, Nehemiah’s heart was not haughty; he was a man of prayer, who felt the divine call to serve his spiritually deteriorated people. He was ready to forsake the luxury of the palace to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem; and to reform the people themselves. Having heard about the condition of Jerusalem, he sat with himself, wailed, fasted, and prayed to God………….. God gave him favor in the sight of the king, who sent him forth to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, provided with letters of recommendation. He went with the capacity of a royal governor, appointed by the emperor of Persia. While Ezra cared for the religious reform of the people; Nehemiah, on the other hand, cared for the political, and the geographical reform; yet without disregarding the spiritual and ethical aspects of reform. Nehemiah departed from Persia in the twentieth year of king Artaxerxes (2: 1); returned to it in the twenty-third year of his reign (13: 6); then left after few days, to go again to Jerusalem (13: 6). He built the wall despite the opposition of the enemies. Like Ezra who went to Jerusalem about 13 years before him. Nehemiah also cared for the inner building of the people; then returned to Shushan the capital for a little while. On returning to Jerusalem for the second time, he found out that serious offenses have taken place during his absence. He indeed managed to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem during his previous stay in 52 days; then spent several years to do spiritual and social reform (5: 14); yet, once he left them, the spiritual measures were shaken. Rebuilding the wall needed only 52 days; whereas rebuilding the human soul would need several years. https://coptic-treasures.com/ Nehemiah remained at least 12 years as the governor of Judah (5: 14);………… even though, according to the Historian Josephus, he stayed a governor on Judah until his old age. Nehemiah, the leader: Although Nehemiah was sent by the Persian king as a civil leader; yet he represented the true spiritual leadership:  He was not preoccupied with his official position, as much as with the sufferings of his brethren. He had forsaken the easy, and secure life of luxury, in the royal palace in Persia, to partake of the life of labor and suffering of his people; to come to be a true reformer.  Nehemiah presents to us a living portrait of a man who mixes his practical with his spiritual life; to appear as a man of prayer; who trusts in God who grants success, yet not in smoothness. Believing in prayer, he had a strong personality, and was courageous in the Lord. He presents to us a living concept of the dedication of the heart and of the hands. The living leader is a man of both prayer and work; who leads those around him to bear the same spirit. … Even though Nehemiah was not born a leader; was not of royal descent like Zerubbabel, nor a priest like Ezra; nor an administrator like Daniel (the prime minister); yet his great love for his people, and his zeal on the sanctities, made a leader out of him. He learned how to be a leader through the bowed-down knees, the silence, the tears, and crying out to God, and not to men. He practiced prayer under all circumstances (See Philippians 4: 6):. When he heard the bad news about the condition of Jerusalem, he resorted to prayer to seek God’s counsel. https://coptic-treasures.com/ When he stood before king Artaxerxes (2: 4), he believed that prayer will open the way before him. When he confronted opposition (4: 4, 9), he was sure that prayer will grant him wisdom and conquest. When he was confronted by false accusations (6: 8, 9), he knew for sure that prayer will lift him up above the events. When he consummated his mission (13: 14), he perceived that prayer grants understanding.  Being a man of action, he secretly moved forth to the place of work (2: 11- 15), saying: “Come, and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach” (17); organized all the energies for work, and assigned to everyone his role (3: 1-32). Perceiving the greatness of the work, being the work of the Lord (4: 14), he challenged the opposition (6: 3), by doing the work under armed guards (4: 16).  He believed in the outer work (building the wall), together with the inner work, (building the souls)..  With God, he strived by true worship; With the king, by faithfulness in work, together with courage and humility; With the people, by providing them with the spirit of hope; And with the enemies, by not being confused in vain debates with them. The outer and inner opposition, did not discourage him, but, on the contrary, motivated him to work with greater power, believing that he works to the account of the Lord and not of men.  As a living leader, he stirred up the spirit of leadership in the life of all the people; believing that every man has his own cherished role and work. Nehemiah’s features: https://coptic-treasures.com/ Som may consider the book of Nehemiah as a book of construction; when it is actually the book of prayer and of leadership. It demonstrates the secret of Nehemiah’s success, as being the man of prayer; not only for knowing what he is praying for, but for knowing how to have personal care. He was granted by the Lord, the grace to bear, by love, the burden of the people in his heart, to cast them at the feet of the Lord. Nehemiah’s heart was more preoccupied, not with building the wall, setting the gates and boulders, but with building the people of God, and with reviving them from the state of death that has utterly destroyed them. That made him a mature leader in the Lord, and a man of prayer, to enter by his prayer into the divine throne, and to take by faith for himself, exalted possibilities. Nehemiah knew how to talk to God more than to men. A historical parade of events: 586 BC The captivation of the Jewish people to Babylon; and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. 537 BC In the time of king Cyrus, the return of the first batch from captivity, under the leadership of Zerubbabel; together with some effort to build the temple. 530 – 522 BC Cambiz reigns over Persia. 522 – 486 BC Darius the first (Hestapis) reigns over Persia. 520 – 516 BC Rebuilding the temple in the reign of Darius the first. 468 – 465 BC Ahasuerus the first reigns over Persia 465 – 424 BC Artaxerxes the first (Longmanus) reigns over Persia 458 BC The return to Jerusalem of the second batch from captivity under the leadership of Ezra. 445 or 444 BC The return to Jerusalem of the third and last batch from captivity under the leadership of Nehemiah; and building the wall. 433 BC The return of Nehemiah for a little while to Babylon https://coptic-treasures.com/ 432 BC The return of Nehemiah to Jerusalem 430 BC The beginning of the ministry of the prophet Malachi THE PERSONALITY OF NEHEMIAH Probably more than any other book of the Old Testament, the book of Nehemiah shows the personality of its author, full of life, on many aspects, among which are: 1- The oneness of life: Nehemiah believed in the oneness of life; that there is no separation between the work and the spiritual or the social life. The believer has one life of many aspects, that react together to make out of him a successful man in everything. A life of harmony, together with the necessity of specialization; as every man has his active role, according to his possibilities and talents, without disregarding or despising the roles of others. All work together by one spirit, toward one goal (5: 10-11). Concerning Nehemiah, although building the wall of Jerusalem, is considered the climax of his ministry; yet his dedication was not a show off of heroic works; as much as it was a seal of God’s work in his life, and that of the people, that touch their whole being; for what they did was the work of the Lord, as testified, even by the enemies (6: 16).. Being preoccupied with the building of the wall of Jerusalem, Nehemiah called his friend and co-worker ‘Ezra’, to take on the leadership of the spiritual rites of dedication (12: 27-47) -- A living portrait of mutual work, and giving honor to the others. https://coptic-treasures.com/ The book binds between rebuilding the walls of the city, and rebuilding the temple; care for worship, particularly for reading the law of God, enjoying the feasts, the spiritual and the civil life of the people. For there would be no benefit of building the wall, unless the city become holy; And there would be no value of the city and its wall, without a holy people of the Lord. Such sanctification would be only realized by the true repentance, by the spirit of hope (Nehemiah 1: 4-11; 9: 5-37); and by care for keeping the law, as a foundation of life. 2- His faithfulness: Together with the multitude of responsibilities, and the urgency of work, not being preoccupied with foolish debates with the opponents; Yet the obvious feature in the life of Nehemiah was the faithfulness in his life on all aspects, and wherever he might be (12: 8; 6: 2). This particular feature reflected upon many of those working under him in all fields. He was faithful in his relationship with God; perpetually feeling the divine presence, while talking to the pagan king, while working in Jerusalem, and while being opposed by the enemies. The eyes of his heart saw God by faith, and have never gone astray. He was so faithful to draw the heart of the pagan king, to be entrusted with the king’s life, and with being sent by him to work in Jerusalem He was faithful in his relationship with all the categories of his people; whether on the level of the leaders, the priests, the rich, and the poor. He was faithful concerning his patriotism; working to the account of his own country, Israel, without any treason or betrayal to the kingdom of Persia. 3- A man of action: https://coptic-treasures.com/ Having heard the miserable condition of Jerusalem and its people, Nehemiah did not preoccupy himself with analyzing the problems, and discussing them with many; but he put them before God, and moved forth to deal with the situation. We do not deny the importance of debate, which would become fruitless without leaning upon the chest of God, and the practical and serious going forth to deal with the situation.. Nehemiah wept out of grief; yet he was not swallowed up by the spirit of despair; but went forth to work, supported by the strong hand of God, according to the talent given to him; and provoked many to work; everyone according to his own talents, possibilities, and talent ; through the feeling of collective responsibility. 4- He challenged the devil, and was not confused by his opposition: The perpetual opposition and tricks of the devil against the believers, did not change since the beginning; he kept on stirring up his followers, by every means, to stop or to delay the divine work (2: 17-20). Even though the king of Persia issued his commands to help Nehemiah, yet the opponents did contrary to those commands.  By scoffing and despising the workers (2: 19); in an attempt to lead Nehemiah and his collaborators to belittle themselves, and to fall into despair (4: 1-6).  By counting the good work as something against them personally (2: 10).  By vain accusations against the person of Nehemiah (2: 19)  By being greatly offended against those who work to the account of the kingdom of God (4: 1)  By plotting in secret to war against the workers, and to harm them (4: 8)  By seeking to enter into debate with Nehemiah, in an attempt to delay the work; but to no avail (6: 2-3) https://coptic-treasures.com/  The enemy resorted to bring fear and terror to break up the psyche of the workers (6: 19). 5- He believed in the collective work Nehemiah cared to let the whole people participate in the task of rebuilding the wall (2: 17-18); “for all are God’s fellow workers; God’s field; and God’s building; …. With one foundation” (1 Corinthians 3: 9, 11) 6- He was a man of decency and order: Motivating the whole people to partake of the work, refers to his commitment to “let all things be done decently and in order” in the spiritual building (1 Corinthians 14: 40; Ephesians 2: 21). 7- Nehemiah’s features as a living leader:  He bore the burdens of the people; and not the other way round (See Romans 10: 11).  As a man of prayer, godliness, and work, he trusted in, and depended on God’s promises, to realize the impossible.  He was featured with the clarity of goal, and non-perversion from it; and with being ready to work, whatever the cost may be.  He was persistent, ready to challenge any opposition inside and outside, with tranquility and peace.  A leader who planned ahead, and exhorted those who work under him to do everything decently and with order.  He perceived the danger of retreat and making truce with the enemies..  He was patriotic, “rendered to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22: 21).  As a leader, he had compassion on the poor and the miserable. https://coptic-treasures.com/  Appreciating the value of time, he consummated rebuilding the wall in 52 days.  He was firm against evil. 8- NEHEMIAH AS A SYMBOL OF THE LORD CHRIST – THE DIVINE MINISTER: The book portrays to us the person of Nehemiah, as a minister who works to the account of his people; in which he bears a symbol of the person of the Lord Christ, the Minister; as portrayed by Mark the apostle in his gospel:  Both prayed and fasted (1: 4; Mark 1: 35)  Both called others to the divine work (6: 15; Mark 3: 13-19)  Both confronted opposition (5: 4; Mark 1: 12; !2: 3)  Both were role models of service (14; 5: 9; Mark 9: 7)  Both were servants to the people (5: 19; Mark 10: 45)  Both taught the Word of God (8: 1-3; Matthew 5: 17-45)  Both purified the temple (13: 7-9; Mark 11: 15-17)  Both rebuked the hypocrites (13: 15-22; Matthew 23: 13-36). THE DIVISIONS OF THE BOOK: (1) Building the wall: (1 to 7) A- Preparations for the building: (1 -2) a- Nehemiah before God (1) b- Nehemiah before the king (2: 1-8) c- Nehemiah visits Jerusalem (2: 9-18) d- Nehemiah confronts the scoffers (2: 19-20) B- Building the wall: (3-7) https://coptic-treasures.com/ Building the wall presents to us a living portrait of the sound spiritual building a- All partook of the work (3), from the High priest to the priests, to give an example of the collective work. b- Stirred up against him, the enemy resorted to psychological war (4). For, every living edifying work stirs the devil up, to use psychological and physical weapons; we should say: “God fights for us” (4: 20). c- The inner building: (5). The outer wall would not be built without the inner building; hence, Nehemiah cared for the poor; and sought from the rich to restore what they have charged the poor. d- The wall was built despite of the opposition (6) e- Guarding the work with wisdom (7) (2) Building the people(8-13) A- Reading the law: Ezra the priest stood on a wooden podium, and publicly read and explained the law; 100 years after the return of the Jews under the leadership of Zerubbabel. B- Renewal of the covenant (9-10) a- By reading the Word of God, the spiritual building was consummated through the collective repentance (9). b- Pledging offerings to the Lord (10) C- The people settle down (11 D- Dedication of the wall with Joy: (12) E- Reforms after the second return: (13) https://coptic-treasures.com/ Nehemiah went forth to Babylon for a while, then returned to Jerusalem to find many transgressions have taken place, which he corrected by a heart wide with hope: a- Separation of the strangers (1-3) b- Restoration of the offerings to the Lord (4-14) c- Keeping the Sabbath (15-22) d- Of the blessings of the Lord on them, the Jews, by the captivity, did not practice the pagan worship; yet, those who have fallen into marrying pagan wives, in particular the priests and the Levites, Nehemiah chastised (23-31). That is why, the apostle Paul warns us saying: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6: 14). “Remember me, O my God, for good” (13: 31) LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH:  The greatest works to the account of the kingdom of God, starts by one faithful person (1: 2-4)  The living leader refers the sins and weaknesses of the people to himself (1: 3, 4; Hebrews 11: 24-27).  Prayer is our refuge at the start of the way, in its middle, and even up to its end  Confessing sins is the sure way to enjoy the mercies of God (1: 6-11)  The best way to reach the hearts of men is God (1: 11)  Once you minister to God, the devil will fight against you (2: 19, 20; 4: 1- 9). FEATURES OF NEHEMIAH’S PRAYER: https://coptic-treasures.com/ a- Full of zeal, together with tranquility of the soul, tears, and fasting; and extends day and night (1-4). b- Full of hope, anticipating the mercies of God (1: 5, 6) c- It bears humility, together with the confession of sins (1: 6-8) d- Accompanied with faith in the fulfillment of God’s promises to the repentant who obey His commands (1: 9) e- Practical without selfishness (!1, 10: 10) f- Active, accompanied with work (5, 2: 4) g- To the account of the glory of God (2: 8). A BOOK OF REMINISCENCE: In his prayers, Nehemiah reminded God of His promises to His children. In that he was like a little child on his father’s chest, seeking from him to fulfill what he promised him; which brings joy to his heavenly Father. In his first prayer he says: “Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses, saying ….” (1: 8) PROSPERITY IS A DIVINE GIFT: Believing that success is a divine gift; Nehemiah cries out to the Lord his God, saying: “Let Your servant prosper this day” (1: 11) THE TWO JOIRNEYS TO FREEDOM: 1- THE EXODUS FROM EGYPT 2- THE RETURN FROM CAPTIVITY The patches One patch Three patches The leaders Moses and Aaron, then Joshua 1- Zerubbabel 537 B.C. 2- Ezra 458 B.C. 3- Nehemiah 445 B.C. https://coptic-treasures.com/ Where? In Egypt, after 430 years In Babylon after 70 years Duration About 40 years About a century Number of people About one million About 60,000 The goal The enjoyment of the promised land Persistent complaint and rebellion Rebuilding the temple, the city, and the wall The obstacles The Red Sea; the wilderness; the enemies; and the River Jordan The desolation, weak possibilities, enemies all around; inner fears The offenses The rebellion Fear; despair; slothfulness; social oppression; spiritual collapse The lessons learned God is the true Leader The church (the tabernacle) – the icon of heaven Need for priesthood, and sacrifices (Christ is both the Priest and the Sacrifice) God is the Leader Everyone has his role and work The spiritual and the physical building No salvation without repentance. . The prayers of Nehemiah: THE REFERENCE WHEN ABOUT THE PRAYER 1: 4- 11 After hearing about the miserable condition of his people Repentance as a way for God’s work in us 2: 4 During his talk with the king Feeling the divine presence wherever we are https://coptic-treasures.com/ 4: 4 - 5 After the enemies scoffed him The opposition of the enemies is directed toward God 4: 9 The enemy threatened him God is the Keeper of those who work to His account; in whom He works 6: 9 Responding to the threats He seeks from God to strengthen his will 13: 9 (5: 9) He hides behind God who scatters the counsels of the enemies 5: 19; 13: 14, 22, 31 He seeks from God to remember him AN INSPIRATION FROM THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH CARRY ME, O LORD, TO THE LOCATION OF MINISTRY + Carry me on the eternal arms; For You are our Heavenly Father; Bring me into Your vineyard; The little thing becomes extremely great; When I consummate Your great task, O my Heavenly Father. + For the sake of Your great name; Grant me to work with You, O amazing in His love; Carry me, so that, in my turn I carry my brethren; So that we all work with Your fiery Spirit; So that we work by the spirit of love and unity; https://coptic-treasures.com/ So that the word ‘impossible’ would disappear from our life. + I wish to serve You, O Holy One; I wish to work by, and with You; I wish to exhort everyone to work in Your vineyard; The enemy stands against me to break down every divine work; For he sees in every good work I do, a challenge against him; He sometimes threatens to frighten me; And other times flirts with me to corrupt my time with vain and foolish debates; He sometimes pretends to show gentleness, and other times shows anger and ferocity; He sometimes shows his weapon to me; And other times he plots to deceive and destroy in secret; He sometimes scoffs my work to make me despair; And other times, accuses me profusely. + I truly perceived that I am not a party in this battle; For the enemy means to oppose You personally; I shall hide in You to enjoy Your conquest; My soul will exult and unceasingly praise You; The battle will turn into a heavenly procession with nothing but joy and exultation. + Now, I come out of the battle, perceiving an amazing secret; That You work by, in, and with us; Let me then begin my work with a prayer; And, while working, I shall keep lifting my heart to You; My soul will keep praying even after I end my work; For You are the beginning and the end. https://coptic-treasures.com/ + Nehemiah finally rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem; And by Your command, he rebuilt the people of Jerusalem; Dedicating the wall, he turned the life of the people to a joyful feast; My inner Jerusalem is without a wall; Who will build its wall? Who will set its glory? You promised me: “……..I shall be a wall of fire all around her; And I will be the glory in her midst” (Zechariah 2: 5) --------------------- WHAT WAS SAID ABOUT THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM IN THE HOLY BOOK? While studying the book of Nehemiah, we come in touch with the care of God Himself to rebuild the broken-down wall of Jerusalem. And we notice the repetition of the words of the great leader Nehemiah: “Remember me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people” (Nehemiah 5: 19); and we also hear his words: “Come, and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we no longer be a reproach” (2: 17).. What does ‘the wall of Jerusalem’ mean, as far as we are concerned? ……. And what did the fathers of the church say about the wall? JERUSALEM, THE BELOVED BRIDE (Isaiah 62: 5-6) Speaking about Jerusalem, the Lord says: “As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem. They shall never hold their peace day or night” (Isaiah 62: 5-6). https://coptic-treasures.com/ The talk here concerns the new Jerusalem, namely the church, the bride of Christ. The watchmen set on her walls by the heavenly Bridegroom, according to Josabius of Caesaria, are the angels and the holy heavenly hosts. While, according to St. John Chrysostom, they are the leaders or priests of the church; and according to St. Cyril the Great, they, are the teachers of the divine secrets (mystaggues) who unceasingly work for the glory of the Lord, and His exalted wonders. “THE SONS OF FOREIGNERS SHALL BUILD UP YOUR WALLS” (Isaiah 60: 10) If Jerusalem refers to the church of God in the new covenant; Who are “the sons of the foreigners” who shall build its walls?” … The Lord Christ came to the Jews, His own, who did not receive Him, Whereas the foreign Gentiles became witnesses and preachers of the evangelic truth. According to the apostle Paul: “You are no longer strangers, and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2: 19) According to Josabius, bishop of Caesaria, who wrote about the great emperor Constantin, commending him on his great services to the church: [The foreigners here are the Roman emperors, princes, and leaders, who contributed to building the walls of the church]. And according to St. Cyril the Great: [The walls of the church are the sound faith. The apostles, who built the walls by their preaching that faith, were not referred to the Jewish race, but became foreigners from them]. And according to Theodoret: [The foreigners here are the teachers who came from nations foreign to Israel, and became watchmen over the walls of the church by their prayers and teachings]. https://coptic-treasures.com/ “ I HAVE INSCRIBED YOUR WALLS ON THE PALMS OF MY HAND; YOU ARE CONTINUALLY BEFORE ME” (Isaiah 49: 16 LXX – the Septuagint version) According to St. Cyril the Great, the walls inscribed on the palms of the hands of God, are the saintly apostles and evangelists. Whereas according to Theodoret, who adopts the historical interpretation, the prophet here talks about the desolation of the walls of Zion on the hands of the Babylonians. While commanding them to rebuild them, He is so preoccupied with it, to seem as though He is the Architect responsible for the whole project. According to Josabius of Caesaria, the issue concerns the building of the true Jerusalem in the human souls, and the edification of the church. + Let us flee from evil, and raise our souls up to the image and likeness of God. Fleeing from evil is to imitate God; and the image of God is acquired by virtues. Like an artist who inscribed us by the colors of virtues; saying: “I have inscribed your walls, O Jerusalem, on the palms of My hands” (Isaiah 49: 16 LXX); I wish we do not wipe them out through negligence………By these walls, the city, namely the soul, is watched and protected……… The walls is truly a wall extending all around the camp; hence the bride, in Solomon’s song, says: “I am a wall, and my breasts like towers” (Songs 8: 10). ….. The wall, portrayed by the Good Lord, saying: “I have inscribed your walls on the palms of My hands, You are continually before Me” (Isaiah 49: 16 LXX). + “I am a wall, and my breasts like towers” (Songs 8: 10). The wall is the church, and the towers are her priests, who have the perfect power of providing the natural and ethical teachings. https://coptic-treasures.com/ (St. Ambrose) “EVEN TO THEM I WILL GIVE IN MY HOUSE, AND WITHIN MY WALLS A PLACE AND A NAME” (Isaiah 56: 5) “I will give them in my house, and within My walls a place and a name, better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off” (Isaiah 56: 5). According to St. Augustine, this everlasting name given by God (to the sons of the foreigbers), in His house and within His walls, is to bring them forth out of the shadows of the old time to the eternal lights. CHRIST IS THE WALL OF OUR JERUSALEM: According to ‘Venecundus’: [If we turn our face toward the wall when we are struck by the fear of death; namely when we direct the insight of our hearts toward the Savior – portrayed here by a Wall – we become saved; for He saves the believers who live in Him against many attacks. According to Isaiah: “We have a strong city; God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks” (Isaiah 26: 1). See how God is likened to a Wall}. Such an interpretation conforms to the saying of the Lord: “I shall be a wall of fire all around her; and I will be the glory in her midst” (Zechariah 2: 5). THE WATERS TURN INTO A WALL: https://coptic-treasures.com/ It is written: “So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left” (Exodus 14: 22, 29). That work proclaims the love of God for man, and His salvation work. According to the scholar Origen: [The waters turned into mountains!... The retreating waters turned into walls ….. The bottom of the sea was exposed, and proved to be only sands ….. I wish you perceive the extent of God’s love; for, once you obey His will, and keep His law, He will force the things to act against their nature for the sake of your service]. The scholar Origen was often preoccupied with the scene of the exodus of the children of Israel under the leadership of the prophet Moses, and their crossing over the Red Sea. For once Moses struck the sea with his staff, it was divided before the people, as though to welcome them to cross over through it. It is a magnificent portrait of the church of the new covenant, following her Christ, and even attaching herself to Him, being the body, attached to the Head; And by His (staff), namely His cross, the world, disturbed by the violent waves of temptations, will turn into an enjoyable way to cross over to eternity. The destructive waters will turn into a wall on the right and on the left; to let the believer walk along the straightforward way, with no perversion to the right or to the left; to walk in the refuge of his Christ, who turns everything to the edification of his soul.. + God commanded the prophet Moses to strike the sea with his staff to divide and to retreat, to let the people of God enter into its midst (Exodus 14: 21-22, 26); and to force the natural elements to serve man. And once the waters which they feared became for them a wall on the right and the https://coptic-treasures.com/ left (Exodus 14: 29), it was no more destructive but protective;….. Notice the goodness of God, if you obey His will, and keep His law; He will commit the elements themselves to serve you, contrary to their nature. + What a horrible experience to cross over in the midst of the sea! … to see the mighty waves with their high sound, and their stirred-up whirlpools! … If you follow Moses, namely the law of God, waters will be for you walls on the right and on the left; you will walk on dry land in the midst of the sea. ….. So it will happen in the heavenly journey; for great are the waves there ! + He, who is an Egyptian, and a follower of Pharaoh, will drown in the great flood of iniquities. Whereas he, who follows Christ, and walk as He did, waters will be for him a wall on the right and on the left. Until he crosses over to liberty, and there, he will sing the song of conquest to the Lord, saying: “I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously” (Exodus 15: 1). (The scholar Origen) “I HAVE MADE YOU BRONZE WALLS AGAINST THE WHOLE LAND” If the enemy became like an army to oppose me; You are my strength, You will be for me a wall of fire to protect me; and a shield to confront the arrows of the enemy; ………You will strengthen my legs to become like a deer; …………You will lift me up as though on high mountains, away from harm; ………….You will strengthen my hands to fight against the devil; ………….You will widen my steps to chase the enemy and destroy him by the cross. “For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall” (2 Samuel 22: 30; Psalm 18: 19). The https://coptic-treasures.com/ Lord confirms: “For behold, I have made you this day a fortified city and an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land …..they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you” (Jeremiah 1: 18, 19). THE WALL OF DISCERNMENT: + ‘The discernment’, which is not only called “the light of the body”, and “the sun’; for according to the apostle, “Do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (Ephesians 4: 26); but is also called “a ruler”; as the Holy Book does not allow us to do anything without Him: “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit, is like a city broken down without walls” (Proverbs 25: 28). (Father Moses) THE WALL OF THE COMMANDMENTS: + Our paradise is surrounded on all sides by the wall of the commandments, lest a thief or a wild beast would crawl into it. (St. Gregory of Nyssa) THE WALL OF THE HIGHER JERUSALEM: St. John the beloved says: “And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gate, and its walls……….Then he measured its wall, 144 cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel” (Revelation 21: 15, 17). https://coptic-treasures.com/ The children of the kingdom are well known, measured by God, and kept safe with Him. The unit of measurement is a reed of gold, namely, heavenly; for the spiritual and the heavenly things are only measured by what is spiritual and heavenly. The figure 144, refers to the (catholic) church (the church of the old covenant 12 X the church of the new covenant 12); which is surrounded by one Wall, to enjoy one God. …..The one who did the measurement is an angel and not an earthly man; lest you may imagine that in heaven there are any thing material or earthly. …….It is walled by God Himself, its Keeper; and it is made of pure gold crystal-like, namely heavenly. THE WALLS OF THE ENEMY: About those walls it is written: “By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days” (Hebrews 11: 30). “And they shall destroy the walls of Tyre, and break down her towers. I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock” (Ezekiel 26: 4). “Set up the standard on the walls of Babylon; Make the guard strong; Set up the watchmen; Prepare the ambushes, For the Lord has both devised and done what He spoke against the inhabitants of Babylon” (Jeremiah 51: 12). + It is written: “By my God I can leap over a wall” (Psalm 18: 29 LXX) – the wall of evil that separates the brethren, stirs up dissensions between them; and let them go astray from the truth, + The Psalmist knew that the strength of the believers lies in giving thanks to God; for in their joy they leap over the walls of the enemies; the way the saints say: “By my God I can leap over a wall”. (Pope Athanasius the apostolic)