Rebuilding the Wall

Ancient cities had walls so people could retreat inside for protection. When the gates of the walls were shut, people in the city experienced a measure of protection from robbers, wild beasts, and invading armies.

Because the Babylonians had destroyed Jerusalem's walls, the Israelites needed to rebuild them when they returned from exile—but conditions were not good. And when Nehemiah, cupbearer for the Persian king, heard about the plight of the people, he obtained permission to return to Jerusalem so he could help the people.

The first thing Nehemiah did after he arrived in Jerusalem was pray.

Then he challenged the people to work—even while under attack. He developed strategies and set the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. (Neh. 4:13b NKJV) Only half of the people actually worked on the wall while the others kept watch and held weapons. Because the people were spread thinly around the city, he said, whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. (v. 20b)

When the project was completed, Nehemiah joyfully recorded that they finished it in 52 days. Furthermore, as the Israelites rejoiced, their enemies perceived that this work was done by our God. (6:16c)

Originally published October 30, 1987 and October 4, 1991.
Picture: Wildflowers, Glacier National Park, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

A Prophetic Word

David is well-known as a shepherd, poet, musician, military leader, adulterer, city planner, and king. He united the tribes of Israel to form a viable nation. He established Jerusalem as Israel’s capital—and its centrality became a key Scriptural concept. He collected materials for the temple that his son Solomon would build and he made extensive plans for the design of the building. When he brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, David established temple liturgy.

Among all his accomplishments, however, David's prophetic messages are rarely emphasized. But Psalm 22, written by David, is a key prophetic image. It provides a vivid picture of Christ’s crucifixion: My God, My God, why have You forsaken me. . . ? I am poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint . . . They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots. (Ps. 22:1-8 NKJV)

Jesus learned Scripture as a child and He would have frequently quoted many Old Testament passages. He must have identified with David because many prophecies identified Him as the son of David. He knew all about the accomplishments of his forbearer.

Jesus also would have been familiar with Psalm 22, and He must have understood it as a prophecy related to His death. Although the rabbis or teachers of His time did not recognize a suffereing Savior, Jesus had a greater revelation than the rabbis. He knew how Romans killed people, and He knew how He would die. He told His disciples exactly what would happen to Him.

Jesus understood and received the prophetic Word of God.

Originally published March 6, 1987.

On To Jerusalem

Six days before the Passover, on the first day of the week, Jesus received a glorious welcome when He entered Jerusalem. Luke says of the event that, people spread their cloaks on the road . . . the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices. . . . (Lk. 19:36b,37b NIV)

But Jesus would not be deceived by their enthusiasm. He had tried earlier to tell the disciples that He was entering Jerusalem to die. He even knew details—that religious leaders would manipulate circumstances so He would be handed to the Romans—and that the Romans would, mock . . . insult . . .spit . . . flog . . . and kill . . . . (18:32) All of it was necessary before there could be a resurrection and before He could ascend into heaven.

So He rode alone, physically and emotionally isolated from others, when He entered the city and moved toward the appointed hour.

Originally published March 29, 1985.

His Father's Plan

Imagine riding triumphantly into Jerusalem knowing that crucifixion was in your immediate future. Jesus understood prophecy, and He knew what what was going to happen to Him. He had learned Scriptures as a child and knew many passages that foretold His future. Perhaps Psalm 22 was vivid in His mind: I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. . . . (Ps. 22:14 NKJV)

Nevertheless, Jesus steadfastly rode the donkey forward to meet His destiny. What did He think as He looked out over the large crowd? He could have avoided both the time of praise as He entered the city and the time of confrontation with the Pharisees that would follow.

If He had, He would have avoided His Father’s plan. So He went forward, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and fulfilling what He had said of Himself earlier: I lay down my life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down. . . . (Jn. 10:17b,18a NKJV)

Originally published March 21, 1986
Picture: Landscape, Las Vegas, NV, 2008. Photo by Solveig.

God's Presence

Zion is one of the mountains within the city of Jerusalem. Before David captured it, the mountain was an ancient Jebusite stronghold. It is also a natural fortress, and the mountain has a natural spring of clear, life-sustaining water flowing from its depths.

So when the temple was built on Mount Zion, the place of God’s Presence symbolized both a place of refuge and a place of refreshing. It became a metaphor for God’s protection and sustenance.

God repeatedly called His people to come to Him and to enter into His Presence by referring to Zion. Jeremiah wrote, Come, let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God. (Jer. 31:6 NIV)

When the Israelites sinned—lived outside the Law or turned to idols—Zion was a reminder of God’s power to protect and sustain. Going to the temple was an important act of worship, but only because God's purpose was calling the people to Himself.

Originally published July 11, 1986.