NUMBERING THE PEOPLE THE ANIMALS AND THE GIFTS

PROCLAMATION

“The whole congregation together was forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty.”  Nehemiah 7:68 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The Bible Book of Nehemiah was written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Nehemiah, the cupbearer to Artaxerxes the king of Persia.  After the wall had been rebuilt and the doors had been set, the gatekeepers and singers were appointed.  Nehemiah appointed his brother Hanani and Hananiah the ruler of the palace to be the rulers over Jerusalem, for they were faithful and God-fearing men. (Nehemiah 7:1-2)  Then he said let not the gates of Jerusalem be open until the sun is hot.  And while they are standing guard, let the gates remain closed.  He appointed guards from among the people of Jerusalem.  He noted that the city was large and great but there were very few people within it, and no houses had been rebuilt. (Nehemiah 7:3-4)  The remainder of chapter seven includes a listing of the genealogy of the people. (Nehemiah 7:5-65)  There were forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty people.  In addition to seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven manservants and maidservants; plus two hundred and forty-five singing men and women.  He also counted the horses, mules, camels, and donkeys. (Nehemiah 7:66-70)  There was a record kept of what the head of each of the families gave into the treasury. 

 

APPLICATION

It has been said that there is strength in numbers.  However, being on The Lord’s side puts us on the winning side.  If He is for us, then no one can stand against us. (Romans 8:31)  It is not always good to follow the crowd.  The crowd is fickle, easily influenced, and it can change on you very quickly.  Remember, one day they were shouting “Hosanna” for Jesus, The Christ, (Matthew 21:9, Mark 11:9-10, and John 12:13) and the next week they were shouting, “Crucify Him!” (Matthew 27:22-23, Mark 15:13-14, and John 19:6)  The majority of people will follow the crowd down the well-travelled road and it will lead them to their destruction. (Matthew 7:13)  It is the narrow, less-travelled road which leads to everlasting life but only the few will go that way. (Matthew 7:14)  Just because everyone is doing it does not make it right.  Let us follow The Lord God and go His way.