“We accept the responsibility for paying an annual tax of one-third of a shekel (about an eighth ounce) for providing The Temple of our God with

bread for the Table

regular Grain-Offerings

regular Whole-Burnt-Offerings…”

Nehemiah 10:32-33a (MSG)

Last time we saw the group promise not to marry or give in marriage to those who do not know and worship the Most High. As people set apart for Him, they also promised not to buy or sell on Shabbat or any other holy day. Today we continue on with more specifics the group promised in obedience to His Law.

We accept responsibility (amad – take one’s stand, arise, endure, fulfill, give stability, abide behind, dwell, be over) for (al – hover over) the ordinances (mitzvah: prescribed, terms; from tsavah – conditions, law, ordinance, precept, lay charge upon).

In describing how our group would obey, they communicate it like a weighty task hovering over them to which they must rise up and meet. The charge put upon them by the Law of Moses, His prescribed terms, would be where our group took their stand.

Oh, let’s let that be where you and I stand in our time, too. May the love of God and neighbor hover over us all. May we abide behind the ordinances that – from Genesis to Revelation – reveal His heart for the poor, the powerless, the sojourner, the widow and orphan, those with little political clout and even less esteem in camps who desire productivity over people and bottom lines over love.

And what, specifically, did our group accept responsibility for? To pay (nathan – give, to commit, entrust) one-third of a shekel yearly for the service (abodah – labor, service, ministry, office, bondservant) of the Temple (bayith – house).

They committed to entrusting their collective pool of funds to the ministry of Temple. God’s House, where He chose His presence to dwell. Any labor, all service, including the killing of animals, the baking of bread, the continuous burning of fire before Him would be funded by the community.

In these verses, three specific elements were promised to be cared for by our group. First is the bread for the Table/the showbread (maareketh – row, line, arrangement, pile, from arak – array, expert in war, set in order, compare, esteem, estimate, join battle).

Oh, here is where we not of Jewish heritage get to dig into some learning (source). When God led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the wilderness, He commanded Moses make a Tabernacle in which He would dwell among His people. Inside, there would be a variety of tools and furniture, one being the Table.

“Make a table of acacia wood—two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high. Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. Also make around it a rim a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners, where the four legs are. The rings are to be close to the rim to hold the poles used in carrying the table. Make the poles of acacia wood, overlay them with gold and carry the table with them.

And make its plates and dishes of pure gold, as well as its pitchers and bowls for the pouring out of offerings.

Put the bread of the Presence on this table to be before me at all times.”

Exodus 25:23-30

That source I linked to a few paragraphs earlier refers to the shape of this bread and how it somehow did not mold after a week before the LORD.

The details are from Leviticus 24:

“Take the finest flour and bake twelve loaves of bread, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf. Arrange them in two stacks, six in each stack, on the table of pure gold before the Lord. By each stack put some pure incense as a memorial portion to represent the bread and to be a food offering presented to the Lord. This bread is to be set out before the Lord regularly, Sabbath after Sabbath, on behalf of the Israelites, as a lasting covenant. It belongs to Aaron and his sons, who are to eat it in the sanctuary area, because it is a most holy part of their perpetual share of the food offerings presented to the Lord.”

“Every Shabbat, after the Mincha (afternoon) sacrifice, the old loaves were replaced with new ones. The old loaves were given to Kohanim to eat.” And what did this Bread of the Presence symbolize? “It’s a continuous reminder that our livelihoods and food come only from [Elohim].” (Source)

Let’s stop right there, because I don’t think we really believe that. I’m quite sure I don’t, at least all the way deep down, based on how I act and react to variables. We have plenty in the cupboards? We’ve been working hard. We are struggling to make ends meet? What have we done wrong?

I hope you’re not on a hunt to find out how I’m against personal responsibility based on those statements above. I believe in it sometimes too much, including loving our neighbor by being responsible in this pandemic.

But at what point do we as individuals, smaller communities, and larger cities, states, and nations unclench our fists, relax our jaws, and realize “our livelihoods come only from our Creator?” Like a baby in the womb we are, at rock bottom, reliant on a supply we cannot produce.

Can we trust in the midst of uncertainty? Can we freely share what has been freely given to us? Can we demand our leaders see the worth of all creation? Can we take this level playing field of dependence and let it change how we treat, talk to, and vote on behalf of one another?

And could we look back one more time to the definition for Showbread? Its root word is arak – array, expert in war, set in order, compare, esteem, estimate, join battle. While it is likely this referred to how the bread was to be arranged in stacks before the LORD, it seems fitting in another way as well.

Is there any area in which God may be setting priorities in order right now? Might there be a battle for human dignity in our time? All human dignity? Is it possible when we compare the worth of lives, we will be bankrupt long before the coffers run dry? Could it be our the God of Angel-Armies, Jehovah-Sabaoth, has ways and motives perfectly eclipsing our own right now?

Let’s keep paying attention, friends.

The second commanded element our group had read up on in Torah, and was committing to take care of, was the regular (tamid) grain offering (minchah – gift, tribute, offering, sacrifice [bloodless and voluntary]).

“When anyone brings a grain offering to the Lord, their offering is to be of the finest flour. They are to pour olive oil on it, put incense on it and take it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the incense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord.

 The rest of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the food offerings presented to the Lord.”

Leviticus 2:1-3

The finest flour of grains they had was required. Frankincense was added to make the aroma pleasing to God. The rest, the most holy part, would feed God’s ministers in Temple.

And isn’t that “bloodless and voluntary sacrifice” such an interesting description for minchah? While it refers to the grain not needing to be slaughtered like a sheep or goat or pigeon, it still conjures up more abstract images.

What might a bloodless and voluntary sacrifice look like to us this day? The one in which we are encouraged to ask for our daily bread? Seeing to the needs of others? Blessing those on the front lines? Medical, restaurant, grocery store, delivery, and other workers?

My sister and her neighbors are collectively ordering from a local eatery each week together to help places stay afloat, while staying safe. I know others organizing letter writing, drive-by-wave-at-safe-distance parades, dropping off needed items at doors (to be wiped down before brought in). Bloodless, not an offering which requires much hard labor, disguised as ordinary. But likely the most holy part as we love God by loving the precious people He made.

And, finally, our group took responsibility for the regular (tamid) whole burnt offering (olah – ascent, go up to, usually a holocaust [destruction or slaughter on a mass scale] as going up in smoke, feminine active participle of alah – step, climb, arise)

If you’re like me, that “holocaust…going up in smoke” section caught your eye. While it seems a bit extreme to us to describe a burnt offering as a holocaust, it probably wouldn’t to the sheep. He was entirely consumed, the aroma of the animal sacrifice – what should have happened to the human due to sin – arising to God.

As people commanded to lay our entire lives down as a living sacrifice to God, what else might need to go up in smoke at the same time? Anything in our justice system, our school systems, our family systems which might need to be destroyed on a mass scale?

We will know. He will tell us. And based on the current situation, many of us will have time to listen. May we lean in.

“‘We promise not to let our daughters marry the pagan people of the land, and not to let our sons marry their daughters.’

We also promise that if the people of the land should bring any merchandise or grain to be sold on the Sabbath or on any other holy day, we will refuse to buy it.

Every seventh year we will let our land rest, and we will cancel all debts owed to us.'”

Nehemiah 10:30 – 31

Last time we saw our returned exiles declare they would follow Yahweh’s torah, mitzvah, mishpat, and choq. Today we get into the specifics of those commands.

The first way our gathered group declared to follow Yahweh was one of His oldest commands: to not give their daughters in marriage to the peoples around, nor take (laqach – take, accept) daughters of the nations as wives for their sons. Remember, this is not about making room among His people for all nations, but rather the hearts of those who refuse Him.

When our hearts are given over to idols, it is impossible to worship the One True God. Those whose gods were no-gods could not join with the people of the Most High and expect there to not be a clash in authority. We can only have one master. I can only have one master. God was warning His people not to unite themselves to those who had refused Him.

Seems like a timely reminder to us now, yes? Most of us are either cooped up or making a beeline from work to home each day amid this pandemic. And many not for our own sakes, but for others’. So what will surface in your heart and mine in this downtime? Probably some junk we didn’t have time to face until now.

For me, as a teacher dealing with school closure and still getting paid, it is the pride that I’m not earning my keep. While I trust leadership to show us what is expected in these new structures, it is hard to feel like I’ll be pulling my weight. Hard to rest and trust.

Let’s face our junk together, shall we? Our only identity, if we are in Him, is being His beloved. It is very, very hard to rest in that when you’re restless, uncertain, and anxious. Help us, Lord. We need You right now. Show Yourself beautiful, True, majestic, and worthy as all other things fail us in this time.

And let’s pray for one another. It’s not just idol exposure that is difficult right now; some of us are really struggling with our circumstances. Let’s lift others up together:

Those who are immunocompromised or elderly

Those already ill

Those living alone for whom isolation is difficult

Those whose personalities desire more social time than is appropriate right now

Those with particularly small living quarters

Those for whom home is not a safe place – physically, emotionally, verbally

Those with big dogs (!!)

Those with small children, feeling cooped up and no one to share the burden of entertainment and care

Those scrambling for childcare plans in the face of school closure

Those who themselves or their children require routine and structure

Those with special needs kiddos now at home full time

Those who are now out of work and know not what is next

Those who are discerning how to best lead us right now

Those who are making decisions how to lead us spiritually

Those required to keep working: grocery stores, gas stations, medical professionals, caregivers.

We all need one another right now. May we pray to the One Who holds it all in His hands.

The second way our group vowed to follow Yah was to not buy or sell wares or grain on the Sabbath or any other holy day. The word for wares is maqqachah which comes from laqach – to take, buy, bring, accept, mingle, receive.

The idea is the people of Jerusalem may not have gone out of the city to sell and buy, but others were coming in offering their wares on a day which God insisted on rest and trust. Rest and trust.

Why is it so difficult? If those who did not know God’s law went ahead and set up shop on the Sabbath, why so hard to simply not buy? And why does this Sabbath rest matter so much to God?

Sabbath in Hebrew is shabbath from shabath – to cease, desist, rest, celebrate, desist from exertion, put away. Frankly, it should seem like the easiest of all commands to follow: Chill out, celebrate, put away our need for getting ahead, desist from the exertion of the rest of the week.

Instead, like me, the returned exiles were apparently struggling. If they were learning Torah and realized this was required, the implication is they had continued as usual through the Sabbath (Shabbat) up until now. And not just Shabbat, but “any holy day” (qodesh – apartness, sacredness, consecrated, holy, dedicated).

Perhaps that definition for holy is the key to our understanding, both why rest was important to God and why it is so difficult to obey. When God’s people took Him at His word and didn’t sell or buy wares or grain, they looked different than the rest of the peoples who don’t know Him. They were separate, set apart.

It looked like they trusted God to meet their needs even with this day of rest. Harkening back to the forty years when mysterious manna fell from the sky, and in double portion the day before Shabbat, to be gathered for the next day with no fear of molding.

God may be calling us right now to stop gathering more than we need, or to gather extra for our brothers and sisters who cannot gather at all right now. Either way, the rest and celebration, trust and community, are crucial lessons in our international moment. Those of us whose lives have been dedicated to Yah and His Kingdom are called to rest, trust, and serve right now. May we do so together.

The final way in today’s verses the group promised to obey God is to let the land rest every 7th year and cancel all debts. It’s as if the resting and trusting are being taken up a notch, huh? “We will forgo the land” in Hebrew is natash – leave, forsake, permit, abandon, cast away. 

For an agrarian society this was Shabbat on steroids. Every seventh year, for an entire year, they would not work the land. They would rely on God’s provision and daily bread while at the same time trust this land rest would yield enough next year.

Not only that, but every seventh year they would cease “the exacting” (mashsha – lending, interest, usury) of every debt (yad – guarantor, what deserves, yield, hand – open one indicating power and means versus closed one: hollow, flat, palm, bend down, bow).

They would stay their hand of power, demanding to be paid back what they were owed, to those with a hollow hand bowed down to them in their debt. That whole power situation would be reversed. Debts cancelled, as God’s Law outlines, that generational bondage would not overtake families. Those who had enough to lend in the first place were forced to see it was all God’s all the time and open their hands to His gracious one.

Where does that rub against your ideas of rightness and justice? Of fairness or the American dream? I think it’s supposed to be hard to swallow. I think the demand for rest and not earning, for letting go of debts and receiving debt forgiveness are all blows to our pride and self-sufficiency.

But we have a God continually pointing us to the Cross. Where we were forgiven a debt we would never be able to pay, given a salvation we never earned. Who Scripturally seems to care more about us communally flourishing in Shalom than individually climbing the financial ladder.

God has a Word for us in these difficult days. May we take the opportunity to listen.

“They swore a curse on themselves if they failed to obey the Law of God as issued by his servant Moses. They solemnly promised to carefully follow all the commands, regulations, and decrees of the Lord our Lord…”

Nehemiah 10:29b-30a NLT

Last time we saw the first steps of the repentant group: all the folk joining their leaders to obey. Today we see how.

“They swore on themselves a curse…” Curse in this verse is shebuah – perjury, oath. The first part of verse 29 we read last time talks about the oath, whereas today we see the curse. However, in the Hebrew it is seamless: “They entered into an oath and a curse.”

They promised and would perjure themselves, come upon a curse, if they failed to walk (halak) in the torah (direction, instruction, ruling, teaching) of God (Elohim).

In working with high-needs students, I feel God has given me a teensy glimpse of this desire that His people walk in His direction, follow His teaching. Like most teachers, I want to dole out praise, give rewards, and learn collectively how to best understand school and life. Unfortunately, like most teachers, I regularly have to do the opposite. Just like me, students often have to experience the negative of a ruling before motivated toward the positive.

I find myself wanting to plead with kids: “Just listen! Obey and see how much better it will go for you!” And when they barely begin to head in the right direction, I’m so overjoyed. How much more a Master Teacher, Perfect Father toward His people? With no dark side, and an all-seeing perspective, He knows how much better it will go for us when we walk in the direction of His instruction.

“…[They solemnly promised to] observe and do all the mitzvah of Yahweh our Adonai…”

Observe here is shamar (to watch, keep watch, preserve, attend, be careful, bodyguard, defend, pay attention, secure, take care, wait), and do is asah (accomplish). And what are they paying attention to and accomplishing?

All the commandments (mitzvah: prescribed, terms; from tsavah – conditions, law, ordinance, precept, lay charge upon) of Yahweh.

I wrote before about the difference between mitsvah and other commands:

“This word mistvah is distinct from torah in that it also includes ‘moral kindness in keeping the law.’ There are 613 mitzvot (plural of mitsvah). However, because the Temple is no longer in tact – and because Israel is not the theocratic state it was before – Jewish scholars list 271 mitzvot which are still to be followed today. (source) 

And let’s remember together these precepts are not just moral, individualistic rules. Rather, these were statutes that showed how justice and love come together communally. We as a Body cannot assume to ignore the corporate law and expect no correction.”

These mitsvot were the charges of Yahweh to His people. They were to keep watch, pay careful attention to them, yes, but also actually live them out, accomplish them in their lives.

I’ve got to ask what moral kindness in keeping the law might look like given our global virus situation? While panic is the last thing we need, taking serious the effect of this on our communities should be priority. Our family knows we are in a privileged situation compared to many. So what does it look like to prepare but not hoard, follow precautions even though we feel healthy to protect those who would be most affected, and let go of what is most convenient for us so the larger whole is well? And, of course as Believers, follow the necessary precautions while entrusting our very selves to our Creator?

May we as His people be the most others-centered, heart-calming influences in following communal charges.

Not only were torah and mitzvah solemnly promised to be observed, but our group also vowed to obey His ordinances (mishpat – due justice, kind manner, proper regulation, rightful sentence, worthy verdict, proper decree) and statutes (choq – allotment, boundaries, conditions, limit, fixed order, permission, required amount, commandment, decreed, appointment).

I’m so glad the heartbeat of the galaxies is one of justice, healthy boundaries, kindness, and permission. A perfect blend of grace and truth. Grace and Truth incarnate. Remember these are pleasing rules, faithful statutes, and beautiful commands. No harsh authoritarian or corrupt dictator to worry about.

Just a God Who knows the number of hairs on our head, the cattle on a thousand hills, and, hopefully, the puppies in every yard. Mine keeps running along the (broken) fence in our backyard, keeping his eye on me for an opportunity to escape (again). When he does, he’s put in a more restrictive fenced area until next time. Yes, violations of limits yield rightful sentencing. They would not be limits without it.

And, yet, he’s mine. Ours. I have no intention of casting aside a puppy for disobeying any more than I plan to stop teaching a student who is struggling to self-regulate. Not because I’m so kind, but because this kind of Love has loved me first.

He’s the God Who stays, and I’m so glad.

“Then the rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, Temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the pagan people of the land in order to obey the Law of God, together with their wives, sons, daughters, and all who were old enough to understand— joined their leaders and bound themselves with an oath.”

Nehemiah 10:28-29a

Last time we looked at the final three leaders’ names who signed the covenant. Today we move on to this group’s next moves.

First step is watching the rest of the folk join in obeying. The governor, Nehemiah himself, began the signing of this binding covenant; next the priests, the Levites, and the leaders of the people. Now it’s everyone else’s turn. Everyone who had “separated themselves (badal: to divide, exclude, make distinct, set apart, sever, make separate, distinguish) from the pagan people of the land.”

It’s so interesting in Holy Writ how God both demands a distinction from His people from the rest of the world, and yet seamlessly throughout shows how this is the way to be the light of it. If our desire is to sever ties from the world rather than sever ways of the world, how does this invite? If we divide and separate from our habits which don’t reflect Him, but do not at the same time multiply and unite our love and hearts toward those walking in darkness, how are we loving our neighbor as ourselves?

Indeed, this setting apart was an important primary step for God’s people as they sought repentance. They had witnessed first hand the consequences of not separating themselves from detestable practices. Now they were ready to listen.

I love how these verses make sure to include everyone in this covenant making. Wives, sons, daughters, and everyone who had knowledge and understanding.

Knowledge is yada: to know as familiar friend, discern, comprehend, perceive, take notice, well aware. Those joining in obedience didn’t just know intellectually, but apparently knew like you know your best friend that listening to Yahweh was vital. They were well aware the only way to true life was to trust the motives of the Author of Life.

And knowledge wasn’t all in this verse. In the NIV it says, “everyone who was old enough to understand. But according to the Hebrew, it is “everyone who had knowledge and understanding.” Understanding is bin – to carefully consider, act wisely, discern, interpret, pay close attention, skillful, teacher, eloquent, feel, instruct, prudent, deal wisely.

This group of people wanted to put their knowing into action. Like a skillful teacher they were going to take the previous lessons, build on them with discernment, carefully consider the next steps, and act wisely. Everyone who could understand was included. No one left on the sidelines.

Which is how they could join their leaders. Join in this verse is chazaq – to grow firm or strong, strengthen, take a stand, support, became courageous, fierce, stubborn, stalwart, to be fortified, become mighty, been arrogant, take courage, repair, recover, withstand.

From the top down they were uniting. Their strength was in their support. Governor, priests, Levites, and officials became stalwart against future slavery because the people came alongside. Our returning exiles saw a promising road ahead in which they could recover their worship of Who is worthy, continue to repair their city, and be fortified in the face of idolatry.

The same is true in our day, friends. When we unite on spine issues and disagree in love on non-essentials, the Church grows strong. When we take a stand against treating anyone as less than an image bearer of the King, we repair damage from the past. When we bow low and serve, we can recover from the slavery of idolatry.

“[The document was ratified and sealed with…the leaders of the people:]

..Malluk, Harim and Baanah.”

Nehemiah 10:27

Last time we focused on several leaders’ names, including one which pointed us to clouds – the invisible made visible. Today we see the final three names of leaders who signed our covenant.

First we have Malluk, whose name we have seen in Nehemiah 10:4. It comes from melek – king, royal and malak – become queen, reign, ascend to throne, induct into royalty, take counsel, consult.

I’m particularly in tune with the take counsel part of this definition, as our church is in Proverbs for the year 2020.

“In the abundance of counselors there is victory.”

And I’m considering the difference between yes men and wise counsel. Seems like the latter would be vital for someone whose job it is to lead others.

While our country does not have a king or queen, we can learn much from studying the kings of Israel. In particular, how power can lead to corruption and those in positions of influence will stand before God and answer to how we stewarded such.

But mostly how, based on the meanings of our next two names, the primary goal of reigning is that those under our reign would flourish. Not just those who can bring much to the table, but, in particular, those who cannot. To see a platform as an opportunity to pass the microphone to voices needing elevated and making decisions which benefit the good of all.

In God’s kingdom, to lead is to wash feet, and to ascend to a throne is to emulate the One Who left such heights to serve.

Next is Harim (Charim) whose name means “consecrated.” It comes from charam – cursed, ban, devote, exterminate, utterly destroy, forfeit, have a flat nose, snub-nosed, utterly slay, seclude by a ban, to devote to religious uses (especially destruction). We have seen this name in Nehemiah 3:11, 7:35, 7:42, and 10:5, as a priest signing the covenant.

Of course we know from world history that reigning over others more often leads to an abuse of power. What kills me is the “devote to religious uses…especially destruction.” I can’t think of something more devastating to describe one’s faith practices.

In what ways do we see religion devoting others to destruction in our day? How do we wield our differences in faith – or simply doctrine of the same faith – to exterminate others? To ban from our tribes or slay with our rhetoric?

May the name and its roots only ever describe those who follow Jesus as devoted, consecrated, set apart for Him and His Way in our tenure here. And if we are cursed may we bless. If we’re persecuted or banned, let us endure it. If we are hard pressed or struck down, may our testimonies be we were not destroyed.

And our final leader listed is Baanah as seen in Nehemiah 7:7. This name is a derivative of anah – to be bowed down, afflicted, abase self, defile, browbeat, chasten self, force, humble self, submit self, weaken.

Yeesh, so many things which can point to both positive intentions and not-so-much. If you have ever bowed low, humbled or weakened yourself for the sake of another – ultimately for the work of our God – you know there is nothing more powerful. Genuine submission – when the heart is trusting in the motives of the Ultimate Authority, not folding arms and waiting for everything to fall apart – puts us smack in the current of Yahweh’s rushing tide. In a front row seat at that.

But if we move to defilement, browbeating, and force, my friends, we have neglected the heart behind the Word. And we’ve ignored the imago Dei in others and possibly ourselves. If we chasten or abase ourselves out of a twisted idea of submission, we are not honoring His image in our own being. And if we allow others to do it, we are cooperating with abuse.

The way God is bringing to light such defilement in the Church and the world at large points to another opportunity for an upfront seat in His movement. For Justice will roll, what is whispered in private will be shouted from the rooftops, and those without worldly power have a Redeemer Who is strong.

“[The document was ratified and sealed with…the leaders of the people:]

…Ahiah, Hanan, Anan…”

Nehemiah 10:26

Last time we examined the depths of compassion, exploring the idea of co-suffering guiding us as a compass on our journey. Today we will see what we can mine from the meanings of three new leaders’ names.

First up is Ahiah, whose name means “brother of Yah” or “worshipper of Yah” from Yah and ach – alike, kinsman, relative, resemblance, kindred.

Yes, please. May we take this definition and run with it in our spiritual lives. For our distinct personalities and experiences to not be overrun, but so eclipsed by the Spirit, that we look like His kin. We resemble Him because of our worship of His holiness. Our lives mirror His just mercy, His love and honor. And as a Body of believers worldwide, we celebrate our cultural diversity yet match one another in heart, like the spiritual relatives we are. Kindred spirits by His Spirit.

Next we have a popular name, Hanan. We have seen this name in Nehemiah 10:10 and 22, and the root word in several other names. It means gracious favor: to bend or stoop in kindness.

It’s what we’re called to, isn’t it? To look at the ridiculous favor, completely unearned, of God and soak it in. Absorb it so fully we are astonished. Then take that gob-smacked appreciation and refuse to refuse it to others. Forgiving offenses, receiving forgiveness when we’ve offended again. Getting back up when we smash into one another on our still-broken tenure here. Bending in kindness when we’d rather stand stiff and above. Gracious favor.

Finally today we have Anan, whose name only occurs here. It means cloud, heavy mist, nimbus or thunder cloud, and comes from anan – soothsayer, enchanter, observer of times, bring, cloud over (figuratively) to act covertly, practice magic. Hmm, enchanter once more.

I was struck this time by those thunder clouds: “The word ‘nimbus’ is derived from Latin meaning rainstorm or cloud (nimbo means rain)…”

“[They] are formed when the air cools and results in condensation of water vapor that is invisible and produces visible cloud or ice droplets…These water droplets then take various shapes and sizes and float in the atmosphere…

“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,

your sins like the morning mist.

Return to me,

for I have redeemed you.”

Isaiah 44:22

…Formation of clouds is also affected by the movement of air currents…Cumulonimbus clouds are the clouds that usually cause thunderstorms, as the water droplets are closely packed or stay in a single mass.” (Source)

The process of cloud formation itself seems a sleight of hand by our Creator. Taking vapor which is invisible and turning it into a visible cloud by bunching up the droplets together.

Kinda like how we cannot see the Wind, as it blows wherever it pleases, but when the Holy Ghost is bunched up in a mass of believers, our invisible God is made visible to a watching world, in the various shapes and sizes of His wildly vast creation.

And how Jesus Himself was God-in-flesh, our Immanuel. The exact image of God, in a human body which we could tolerate, His holiness restrained for our sake.

No, it’s not soothsaying, nor does our Holy One need to act covertly or cloud over His flawless intentions or ways. But when we’re not sure what He is doing – despite how focused we are on observing our times – we can rest in His character, take Him at His Word, and trust when the mist parts and we see clearly, the majesty will be worth the wait.

“[The document was ratified and sealed with…the leaders of the people:]

…Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah…”

Nehemiah 10:25

Last time we allowed three leaders’ names to remind of us His enchantment, what He calls us to let go of individually and corporately, and the breaking forth of fresh growth when we do. Today we see our next three names.

Rehum is the first, whose name we saw in Nehemiah 3:17. It means “compassion” from rachum (compassionate, merciful) and racham (to love, have compassion, have mercy, have pity).

Since I’ve been looking up words in Hebrew, it occurred to me to see the etymology of the English word compassion this time. It comes from the Latin pati “to suffer” and the prefix com “with, together.” To suffer with another.

Then it made me smile, when looking up images for compassion, how so many pictures of compasses appeared. I had not thought of how compass is in the word itself. But it gives you something to think about, huh?

What if our compass was entering into the sufferings of others? If, when looking whether to go one direction or another, we consulted our map, deciding between self focus and others-focused? What would change on the daily if that one factor was considered?

I don’t like it either, by the way. It is so much easier to write off those who would require me to suffer, especially if I have determined in my limited judgement they deserve whatever is going on.

Except. Every time I have hit bottom, due to my own decisions or outside circumstances, God has put people in my life willing to co-suffer with me. To have mercy and love precisely when I need it most. Often when I deserve it least. How could I deny that to another?

No, we don’t need to be foolish, nor is God asking us to enter into everyone’s suffering – we are not omniscient. But we are called to love our neighbor as much as we love our own comfort. May we follow the meaning of Rehum’s name and let compassion be our compass.

Next we have Hashabnah whose name only occurs in this verse. It means inventiveness, the feminine of cheshbon – account, explanation, reason, properly, intelligence.

So interesting the feminine rendering of Hebrew words in this study lately. While my understanding of Hebrew grammar is just enough to be dangerous, I appreciate taking what I have learned and coupling it with what I know from the rest of Holy Writ.

And what do we make of inventiveness, intelligence, and accounting when applied to women and the Word? I see it everywhere in the pages – from Tamar outwitting selfish men to Rahab leading her family to safety by her faith in the Most High God.

I see it in Hagar, forced by slavery to serve selfish whims yet seen and protected by God. In businesswoman Lydia, knowing the best offer when presented and the Proverbs 31 woman, earning an income, considering a field and buying it, working with her hands.

I see it in the prophetess Anna, her earthly husband taken away, then reasoned staying in Temple with her heavenly Husband her future. And in Pilate’s wife, listening to her instincts and obeying the mercy given in a dream, to leave that holy Man alone.

Yes, because God gives women intelligence and inventiveness, He uses it for His glory and made sure to set the precedent in Scripture. Let’s join the freedom of the Spirit and follow suit.

And finally we have Maaseiah, whose name we have seen in Nehemiah 3:23 and 8:7. It means “work of Yah” from Yah and maaseh – accomplishment, occupation, vocation, workmanship, art, task, sculptured.

Such a fitting finale to the ideas of compassion and feminine ingenuity. God is on the move among us all, highlighting those whose voices have not been historically elevated. It is my privilege, as one who has been privileged, to see God’s glory in the sheer genius of work and art, words and film being accomplished in our day.

It’s a good reminder that when justice begins to trickle, when right living becomes attractive, Jehovah-Tsidkenu is on the move.

And when it rolls like waters and a never-ending stream, it will be a Work of Yah.

“[The document was ratified and sealed with…the leaders of the people:]

…Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek…”

Nehemiah 10:24

Last time we let three leaders’ names point us to God’s salvation, His graciousness, and His just reckoning. Today we see our next three names.

To begin we have Hallohesh whose name appeared in Nehemiah 3:12. It means “whisperer,” “enchanter,” from lachash – to whisper, charm, to mumble a spell as a magician.

It’s interesting I’m typing this after the 2020 Super Bowl, with the variety of responses to the Halftime Show. I can easily see women being put into the above category in a negative sense. Women deceitfully charming others or bewitching people for their personal gain.

I personally had multiple reactions – including gratitude that my 12-year-old son was mostly focused on a phone during it. But I also thought of women I know who make their living in the way that was being portrayed. I thought of the incredible choreography and – based on what I’m learning from others online – intentional use of multiple cultures. I’ve since thought how heartbroken I am when my 8-year-old students dance provocatively, suggesting their thrilling years of delightful innocence have somehow been compromised by this broken world. But I’ve also thought of how terrified we are of our own God-given bodies and sexuality and desires. And how we can cheapen those beautiful gifts without meaning to. Or meaning to.

I feel like the bottom line in this conversation is how influential women are. We hold tremendous power because that is how God designed us. This is true whether we look like J.Lo and Shakira or not. We are all born of a woman. Women hold excruciating influence over those in their lives. And when things go awry and we adjust the focus of our gaze? Things can shift dramatically. We are that influential.

But I think we are terrified of it. We as women and the world at large. It feels like all wild and powerful things: something best controlled. And I don’t just mean dressing modestly. I mean the leader of all forces of darkness hates us. He whispers to us all, “If you don’t want to be influenced – like a snake being charmed – you must monitor the magnetism.”

Step one is usually shame. Shame for how women are created and all the reasons it must be monitored. The problem is, even if we women are walking in step with our faithful God, He still makes us charmers, enchanters, whisperers like magicians. Our influence is still boundless – now only more so because it is ignited by the Spirit’s fire, luxuriant beauty no law can harness.

And this enchanting lasts to old age. Which is why, indeed, “charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,” a woman taught her son, a king, “but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” Such charming has nothing to do with age or skin tightness. It has everything to do with a God of fire within. May we be enchanters for His kingdom all the days of our lives.

Up next is Pilcha whose post-exilic name only occurs here. It is from palach – slicing, to cleave, bring forth, pierce through, plow, cut, shred, break open and pelach – cleavage, millstone, a slice.

As seems to be common, a theme of both positive and negative connotations emerge for me based on these definitions. Slicing, cleaving, shredding, millstone all seem to be negative, tearing apart.

In searching millstone I came across some fascinating images. Ones that put in perspective what Jesus meant when He said, “It would be better to have a millstone tied around their neck and thrown into the sea” than cause one of these little ones to stumble.

Look at that thing! The size and density, requiring an animal to do the work of rolling it. I do believe Jesus protects the young and pure.

But back to today’s usage of the word: to break apart or slice. If indeed negative associations are meant, in what ways do we tear ourselves and others apart? How do we slice up dignity, pierce through personhood, and shred the reputation of others?

The thing is, there are often situations which require surgery or a painful sifting in our lives and others’. But in His hands, we can trust a sifter, a millstone, a fiery furnace, a cleaver. Whatever He desires to separate from us, our collective, broken systems, will only yield growth.

Which is where what I consider the more positive aspects of this definition come into play. To plow, pierce through, bring forth, break open all imply new life, fresh growth. It’s the idea of a seed being crucified in the soil only to save its life and spring forth shoots and branches and flowers. It’s the plowing of ground which, unless broken up, softened, cannot receive the seed in the first place. And unless a woman surrenders to the piercing labor pains, no new breath is brought forth.

The same is true for us collectively, spiritually, civically. Some things have to go for fresh wind to revitalize systems. Ground hardened with generational sin must be broken up, repented of. Seeds of vision, genuine faith must be planted, nurtured, allowed to pierce through the darkness of earth.

Are we allowing it? It is, admittedly, so much easier to sit on the couch and complain. Or blame another group but do no work. To become cynical and quit. But I think it’s more likely we want to look back and realize we were part of sowing and reaping in a harvest of the Spirit. Hands to the plow, friends.

Finally in today’s verse we have Shobek whose name also only occurs here. It is from the root word shebaq – to leave, forsaking, let alone, to quit.

Quite a lovely continuation of our above discussion, yes? We know there are things we need to let alone, habits and laws, systems and routines which require forsaking. Things which if we do not give up for the sake of the Kingdom, our entire lives will be enveloped by them.

The reason we can have courage and breathe through such disorienting departure is we have a God Who holds us tightly. He refuses to quit on us, no matter how many times we shoot up or drink, devour another or give in to apathy. He will not forsake us, give us to another, even when, especially when, we deserve it. He’s never leaving, never throwing up His hands, not recalculating the Cross. It is finished.

And we can be done with what He’s asking us to surrender individually and corporately. Our future hangs in the balance.

“[The document was ratified and sealed with…the leaders of the people:]

…Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub…”

Nehemiah 10:23

Last time we reminded ourselves Yah has answered with His very Self. Today we get to meet our next three leaders.

We begin with Hoshea which means “salvation” from yasha – to deliver, avenge, preserve, safe, defend, wide open and free.

This is the same name as Hosea from the book of Hosea. Interesting, yes? While spelled differently, it is the same root name with the same meaning: salvation.

As you may know, God’s word to His people in Hosea’s time was a tender but jealous portrayal of a scorned lover whose beloved searches after other loves. And He asks the prophet Hosea to act this word out in his life by marrying a woman making her living as a prostitute. He loves, she leaves. He’s heartbroken and furious, just like the Living God Who watches His people run – not walk – after the idols of the nations.

And yet. This brokenhearted prophet’s name means salvation. God gives His people opportunities to repent. Hosea shows love again to his wife. God’s offer through Hosea is to save, avenge, preserve His covenant love with His people. His offer is one of wide open pastures in which obedience means joy and faithfulness is freedom.

Our Deliverer is indeed calling. May we listen and obey.

Next we have Hananiah whose name means “Yah has been gracious” or “Yah has favored.” If this name sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve seen it before in Nehemiah 3:8 as Hananiah a manufacturer of perfumes, 3:30 as Hananiah son of Shelemiah, and 7:2 as Hananiah “the commander of the citadel…a man of integrity [who] feared God more than most people do.”

Popular name. Our leader in today’s verse is likely the commander of the citadel as his position implies his leadership. But I do like how our perfumer or the son of Shelemiah – both of whom threw in on the wall rebuild – could easily be a leader of the people without a position or title as such. We all are, aren’t we?

If you ever wondered if you have influence, you do. There are those God has put in your sphere with whom He intends to show Himself worthy in your life. Likely in spite of you. We can do everything wrong, but because of His love for us and them, He will show up right in us. What a freeing reminder.

But let’s go back to our commander in charge of troops, a man of integrity who fears God. Do you not love that someone signing a covenant to obey Yahweh has a name which means “Yah has been gracious?” The fact that his heart is not divided – that it is integrated, full of integrity – is enough proof that Yah has indeed been gracious in his life. None of us have undivided hearts on our own. But what a relieving description of someone with military power.

Finally today we have Hasshub which means “intelligent” from chashab – to think, calculate, account, compose, consider, ponder, devise, execute, skilled worker, to weave, to fabricate, to contrive maliciously, invent, reckoning.

I appreciate how each of these descriptions for chashab could be used in a positive or negative light. Because we are made in the image of God, our ability to ponder, execute, and invent can lead to joyous work for the good of others. But because we are also very much not God and our motives never 100% pure, our calculating and devising could quickly turn to malicious contriving which harms those affected.

So what to do as people given an intelligence from our Creator? Fear Him and surrender all of ourselves daily. The more we learn, the more we hand it back over to Him, asking how He wants to use what He’s shown us. As we ponder and calculate, we dialogue with Him our conclusions, asking Him to shed light on any darkness or untruths. And when we devise, execute, and fabricate with new skills, we do so with humility that such a Most High God has orchestrated a relationship in which we fill the earth and subdue it in His likeness.

There is much in our world which warrants pondering and in which just execution is vital. For the One Whose eyes search to and fro across the earth will demand a reckoning.

“[The document was ratified and sealed with…the leaders of the people:]

…Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah…”

Nehemiah 10:22

Last time we let some of our leaders’ names show us where to be faithful in staying and letting go, and being obedient in justice. Today we get to see more goodness in leaders.

Our first leader is Pelatiah which means “Yah has delivered” from peletah (an escape, fugitive, survivors, remnant), the feminine form of paliyt (fugitive, refugee) and from palat (carries it off, delivers, preserve, rescue, carry away, save, to slip out).

Has Yah delivered you? You gotta love that this root is a feminine form of a refugee. Perhaps He has delivered you from an abusive relationship? Maybe you are a refugee from a family which does not seek to honor God and you have found shelter in His Church? Have you been rescued from lies about your worth or His purpose for you in our generation? Perhaps you are a genuine, physical refugee – seeking refuge in a place or country not your own. And maybe you know this refuge-seeking in the spiritual sense.

I know all of us are survivors in a broken world in which patriarchal power and dominance is not in line with God’s design. God only knows none of us of the female gender get to claim innocence, but His heart toward us as daughters is one of loyalty and love.

And while we do not get to escape the pains of this world or the ravaging effects of sin, we are saved and carried away by Him soon and very soon to the place which He has prepared for us as a groom.

Next up is Hanan whom we have seen before in Nehemiah 8:7. The name means “gracious, favor” and is from chanan – beseech, to show favor, be gracious, bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior, move to favor by petition.

I saw somewhere on Twitter this week a writer extolling the virtues of the persistent widow in Jesus’ parable. Basically she made herself a nuisance. An annoyance. And Jesus encourages His closest earthly friends – with whom He shared all of His life for three years – to become that annoying to the Father in how they “pray and never give up.”

Except I don’t think it annoys Him. What do you think? When we seek His face about issues which are unjust or distressing, blatantly biased or painfully partisan, do you think He prefers that we take it to His lap? Me, too. Mostly because He’s asking us to do it. We’re going to feel the sting and aggravation either way. Should probably deal with it in His presence. It moves Him to favor.

Finally today we have Anaiah which means “Yah has answered” from anah – to answer, respond, sing, shout, testify, announce. Such a rich name meaning. I realized at church this week I was sitting next to a precious family who had lost a 23-year-old family member just days before. In the meantime I was excitedly awaiting a friend getting baptized into newness of life – the rushing waters representing her second birth into His kingdom.

How do we testify to a watching world with such highs and lows?

Yeah, I’m not sure either, but may those definitions be true of us as His people. We who know we’re not the Messiah so we announce He Who is. Who can painfully testify we are not in control, but have found Him Who can be trusted with ultimate power. And who, while perhaps not responding with a perfect answer to all of life’s disturbing questions, can sing a song of Truth and shed tears for that which we don’t understand.

Because the fact that He came and shared in it all with us is enough to know Yah has answered.