That’s what we see at the end of Nehemiah. Nehemiah 10-13 tells a story of hopeful renewal that ends in heartbreaking failure, yet it points us to the ultimate hope in Jesus Christ.
1. Recommitment (Nehemiah 10)
After confessing their sins and praising God for His faithfulness in Nehemiah 9, the people made a written covenant in Nehemiah 10 to follow God’s law. Their renewed commitments centered on three key areas.
- Separation from foreigners (Neh. 10:28-30)
- First, they committed to separating from foreigners, as described in Nehemiah 10:28-30. This was not about race but about faith, recognizing that intermarriage with pagan cultures often led to idol worship. The Old Testament principle emphasized not being unequally yoked, while the New Testament fulfillment encourages believers not to be unequally yoked but to welcome foreigners with the Gospel.
- Keeping the Sabbath (Neh. 10:31)
- Second, they promised to keep the Sabbath, as stated in Nehemiah 10:31, vowing not to work or buy goods on that holy day. The Old Testament principle was to keep the Sabbath holy, and the New Testament fulfillment points to finding perpetual rest in Jesus, as highlighted in Colossians 2:16-17.
- Supporting the Temple through tithing (Neh. 10:32-39)
- Lastly, they pledged to support the Temple through tithing, committing to give their first and best to God, as seen in Nehemiah 10:32-39. This reflects the Old Testament principle of tithing faithfully, while the New Testament fulfillment calls believers to give sacrificially and joyfully, as demonstrated in Mark 12:41-44.
Through these commitments, the people sought to renew their covenant with God, aligning their actions with the Old Testament commands and their New Testament fulfillment.
2. Rebuilding and Rejoicing (Nehemiah 11-12)
Jerusalem was repopulated, leaders appointed, and two choirs praised God from atop the very walls that Tobiah mocked. This high point reminds us that in the Old Testament, the principle was always to praise God. In the New Testament, the fulfillment is that in Christ, any time is the right time to glorify God.
But just when we hope for a happily-ever-after ending, we hit Chapter 13.
3. Rebellion and Broken Promises (Nehemiah 13)
Despite their covenant in Chapter 10, the people quickly broke all their promises.
- Neglecting God’s House (Neh. 13:4-14), Tobiah, Nehemiah’s enemy, was given a room in the Temple. The Old Testament principle was that God’s house must be kept holy. In the New Testament, the fulfillment is that in Christ, the true temple dwells within us.
- Profaning the Sabbath (Neh. 13:15-22)They allowed trade and work on the Sabbath. The Old Testament principle was to honor the Sabbath. In the New Testament, the fulfillment is that our eternal rest is found in Jesus.
- Intermarrying with Pagan Nations (Neh. 13:23-31), They married foreign women again, compromising their faith. The Old Testament principle was to stay faithful to God. In the New Testament, the fulfillment is that Jesus unites all nations through faith.
Frustrated, Nehemiah responded by cursing, striking, and pulling hair—an imperfect reaction that showed human weakness. Yet his repeated plea echoes throughout the chapter: “Remember me, O God” (Neh. 13:14, 22, 31).
4. The Greater Leader: Jesus Christ
The Old Testament shows that human leaders, even great ones like Nehemiah, cannot comprehensively reform hearts. Their efforts fall short because human effort alone can’t produce lasting change. The Old Testament principle was that when the leader leaves, the people stray. In the New Testament, the fulfillment is that in Christ, the leader never leaves. The Holy Spirit indwells us. Nehemiah’s cry, “Remember me,” finds its fulfillment in the New Testament when the thief on the cross cries out to Jesus, “Remember me” (Luke 23:42). Jesus responds, “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.” Nehemiah’s story ends in disappointment, but Jesus’ story ends in victory. The Old Testament reveals our need for a Savior, and the New Testament shows us that Savior is Jesus.
Conclusion
Recommit to God by reflecting on your commitments and asking yourself if there are areas where you’ve fallen away. Find rest in Christ by following rules and embracing the peace Jesus offers. Give sacrificially by joyfully supporting your church and God’s work. Praise God, even in disappointment, and remember what Christ has done. Trust the true leader, knowing that human leaders may come and go, but Jesus remains.
Though Nehemiah ends with broken promises, it points us to a greater covenant — the new covenant in Christ’s blood. Let us fix our eyes on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith, who never fails.
