Neh 11:1 And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.

The wall was built but there were not many residents in the city to preserve it. For a city to flourish, it needs people. Nehemiah therefore obliged one tenth of the country people to come and dwell in it. They cast lots among them to determine who should take up his residence in the city (verse 1). Apparently Nehemiah had sought those who would commit to living within the city, but there weren’t many who were willing. Hence, lots were cast to see who should dwell in Jerusalem. Out of every ten, one was chosen to dwell there.

Jerusalem was "the holy city" (verse 1). One should be proud to be a citizen of Jerusalem and so why is it the majority did not want to dwell in this holy city? I can think of three reasons:

1. HOLY. The city was holy because the temple dwelled in it. Therefore, a greater strictness of conduct was expected from the inhabitants of Jerusalem than from others. Many loved their religion but they also did not like to be bind by its restrictions; they chose to stay in “free cities” where such restrictions were absent.

2. DANGER. Jerusalem was also the capital city. If the enemy struck at all, Jerusalem would be his first target. Other places would be too insignificant to be attacked. Hence, Jerusalem posed many dangers to its inhabitants.

3. POOR. Though the wall had been repaired, the large part of the city remained in ruin. The Babylonians ransacked Jerusalem when they entered the city and burned all the houses. They left only the poor in the land (2 Kings 25:8-11). They didn’t see it as a place to do business; jobs would be scare. It would take a lot of hard work to rebuild the city.

Would you want to stay next door to Jesus? Some would and some would not. One reason some would not is because Jesus is holy. They don’t want to let Jesus hearing him shouting at their wives and children. They don’t want Jesus to know they have not been praying and studying the bible. They don’t want Jesus to see what they have in their homes. What is the problem? They want the religion but not the commitment.

Many did not want to dwell in the holy city, near the Temple, possibly feeling they would be closely watched and scrutinized in their walk with God. What with all the religious and “holy” people walking around and some becoming their neighbours? It’s frightening; they have to be careful with their words and actions.

We find the same problem in our day as well. One of the greatest hindrances to the church is a lack of commitment. Many churches have folks who attend regularly on Sunday morning, but they are unwilling to make a real commitment to the work of God. We need those who will commit to the Lord. For the church to grow, it needs people who are committed to staying and building it (Luke 9:23).

Just as Nehemiah found some volunteers who were willing to stay and rebuild the city (Nehemiah 11:2), the church is also blessed with volunteers who are committed to see it grows and glorifies God. Are you a volunteer in the church of God?

We must be willing to follow the Lord at all costs. Even if the majority are not committed, let us follow the examples of those are committed to serve and stay in the “New Jerusalem”.  “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.