The hanging of the gates completed Nehemiah's great rebuilding task. The city was once more enclosed and a defence for the Temple realised. In businesslike fashion Nehemiah set about manning the gates with gatekeepers. Walls are of little use without men to man them. Emphasis in building for God should be on people ministries, not bricks and mortar.

Interestingly, Levites were chosen to police the gates of the city. The duty of guarding the Temple gates had always been the charge of the Levites (1 Chronicles 9:17, 26:12-19 ). Not only would their task be to raise alarm in case of threatened attack from without, they would be responsible for what came in and out of the city. They were also to maintain order in the large area of the gate, which was used for business transactions and as a place where elders discussed and administered law.

That Nehemiah chose those of the priesthood to be guardians, points to the need for the application of God's Word in all these important activities. As men of God, the priests influenced the whole city community for God. The best watch that can be set over modern cities, is that of the Church at prayer and living out the living Word before the community.

Nehemiah 7:2 "That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many."

God's businessman was wise in delegation of responsibility. He exercised discerning care in his selection of men to assist him. Nehemiah chose his proven brother, Hanani, earlier spoken of as "one of my brethren" (Nehemiah 1:2 KJV), now as his brother. It is important to notice that the appointment was not based on the family relationship, but on his brother's skill and efficiency: a guideline to all business people in using family in their company employ. Hanani was also chosen as one who already excelled as "the ruler of the palace" or "leader of the citadel" (NKJV). The two other deciding factors were faithfulness and fearing God, or dependability and devotion - above average.

God's businessman gave specific, meaningful instructions to those appointed.

Nehemiah 7:3 "... Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot; ..."

The gates were not to be opened at sunrise, a normal practice, but much later, when the guard was in place and the city was awake and alert. They would be less open to surprise attack. In conducting the Lord's business we must be wisely cautious, alert, and prepared for all necessary action.

Nehemiah 7:3 "... and appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, one at his watch station and another in front of his own house."

The lessons are:

	Mutual co-operation in watchfulness.
	Vigilance, protecting the business and the production.
	And most importantly, preservation of Biblical home life.

In overview, God's business people recognise the essential requirements ahead.

Nehemiah 7:4 "Now the city was large and spacious, but the people in it were few, and the houses were not rebuilt."

For Nehemiah, the next important step was the repopulating of Jerusalem.

A good businessman considers the necessary inner expansion that has to take place in the company, so as to secure and advance it. In all God's work, inner growth is the secret of development and multiplication. Leadership must make the definitive decisions and give the explicit instructions to achieve this.

Nehemiah desired that Jerusalem be populated by people of true ancestry. The record he found (Nehemiah 7:5 ) was to form the basis for checking possible inhabitants as to their genealogy. Decisiveness on the part of Nehemiah and his deputies would be required, as claims to land, houses and priesthood were established or questioned. The list he used is like that of Ezra 2:1-70, which recorded those who returned with Zerubbabel.

The lesson for the business men and women, is to operate from that which is provable and factual. It is also far better to qualify as God's people, than to have the recognition that comes from worldly standards. Uncompromising faithfulness to God must mark business practice.

THE DIVISIONS OF THE RECORD COULD BE AS FOLLOWS:-

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Captivity (Nehemiah 7:7-38)

This reminds us that each generation carries its share of responsibility for faithfulness and purity.

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The Priests And The Levites (Nehemiah 7:39-45)

This group was large in numbers, speaking of the importance of spiritual responsibility.

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The Temple Attendants (Nehemiah 7:46-60)

"The Nethinim", those who served in the capacity of helping others. No work was maintained without them. Order and organisation play an important role in the releasing of gifting.

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Those With Polluted Genealogy Who Could Not Serve As Priests (Nehemiah 7:61-65)

The work of God is to be done by those who are born of God.

John 1:13 "Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

"Not of blood", literally "bloods", ie. contains no human element. "Not of the will of man": not of human will.

Born again business people are needed in abundance in today's world.

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A Record Of Numbers Of People And Possessions (Nehemiah 7:66-69)

The whole company numbered 42,360, besides servants: 7,337, singers: 245, horses: 736, mules: 245, camels: 435, and 6,720 donkeys. Under God's blessing, the returning captives were greatly helped. It is good to take stock and count your blessings, and see what the Lord has done.

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Examples Of Giving To Treasury Collection (Nehemiah 7:71-73)

When God moves hearts, hands readily give, and His people and His work are prospered.

Decisiveness needs to characterise God's businessmen today - God will respond with prosperity.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What kind of watch would you like to see in effect over our cities? (Nehemiah 7:1 ).
2. Who, in your opinion, are best qualified to be guardians of our modern cities?
3. When is it wise to appoint a relative to an important position? (Nehemiah 7:2 ).
4. How important is people-growth to advancement and expansion? (Nehemiah 2- 3 ).
5. Do you believe that those who populate the city of God need to qualify as God's people? (Nehemiah 7:5 ).
6. Do you believe that each generation of God's people must share responsibility for faithfulness and spiritual purity? (Nehemiah 7:7-34 ).
7. Do you believe that decisiveness needs to characterise God's business people today?
8. When God moves His people's hearts, do they give willingly, and what kind of prosperity follows? (Nehemiah 7:71-73 ).