Nehemiah 9:1,2 "Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, in sackcloth, and with dust on their heads. Then those of Israelite lineage separated themselves from all foreigners; and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers."

Only one clear day since the joy and rejoicing of the Feast of Tabernacles, found Israel fasting and confessing sin. Time spent in rejoicing in the commemoration of the Lord's goodness, led to confession of sin, and repentance (Romans 2:4, 2 Corinthians 7:10 ).

Times of congratulation and joy at success in business, should lead to acknowledgement of God's goodness, that in spite of failures and lack of righteous dealings, we have been brought through. This should lead to confession and change of mind, that will reflect in future conduct. God waits that He may prosper more. Without the action of correction on our part, further blessing may be withheld by God. To express their sorrow and new resolve, Israel needed to separate themselves from all other peoples.

In business, the godly cannot come to a change of mind and heart, by approaching God in the company of the humanistic or the worldly minded. It is not a case of: 'Sorry, God, we are only doing what the mixed company does.' We must approach God, convicted by His Word, with a determination to be changed by His Word and to conduct business as His people. Confession leads to change of mind, and conduct is reinforced by engaging in reading of the Word and in active worship.

Nehemiah 9:3 "And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for one-fourth of the day; and for another fourth they confessed and worshipped the LORD their God."

Setting apart a day for the reading of the Word, confession, and worship, will help to produce a people and business after the heart of God.

The description of their cry of confession, as a people from the time of their fathers to their own day, was most probably composed by Ezra. The Levites led this penitential cry.

As Creator and Preserver.

	Having chosen Abraham and faithfully delivering their fathers from Pharaoh (Nehemiah 9:7-10 ).
	Having granted miracles in the wilderness wanderings despite rebellion (Nehemiah 9:11-21 ).
	Having given great military victories to conquer the land (Nehemiah 9:22-25 ).

Nehemiah 9:27,28 "... You gave them deliverers who saved them ... ²⁸ ... They again did evil before You ..."

Nehemiah 9:30 "Yet for many years You had patience with them, and testified against them by Your Spirit in Your prophets. Yet they would not listen; therefore You gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands."

Nehemiah 9:36,37 "... we are servants this day ... and we are in great distress."

Their distress was because of disobedience to God's law.

Nehemiah 9:38 "And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; ..."

It must have been with delight that Nehemiah, as governor, appended his seal first of all (Nehemiah 10:1 ). This public sealing of the document, that specifically set out their commitment to keep God's law, and their promises to maintain worship of God, would reinforce their resolve to fulfill their transactions.

After Nehemiah, the leaders of the priestly and Levitical houses added their seal, and after them, the chiefs of the people (Nehemiah 10:1-27 ). This was no mere ceremony, all put their seal, and all the people ratified the covenant with full understanding (Nehemiah 10:28-29 ).

What a reminder never to sign any document, or to make any commitment, without full knowledge and understanding. Certain resolutions were given special mention (Nehemiah 10:29-30 ). They were actually summaries of the law, having particular application to needs that had to be addressed, namely:

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Separation From The Pagan Population (Nehemiah 10:29-30)

Deuteronomy 7:3,4 "Nor shall you make marriages with them. You shall not give your daughter to their son, nor take their daughter for your son. 'For they will turn your sons away from following Me, to serve other gods; so the anger of the LORD will be aroused against you and destroy you suddenly.'"

The believer today is to be separated from evil (2 Corinthians 6:14, 7:1 )

2 Corinthians 6:14 "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? "

Ryrie summarises: This injunction applies to marriage, business, and ecclesiastical and intimate personal relationships.

Paul quoted Isaiah 52:11,

2 Corinthians 6:17 "... 'Come out from among them And be separate, ...'"

Remember that he was specifically speaking about "yoked" relationships with unbelievers. In such relationships there can be no agreement or harmony, and they are to be avoided. A yoked relationship between a believer and an unbeliever, is like trying to plough with an ox and a donkey. Separation does not require isolation of the believer from society, or withdrawal from the lost neighbour. As Jesus sought and helped the lost, so must we. That is quite different from a bondage marriage with an unbeliever, binding oneself to an unethical worldly business partner, or compromising the faith by uniting with others in pagan practice. Such would bring destruction of our witness.

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Separation Of The Sabbath From Commercial Activity And Keeping Holy Days (Nehemiah 10:31)

Exodus 20:8 "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."

Deuteronomy 5:15 "And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day."

Keeping the Sabbath marked Israel as the Lord's people. It was given to them as a sign of God's covenant, and as a reminder that He had redeemed them from bondage in Egypt.

Christians meet in worship on the first day of the week, proclaiming Christ's death and resurrection, which brought deliverance from sin and gave eternal rest. We are not to forsake the gatherings of the Lord's people (Hebrews 10:25 ). Our minds are constantly renewed in worship and by the Word, so that in everyday life and business, we can clearly set forth the alternative way of life in Christ.

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Setting Apart The Seventh Year For Remission Of Debts (Nehemiah 10:31)

They promised to observe the seventh year by giving the land rest (Leviticus 25:4 ). In the seventh year, they would also unconditionally give remission of debts to fellow Israelites (Deuteronomy 15:1-6 ). This provision in the law dealt a blow to covetousness and greed of gain. Also, it allowed a new start to be made and the economy was stimulated.

The Spirit of Christ in business people brings about concern for others, forgiveness, and unselfish dealings.

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Securing Temple Worship Through Personal Support (Nehemiah 10:32-39)

Nehemiah 10:32,33 "Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God; ³³ ... and for all the work of the house of our God. "

This was based on Exodus 30:13, though the amount was less. It became the half shekel in New Testament times. They would be faithful in:

	Wood offerings (Nehemiah 10:34 ).
	Bringing firstfruits (Nehemiah 10:35 ).
	Offerings for firstborn sons (Nehemiah 10:36 ).
	Bringing firstlings of their herds and other prescribed offerings(Nehemiah 10:36-37 ).
	Giving of tithes. The Levites would also bring tithes (Nehemiah 10:37-39 ).

Our consecration to God must include the dedication of our substance. Systematic giving is the mark of good stewardship. Worshipping God with our substance is a spiritual activity that is pleasing to God. Businesslike liberality advances the fulfilment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20 ), and provides for the proper care of those in the household of faith.

Galatians 6:10 "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

Concern for those in the household of faith is a special obligation of the children of God.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. How important do you think it is for Christian business people to set apart a day for focusing on the Word, confession, and worship? (Nehemiah 9:1-3 ).
2. Do you honestly assess God's past dealings with you, and if so, does this assessment lead you to an awesome view of God, and dependance on His Almightiness? (Nehemiah 9:4- 37 ).
3. Does your consideration of God's justice and faithfulness lead you to renewed commitment? (Nehemiah 9:38 ).
4. Would you sign a document of commitment without understanding its special requirements? (Nehemiah 10:1-39 ).
5. What kind of separation should you practice? (Nehemiah 10:29-31; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 7:1 ).
6. Do you practice systematic giving as evidence of your stewardship for God? (Nehemiah 10:32-33. Galatians 6:10 ).