Basic HTML Version
298
Royalty and Ruin
sternly demanded, “transgressing against our God by marrying pa-
gan women?” Their consciences were awakened, and they began a
work of reformation that brought God’s approval and blessing.
Some in sacred office protested that they could not bring them-
selves to separate from their heathen wives. But Nehemiah showed
no respect for rank or position. Whoever refused to cut his con-
nection with idol worshipers was immediately separated from the
service of the Lord. A grandson of the high priest, who had married
a daughter of the notorious Sanballat, was not only removed from
office, he was banished from Israel.
Constant Struggle With Opposing Elements
Only the judgment will reveal how much anguish of soul this
necessary severity cost the faithful worker for God. Advancement
came only by fasting, humiliation, and prayer.
Many who had married idol worshipers chose to go with them
[239]
into exile and join the Samaritans. Some who had occupied high
positions in the work of God went over fully to their side. The
Samaritans promised to adopt the Jewish faith more completely,
and the apostates, determined to outdo their former brethren, con-
structed a temple on Mount Gerizim as a rival to the house of God at
Jerusalem. Their religion continued to be a mixture of Judaism and
heathenism, and their claim to be the people of God was the source
of strife between the two nations from generation to generation.
In the work of reform today, there is need of people like Ezra and
Nehemiah who will not excuse sin, not remain silent when others do
wrong, nor cover evil with a false kindness. Severity to a few may
prove mercy to many. They will remember also that the one who
rebukes evil should always reveal the spirit of Christ.
Ezra and Nehemiah confessed their sins and the sins of their
people as if they themselves were the offenders. Patiently they
worked and suffered. What made their work most difficult was the
secret opposition of pretended friends who gave their influence to
the service of evil. These traitors furnished the Lord’s enemies with
material to use in their warfare on His people. Their rebellious wills
were always at war with God’s requirements.