Nehemiah’s Leadership Playbook: Confrontation (2)

Confrontation (continued)

I also realized that the portions for the Levites had not been given them; for each of the Levites and the singers who did the work had gone back to his field. So I contended with the rulers, and said, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” And I gathered them together and set them in their place. – Nehemiah 13:10-11

In continuation of our meditation on the confrontational leadership style of Nehemiah in a bid to restore order, today we will also consider how he continued without relenting after his initial encounter with Tobiah and Eliashib. This term, the next set of people he took on were the political rulers who had stopped giving portions to the Levites taking care of the temple and the singers who ministered in songs there.

These two groups were supposed to receive daily ration from the state’s treasury and the offerings brought to the temple. But it appeared the ruling class had a different idea as to what to do with those provisions. Does this not look like what is common among people in positions of authority today? The neglect in turn made the Levites abandon the temple service to go find something else to do in order to cater for themselves and their families.

This development was in direct violation of the command of God who had established that the Levites must be provided for from the people’s regular and special offerings and they must not do anything else except to attend to Him at the tabernacle. Thankfully, Nehemiah, was not one to balk at confrontation. Upon discovering this latest anomaly, he promptly spoke out and rebuked the ruling class for their negligence towards the Levites. He did not stop there; he also went around to rally all the Levites from their various placements and brought them back to the temple where they were supposed to be in the first place. What a man!

By setting out to redress the poor practices of the rulers and restoring the social institutions back to the way it was before or was meant to be, the result at the citizens’ end was instantaneous. The people’s confidence was restored. The Bible recalls that afterward all the people started bringing in their tithes, grains, new wines, oils and other offerings to the storehouse (Nehemiah 13:12). This showed that when the citizens trust their rulers and managers of state resources, they would gladly pay their taxes and other dues, and state officials would not have to spend to get the dues in.

Nehemiah has been qualified with many glowing attributes by bible and academic scholars alike. It is pleasing to also analyze his character and exemplary leadership qualities in this devotional and to explore what lessons we can learn from him, particularly those in leadership positions. His confrontational spirit against social ills and systemic misnomers stood him out among the men and leaders in the Bible. He is worthy of emulation for everyone who desires to lead or serve people.

You Will Succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

• Nehemiah’s Leadership Playbook: Confrontation (1)
• Understanding God: God of Foresight
• A Bowl of Noodles from a Stranger
• I Am So Grateful to God for His Faithfulness