Daily Devotional | Walls Around the Temple

From ancient times to modern history, walls were often built around a city to mark and enclose a settlement of people. These thick stone structures protected those who lived inside from invaders and outside threats.

How true that is for our own lives? Do we have God as our fortress (Ps. 18:2)? We need Him to protect the walls of our minds and hearts against Satan’s schemes (1 Peter 5:8) and our own evil desires (James 1:14). Without this, we are vulnerable to spiritual threats which can hinder or even paralyze true praise and worship.

Nehemiah grieved when he heard that the walls and gates of Jerusalem had been destroyed (Neh. 1:4). But more than the welfare of the city, he grieved the potential destruction of spiritual lives. Remember, it was the decree of Cyrus to rebuild the Temple that brought exiles back to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:3). And although the Temple in Jerusalem had been finished (Ezra 6:14 15), the broken city walls made it vulnerable. Nehemiah prayed continually not just for defense against an army but also for repentance (Neh. 1:6–7). His primary concern was for God’s glory: compromised walls could destroy the Temple where God’s glory and presence were meant to dwell among His people. And after many trials, Nehemiah saw to the completion of Jerusalem’s walls (Neh. 6:15).

At the dedication of the wall, we see God’s people protected. The Levitical musicians were brought to Jerusalem (Neh. 12:27), a picture of drawing near to the presence and protection of the Lord. They purified themselves (v. 30). We too are to purify ourselves before worship. And it was Ezra, the priest and teacher of the Law who read the Book to all the people (Nehemiah 8) who led the musical procession (v. 36). God’s Word should lead and go before us!