Nehemiah 13:31 – “I also made provision for contributions of wood at designated times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me with favor, my God.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Nehemiah 13:31, Nehemiah concludes the book by reflecting on his reforms and asking God to remember him favorably. In this specific verse, he mentions two important actions he took: making provision for the wood offerings and ensuring the contributions of the firstfruits. The wood was necessary for keeping the temple sacrifices going, as it was used to keep the altar fires burning. The firstfruits were the first and best portions of the harvest, given as an offering to God in gratitude and recognition of His provision. Nehemiah ensured that these practices, which were essential to maintaining the proper worship of God, were restored and sustained. His final prayer, “Remember me with favor, my God,” reflects his deep desire to be faithful in the work God had called him to do.
Historical Context
Nehemiah was a key figure in the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the exile. His mission was not only to rebuild the city’s walls but also to restore the spiritual health of the people. After the physical reconstruction was completed, Nehemiah turned his attention to religious reforms. He found that many of the essential practices for temple worship had been neglected, including the offerings of wood for the altar and the firstfruits. These offerings were part of the covenant God had made with His people (see Leviticus 6:12-13 and Exodus 23:19). By ensuring that these practices were reinstated, Nehemiah was making sure the people honored their commitments to God. His prayer at the end of the verse is a personal plea for God to remember his faithfulness and dedication.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the importance of consistent, faithful worship and obedience to God. The provision of wood and the offering of firstfruits were practical but deeply spiritual acts that symbolized the people’s trust in God’s provision and their dedication to Him. Nehemiah’s efforts show that faithful leadership involves not only restoring physical structures but also spiritual practices. His prayer, “Remember me with favor, my God,” highlights that true service to God is not about seeking human recognition but about seeking God’s approval. Nehemiah was more concerned with being faithful to God’s commands than with receiving praise from people, teaching us that our ultimate accountability is to God.
Literary Analysis
This verse serves as a conclusion to Nehemiah’s personal reflections on his reforms. The mention of both the practical provisions for the temple (wood and firstfruits) and his final prayer ties together the themes of action and prayer that run throughout the book. Nehemiah was a man of action, organizing the people and restoring proper worship, but he was also a man of prayer, constantly seeking God’s guidance and approval. His simple yet heartfelt prayer, “Remember me with favor,” reveals his humility and his dependence on God. The verse wraps up the book of Nehemiah by highlighting the balance between human responsibility and divine grace.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 6:12-13: The command to keep the fire on the altar burning continuously, which required a steady supply of wood.
- Exodus 23:19: The command to bring the best of the firstfruits of the land as an offering to God.
- Psalm 90:17: A prayer for God to establish the work of our hands, echoing Nehemiah’s desire for God to bless his efforts.
- Colossians 3:23-24: A New Testament call to work for the Lord, not for human masters, aligning with Nehemiah’s prayer for God’s approval.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Nehemiah 13:31 teaches us the importance of faithfulness in both practical service and spiritual devotion. Nehemiah made sure the temple had the resources it needed, and he also ensured that the people gave their first and best to God. In our own lives, this can challenge us to think about how we are contributing to the work of God, both through our time, resources, and devotion. Are we offering our “firstfruits”—the best of what we have—to God, or are we holding back? Nehemiah’s prayer also reminds us that, in all we do, our desire should be to please God and seek His favor above all else.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Nehemiah’s concern for the proper provision for temple worship reflects God’s loving desire for His people to remain in close fellowship with Him. The wood offerings and firstfruits were not just rituals; they were ways in which the people expressed their gratitude and dependence on God. God, in His love, had provided abundantly for His people, and their offerings were a way to acknowledge that provision. Nehemiah’s desire to maintain these practices shows his commitment to honoring God’s covenant relationship with His people. God’s love is also reflected in the fact that He desires not just outward obedience but a heart that seeks to please Him, as seen in Nehemiah’s prayer.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Nehemiah’s actions to restore proper worship in the temple point forward to Jesus, who came to fulfill and perfect the worship of God. Jesus is the ultimate “firstfruit” (1 Corinthians 15:20), the best and first of God’s creation, offered for the salvation of humanity. While Nehemiah sought to maintain the temple practices, Jesus came to offer Himself as the final sacrifice, removing the need for continual offerings of wood and firstfruits. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provide the way for us to be in right relationship with God, and through Him, we can offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Nehemiah’s plea for God to remember him with favor foreshadows the favor we receive through Jesus Christ, who secures our acceptance before God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- In what ways can you offer your “firstfruits” to God—whether it be your time, talents, or resources?
- How can you ensure that your actions and service are focused on pleasing God rather than seeking approval from others?
- Nehemiah took practical steps to ensure that worship was properly maintained. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your personal or communal worship is faithful and consistent?
- How does Nehemiah’s desire for God’s favor challenge you to examine your motives in your service to God?
- In what ways does Jesus fulfill the role of the “firstfruit,” and how does that deepen your understanding of His sacrifice for you?