Sanballet and the rest of the people w/ him sent Nehemiah a message to meet w/ them at Kephirim in Ono Valley. Knowing he would be harmed, Nehemiah's messengers replied he was too busy working. The 5th time of playing cat and mouse, Sanballet suggested the Jews were going to rebel, which is why the wall was being repaired. Rumor had it that Nehemiah wanted to be king but he set the story straight. Shemaiah met w/ Nehemiah and he knew he wasn't sent by God because of his suggestion to use the Temple as a hideout. Surely he was sent by Sanballet.
They wall was completed after 52 days. Nehemiah and the Jews didn't receive anymore threats. Hanini was appointed by Nehemiah along with Hananiah, captain of the citadel, to be in charge of Jerusalem. Nehemiah's order was that the city gates stay closed until the sun came up. The guards on duty were to bar the gates.
The people of Israel gathered around the town square and asked Ezra to bring the Book of the Revelation of Moses. Ezra read the book to them from early in the day until noon. They all listened intently. The Israelites wept and worhiped God for it was a holy day. Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites explained the text to the people and made sure they understood. The Book of Revelation commanded they live in booths during the 7 month festival. The people set out to find branches and made booths on their roofs, in courtyards, and in the Temple courtyard. They celebrated for 7 days. On the 24th day, the congregation fasted, dressed in burlap, and covered their faces in burlap as a sign of repentance. They broke ties with foreigners and confessed their sin.
The leaders of the people of Israel were living in Jerusalem, so the rest of them drew lots to get 1 out of 10 to move there. The other 9 remained where they were. When the city wall was to be dedicated, the Levites were summoned from their homes to carry out thanksgiving hymns and songs. Cymbals, harps, and lutes were played.
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