INTRODUCTION: Chapter divisions are not always made in the best places in Scripture. Sometimes the break comes right in the middle of a point being made. So long as it’s understood that these chapter (and verse) divisions are man-made and most useful for reference (when your pastor or Bible teacher tells you to turn to “Galatians 4”, you know exactly where to go – unless you’re new to the faith, in which case, the Table of Contents is quite convenient, and Bible tabs are a blessing! Here in GALATIANS 4, the apostle Paul picks up on the biblical truth of “promise” as mentioned in GALATIANS previously: GALATIANS 3:14
that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
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INTRODUCTION: The LORD’s abilities to restore and rejuvenate are remarkable. His recalling to life of that which is dead is unparalleled to the feeble attempts of man. When Israel was chastened by GOD for their apostasy, their beloved city was ruined, their temple destroyed. Seventy-five percent of the Jewish population was dead. The majority of the remainder was enslaved, brought to a foreign land, and remained there for seventy years.
They were all about worshiping the foreign gods of the pagans, so GOD saw to it that they were found neck deep in idols and their worship by the pagan population of Babylon.
Daniel realized while reading the prophet Jeremiah (DAN 9:2) that his people’s time of captivity was almost over, and that led to his ardent prayer in chapter 9.
Now in the book of Nehemiah (and Ezra) we are witnessing the LORD’s mercies and His faithfulness to His people – not for their sakes, because they were a rebellious people – but for His Holy Name’s sake (EZEK 36:22). And he heard such prayers from Daniel and Nehemiah, humble, repentant men of GOD that stood for their people in intercession.
By the providence of the Almighty, the restoration of the city of Jerusalem was completed. Now the greater work begins: to transform the hearts of the people, and thereby secure the triumph that the LORD intends towards Israel!
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