If there be a spiritual significance in the building of the wall, which has so prominent a place in this book, there must also be in the mention of the porters, or doorkeepers (verse 1), and the opening and closing of the doors or gates of the city (verse 3) , and this would seem to illustrate the need for practicing separation from evil. Of what use were the walls, if the gates were left unguarded?
Of what value is the profession of separation from what is contrary to the Word of God, if vigilance be not constantly observed to maintain it practically?
Though much that is brought out in the New Testament, and particularly in the Epistles of Paul, is not expressed in the Old Testament. Verse 5 suggests the further thought that to be reckoned as God's people there must be on the part of each individual the possession of a clear title. Is it asked, What is the "clear title" of the believer today? A hymn expresses it:
"Our title to glory we read in Thy blood."
We find it in Rom. 4:24, 2524But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:24‑25); Gal. 3:2626For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26); Eph. 1:7,7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7) and many other passages. This is at the foundation of Scriptural relations between believers,—the company which the Holy Spirit has formed, and is continually adding to, (the Church, or Assembly, of God) is composed only of believers, and only those who are the Lord's, should be unitedly gathered together.
The unbeliever has no title to the privileges of the saints of God,
There is more to he said, as to those who are gathered or desire to meet according to the Scriptures, and we shall find more to consider in the fore-shadowings of the book of Nehemiah as we may continue through it, but at the foundation of all is, "Ye must be born again" (John. 3:7).
Verses 6 to 69 are taken from Ezra 2, and the last three verses of our chapter repeat what is told at the close of that chapter, and the beginning of Ezra 3, of the first company to return to Jerusalem some ninety years earlier than the time of the building of the wall under Nehemiah.
God had brought those feeble folk back from the captivity to seek the divine center; not to restore the ancient glories, but as a remnant to act upon His Word. They were now about to examine that Book, to learn therefrom what was and was not acceptable to God.