by Ric Palma

The chosen people of the exile are back where they belong, but cities of the ancient world need to be fortified, and Jerusalem’s walls are in disrepair. The hewn stones are massive and the feat seems insurmountable. How would it be accomplished, and with what expertise?

No matter what one’s status in life was, it was “all hands on deck.” Among the contributors to the enterprise were high priests, priests, citizens from various towns, sons, daughters, goldsmiths, perfume-makers, rulers of districts, rulers of half-districts, Levites, temple servants, the son of a gate guard, and merchants aplenty. In the end, the monumental feat was achieved by inspired, committed believers.

Given His omnipotence and other-worldly-ness, Yahweh, the singular God of all reality, is more than able to accomplish any objective, no matter how great or small, and without any assistance. If he was able to set in motion the miraculous universe, he could certainly rebuild a mere stone and mortar wall. Yet, in his infinite wisdom, He clearly knows that the human heart needs His inspired direction and, seemingly often, chooses to use His people to fulfill his plan.

A fellow traveler,
Ric