Whenever something is repeated in Scripture, take a pause because there is either an emphasis or another layer of truth. Such is the case here in verses 5 and 7.
Nehemiah was a man under authority. But he was a wise man who honoured and completely submitted to his king. Artaxerxes and his forebears were not believers of the God of Israel. They were the greater part of his nation’s sad broken state. Nehemiah is teaching us lessons on the attitude of honour to authority. This is the rule of conduct expected in the church.
1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine.
Hebrews 13:17
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
Even Christians slaves were taught to respect and serve their masters well.
1 Timothy 6:1-2
Those who are under the yoke as slaves must regard their own masters as deserving of full respect. This will prevent the name of God and Christian teaching from being discredited. But those who have believing masters must not show them less respect because they are brothers. Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. Teach them and exhort them about these things.
It is profitable to be submissive to those set above you. Such an attitude is pleasing and priceless to God.
How is your respect quotient at home, at work, and at church?
每当圣经中重复某事时，请暂停，因为其中有强调或另一层真理。这正是第5节和第7节的情况。
尼希米是一个受权柄约束的人。但他是一位睿智的人，尊敬并完全臣服于国王。阿尔塔薛西斯及其祖先并非以色列神的信徒。他们是他国家悲伤破碎状态的大部分原因。尼希米在教导我们尊重权威的态度。这是教会对行为的期望。
提摩太前书 5：17
那善於管理教会的长老，当以为配受加倍的敬奉；那劳苦传道教导人的，更当如此。
希伯来书13：17
你们要依从那些引导你们的，且要顺服；因他们为你们的灵魂时刻儆醒，好像那将来交账的人。你们要使他们交的时候有快乐，不至忧愁；若忧愁就与你们无益了。
即使是基督徒奴隶也被教导要尊重并服侍主人。
提摩太前书6：1-2
凡在轭下作仆人的，当以自己主人配受十分的恭敬，免得神的名和道理被人亵渎。仆人有信道的主人，不可因为与他是弟兄就轻看他；更要加意服事他；因为得服事之益处的，是信道蒙爱的。你要以此教训人，劝勉人。
顺从那些高于你的人是有利可图的。这种态度令人欣慰，对上帝来说无价。
你在家里、工作和教会里的尊重指数如何？
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