Biblical Imagery in Ezra and Nehemiah

A few years ago, I read through the book of Ezra. I had read it before, but hadn’t really studied it, so I meditated on it with great interest and focus.

What I found there was a gold mine of literary devices that fall into the category of imagery: a word picture that evokes a specific meaning. These images are examples of anthropomorphism, where an author assigns human characteristics to something not human, i.e., an animal, object, or in this case a triune deity.

Let me provide a long overdue introduction to a four-part study on the imagery that I found in these two OT books.

God’s hands

In Ezra chapter 7, I noticed three references to God’s hands in close proximity. The narrator of the story states that “The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him” (Ezra 7:6); “the gracious hand of his God was on him” (Ezra 7:9); and “the hand of the Lord my God was on me” (Ezra 7:28). Each verse painted a picture of God’s blessing that Ezra experienced. 

The hand of God has often been portrayed as vengeful, but clearly not in this context. I also saw this same word picture used in Ezra 8:18 and 22. God’s protection from enemies is the meaning that is intended in Ezra 8:31.

God’s mouth and eyes

As I meditated on this book, I had to go back to the beginning to see what I missed. I noticed much use of imagery that I had overlooked. Other body parts were used (or implied) to describe what God did among His people. 

For example, God’s mouth which gave words that were spoken through Jeremiah in Ezra  1:1, Moses in Ezra 3:2, David in Ezra 3:10, and the prophets Haggai and Zechariah in Ezra 5:1. I also caught something about the eye of God, who watched over the Jews, which was mentioned in Ezra 5:5. This use of imagery described God’s protection as the Jewish elders went about rebuilding the temple.

More Imagery in Nehemiah

When I began to read Nehemiah, I saw more references to God’s body parts, which also included his ears. These images seemed to highlight God’s divine attribute of immanence (God’s direct involvement in the life of man). This is in contrast to His attribute of transcendence, which focuses on Him being separate from us. (Note: I invite you to read an article I wrote and posted on my blog about these two attributes of God here.)

When Nehemiah asks the king for permission to help rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. He concludes, “because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests” (Neh. 2:8). As he introduces his plan to the priests and the others who would be doing the rebuilding, he restates that God’s gracious hand was upon him, which would grant them success in their work (Neh. 2:18).

Furthermore, I observed in both books that there were several corresponding references to man’s hands, mouth, eyes, ears, and heart, in contrast to God’s body parts. I was excited to discover a purpose in this. Take hands, for example. I sensed that God’s hands of protection enabled man’s hands to do God’s work.

Our God is better than idols

I have to add a comment at this point about the contrast between Yahweh and the idols that were prevalent in the Old Testament. Psalm 115:5-7 describes these man-made idols: “They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats.”

The psalmist is pointing out the futility of these idols. They have no real power. They cannot compare with the God the Israelites have. Although Yahweh does not physically have a mouth, eyes, ears, hands, or feet, as He is not flesh and blood, He certainly speaks, sees, hears, touches, and walks with His people.

Application

So, what does all of this mean for believers today? What are we to do with this knowledge about these attributes of God?

Here are some basic truths that pop out of these passages that can help us to know, believe, and obey the God who has revealed Himself to us in Scripture and in the person of Jesus Christ:

• God always initiates interaction with His people; he sees, hears, and protects us
• God expects us to respond to Him accordingly in love and obedience
• In the OT, we see God revealed in forms and shadows; in the NT, we see God in the flesh in Jesus

I invite you to join me as I explore in more depth the hands, mouth, eyes, and ears of God from these Old Testament books.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 43 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He received a Master of Arts in biblical studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is passionate about helping his brothers and sisters in Christ with ordinary jobs to understand that their work matters to God and that they can experience His presence at work every day. He has written over 220 articles on a variety of faith and work topics; 60% of these have been published or posted 270 times on several Christian organization’s websites, including the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine.

Reflections on my 2023 Writing Ministry

As I have done in the past, I want to reflect on my writing ministry in 2023. My intention is not to draw attention to what I have done, but to glorify God. By His grace, God has demonstrated His faithfulness through my writing. I want to highlight His presence with me as I worked to write about His presence at work.   

Let me summarize some statistics on articles written and published, compare with previous years, provide links to my top ten favorite articles, highlight interviews I did, and close with what I want to focus on this year.

Articles written and published

Overall, 2023 was a productive year for me. I wrote 38 articles: 29 were on a variety of faith and work topics and nine were on other topics. Two of these articles made the The Institute for Faith Work & Economics (IFWE) top ten list for 2023!

Of the 38 I wrote on faith and work, 23 of them were published or posted 42 times. Of the nine on other topics, three were published.

I was extremely happy to see that last year there were 59 articles on faith and work (from 2023 or previous years) that were published or posted, which was a personal record. This was 13 more than in 2022.

Over the past eight years, I have written 228 articles on faith and work. Of these, 139 (61%) were published or posted 270 times. Fifteen of the 107 articles I have written on other topics were published 16 times. Together, I have written 335 articles which have been published or posted a total of 286 times.

I want to give a shout out to three organizations for their support last year. The Coram Deo blog posted links to 21 of my articles, the IFWE published 20 articles; and the Christian Grandfather Magazine published 12 articles.

Here are the top ten articles that grabbed my heart so deeply they practically wrote themselves:

1. How Can Parents and Grandparents Support their Child’s Vocational Journey?
2. What Pentecost Means for our Work
3. Lessons Learned from Launching our Children off to College
4. I Don’t Know What I’d do Without You
5. Sacrificial Love Gives us Endurance at Work
6. Physical Versus Mental Labor
7. Lord of Heaven and Earth
8. The Blessings of Difficult Bosses, Coworkers, Employees, and Customers
9. Do Your People Know that Their Work Matters to God?
10. God’s Grace Finds Me

I hope that as you skimmed over the titles above, there might have been an article or two that caught your eye. Take a few minutes to read one that interests you, if you did not read it already. (Note: Another article that had special meaning to me, but may not have universal appeal is a reflection I wrote last October after Linda and I visited the hospital where I was born. It was an unforgettable experience.)

Podcasts and radio interviews

I was blessed with much more than just having articles published. I was able to conduct two podcast and radio interviews.

In March 2023, I was a guest on a podcast with the Kirby Laing Center. I discussed how work allows us to love God and our neighbor at the same time. I also did a radio interview with Moody Radio in August where I discussed an article I wrote on launching your kids well that was published on the IFWE blog.

Closing thoughts

As I look back on the ever-increasing body of work that is available on the internet now and for future generations, I can clearly see that I did not misread God’s calling. After I earned my seminary degree in 2015, I was unshakably compelled to “be part of the conversation” on the theology of work. God opened up so many doors on a local, national, and even international level, way more that I could possibly imagine (Eph. 3:20). I had no idea that when I first started to summarize a few insights I learned during an independent study that I would be able to teach and encourage countless readers who were hungry for these biblical, theological, and practical life-changing truths.

As a way ahead, I want to refine my list of ideas and unfinished articles, delete the ones that are no longer relevant. and get the rest done and pushed out there. I will continue to follow God’s leading when a new topic pops into my sanctified imagination. Ordinary Christian workers need a solid foundation as they face real-world issues 40 hours a week. They need to know that God is present in their work in every stage of the process, from the development of talents in early childhood to retirement. I want them to know they are God’s coworkers. He has chosen, called, and enabled us to work, so that He can work with, in, and through us to meet the wide spectrum of human needs and bring flourishing.

I want to be bold and step out in faith, by soliciting opportunities to be interviewed on podcasts or radio shows. I also want to offer my writing to more faith at work organizations in order to expand my audience.

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 43 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He received a Master of Arts in biblical studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is passionate about helping his brothers and sisters in Christ with ordinary jobs to understand that their work matters to God and that they can experience His presence at work every day. He has written over 220 articles on a variety of faith and work topics; 60% of these have been published or posted 270 times on several Christian organization’s websites, including the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine.

Reflections on Diversity from a Biblical Worldview

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character” (Martin Luther King)

I read a timely post on social media Friday that shook me to the core. It was posted a few days’ prior to the holiday to celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who is a personal hero. My heart was broken when I read about what Black women are facing in this country. This topic deserves a response from a biblical perspective.

My intent here is to help Christians – especially those who look like me – better understand the pain that people of color are going through so that we can come alongside those who are not treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and be ready to boldly confront racist attitudes and actions where God has placed us. I want us to be known as those who stand up for what is right. Let me describe a little of what is going on, what the Bible says, how we should think, and what we can do to stand up and be part of the solution.

What is happening now?

The details of a Black woman who committed suicide recently that drove the post I read are not necessary for this discussion. The tragic story was a snapshot of the larger problem. It made me aware that there is way more pain in the Black community, especially for female workers, that I could ever know.

I read, “We are not okay. . . Black women are often holding on by threads.” One woman responded, “The story of so many women of color who are struggling with the daily reminders that the people we work around, the cultures we are subject to see us as less than. Regardless of your experience, education, work quality and skills you’re constantly reminded that all you’re seen as is a diversity hire. A token to achieve diversity goals.” She prays “someone will see the disparate treatment, unnecessary challenges to your integrity and intellect and dismissive reaction to your cries for help. But no one stands up.”

We have seen much in the news about a Black woman university president who made bad decisions. Diversity was made out to be a villain. But I never considered it from the other side. Black women who are extremely competent and got their positions by their achievements and character are often seen by those with racist viewpoints as not deserving. I can’t imagine the pressure these women are under.

I have had the blessing of serving in the military with great men and women of color, too many to mention, who have made a difference in my life and career. Not one of them was a “diversity hire.” They earned their rank and positions by their many accomplishments, potential for greater service, and by the content of their character. They earned respect from me and everyone else whose lives they touched.

What does the Bible have to say about these things?

I love that the Bible is full of timeless truths that set us free and show believers how to think and act now, just as much as when they were first written thousands of years ago. I learned when I went to seminary the first time in the mid-80’s that we can always start with the Bible and find truths that apply to various aspects of our life. We can also take a slice of life and bring it to Scripture to see what it says.

This issue of racism is something that the Bible is not silent on. There are a number of things that have been written long ago that are applicable to us now:

• Humans were created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26)
• Jesus calls us to love God and our neighbor; there is nothing more important (Matt. 22:36-40)
• Loving our neighbor involves meeting the needs of those who suffer, no matter what their race; i.e., the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
• Christians are taught to value those who are different from us; everyone has a purpose and a function, and are worthy of dignity and respect (1 Cor. 12:12-26)
• The church is made up of diverse people groups (i.e., male/female, Jew/Gentile); in Christ, all are equal (Gal. 3:28)
• God’s people are made up of Jesus-followers from every nation, tribe, and language (Rev. 7:9)

Let me address a couple of these bullet comments above in a little more detail.

The second and third bullet above are connected. Jesus stated in Matthew 22 that loving God and neighbor were the two greatest commandments. In Luke 10, a scribe acknowledged the same, and then asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus responded by teaching the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritans were a mixed race that the Jews systemically hated. The point of Jesus’ story is that loving our neighbor means that we give what we have to meet their needs, even though it may cost us dearly. Since all humans were created in the image of God, our neighbors, regardless of what they look like, are of value to God. We should value them enough to lay aside our fears to share ourselves when we have the chance.

Revelation 7:9 describes the population of heaven as racially diverse, just like here. Since that is true, I strongly recommend we consider how to get along with our brothers and sisters in Christ who look different than we do.

How should we think about diversity in the workplace?

It is often said that there is strength in diversity. I would agree with that statement. However, in my nearly 38 years of experience serving in and for the U.S. Army, I prefer to say that there is strength in unity amidst diversity. Let me explain further. It is easy for those who look, sound, and think alike to get along and get the job done. However, if your team is made up of individuals who bring their different backgrounds and strengths to the table, and if they are able to focus on a unified goal, there is nothing they cannot do.

That is what the world should see in the church: People of all races coming together as the Body of Christ to serve Jesus as one. If Christian workers can bring this spirit of unity in spite of our diversity and treat all with dignity and respect as described in 1 Cor. 12 outside of the church and into our workplaces, people will take notice.

What can we do to stand up and be part of the solution?

There may be some Christians in positions of authority who would be called, equipped, and led to stand up publicly to confront racist attitudes and actions in the workplace when given the opportunity. I suspect that most of us would be called to something a little simpler and perhaps more effective in bringing change.

There is a small list of commands in one of the epistles of Paul that guides how we treat others, especially those in the Body of Christ. Paul exhorts, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15).

I have always found this ministry of comfort and encouragement to be plain and simple Christ-like love. Like Job’s friends who sat down and said nothing for a time (Job 2:11-13), when we execute a ministry of presence and listen to one who is suffering, we love them deeply. We may not be able to come up with any simple solutions to solve their problem, but just being with them and hearing their story brings them some measure of peace in the midst of the storms they are facing.

Closing challenge

It is clear when you read articles and talk with people you know that there is so much more work to be done. I want to prayerfully work to be part of the solution and not be part of the problem. I invite you to resolve to join me by standing up when we need to and coming alongside those who are suffering. Ask the hard questions and listen well. By doing so, we are doing what Jesus commands us to do.

(Note: I invite you to read a few articles I have written previously on this subject. Click here to read one on the value of diversity in the workplace, click here for one on racial reconciliation, click here for an article I wrote on Dr. King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”, and click here for another one on showing dignity and respect.)

About the author:

Russell E. Gehrlein (Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Retired) is a Christian, husband of 43 years, father of three, grandfather of five, and author of the book, Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, published by WestBow Press in February 2018. He received a Master of Arts in biblical studies from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in 2015. He is passionate about helping his brothers and sisters in Christ with ordinary jobs to understand that their work matters to God and that they can experience His presence at work every day. He has written over 220 articles on a variety of faith and work topics; 60% of these have been published or posted over 260 times on several Christian organization’s websites, including the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, Coram Deo, Nashville Institute for Faith + Work, Made to Flourish, The Gospel Coalition, and Christian Grandfather Magazine.