The wall completed. Law and order restored to protect the people through establishing guards to police and guard the walls. Border Security arranged. A covenant to God signed and sealed. Now, for the government to work; they needed an immigration policy, taxes and tithes. Because of revival, all the people, now, in agreement to follow God’s laws. Of note, in Nehemiah 10, taxes were decreased; while tithes remained at 10%. The people were poor, because, of their recent exile. There had been greed and abuse among the leaders of the nation, which Nehemiah dealt with. Remember earlier, a revolt had broken out due to this? That was covered in, “How did Nehemiah deal with greed and abuse?” Now, there would be tax reform as well. The leaders had all signed the covenant to serve God.
“And the rest of the people…all who separated themselves from the pagan people of the land in order to obey the Law of God…joined their leaders and bound themselves with an oath. They swore a curse on themselves if they failed to obey the Law of God as issued by His servant Moses. They solemnly promised to carefully follow all the commands, regulations, and decrees of the Lord our Lord” (Nehemiah 10:28-29 TLB).
A CONFIRMED IMMIGRATION POLICY
Part of the oath sworn was to remain separate. They swore not to marry or allow in people who did not agree with their own values and beliefs. God commanded them to remain separate from the ideologies that could bring harm. This was not some phobia; because, if you recall, all adopting their belief system were welcomed in, such as Ruth who was in the lineage of Christ; as was Rachab, the converted prostitute of Jericho. (see Matthew 1:5). This was to protect them by not allowing in those who would bring harm to the nation.
Additionally, they swore to not trade with the foreigners who sold goods on the Sabbath. They could buy on other days; however, there had to be trade agreements which would not violate or cause harm to the people. Buying and selling on the Sabbath: absolutely forbidden by God for the Jewish Nation, under the law of Moses. This was to ascertain they set aside the Sabbath for worship only. Otherwise, without the printing press; the people could easily forget the statutes of God which lead their lives. They had no Bible to read from, no personal means of learning God’s Words to guide their lives.
TAXES
The taxes were set aside to keep the structure of the temple and all of its functions running smoothly. Because of their poverty: tax reform happened, first. Taxes went from formerly a half shekel to a third shekel. (Nehemiah 10:32). With great joy, they willingly accepted the taxes; knowing God commanded this means of providing for the temple structure. This required honest fiscal management by those receiving the taxes; rather than, mismanagement due to greed and abuse as had occurred previously.
Taxes are necessary to run a Government, provide for military and police protection as well as to maintain order within. Note the church, individually and collectively, God commissions to care for the poor and disabled within a land. In the Old Testament Law, God commanded the people leave their fields to rest the seventh year; because, the poor could gather all the crops that God grew in their fields that year. Remember also, how Ruth gleaned the fields behind the harvesters of Boaz? They were to always leave behind some of the crops to provide for the poor; although, all able bodies were to go into the fields and work for that provision.
As Christians, we should willingly pay our taxes. Of course, remain engaged with the government’s spending; through, elections and writing your congressmen. Know what is happening; to see and speak out against greed and abuse.
TITHES
Of course, when it comes to money; we are to give God the first fruits of our labor. This should minimally be 10%. Then, we trust God to provide. But this is only the beginning, we are to be generous and help others as well; as God provides and leads us to do. Cheating God of His part, never works out financially. This is necessary act of faith and commitment to place God first in our lives and all that we do; because, He has promised to provide our every need.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
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Two Newest Books Available
ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY 
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
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OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.