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Isaiah 58:12
Andthey that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

Haggai 1:4-6
Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this houselie waste? …

Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

but there were few people in it
The sparse population is a direct result of the Babylonian exile, where many Jews were taken captive, and only a remnant returned under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. This situation underscores the challenges Nehemiah faced in rebuilding not just the physical walls but also the community and spiritual life of Jerusalem. The few people present represent the faithful remnant, a recurring theme in Scripture, where God often works through a small, dedicated group to accomplish His purposes.

and the houses had not yet been rebuilt
The lack of rebuilt houses indicates the incomplete state of Jerusalem's restoration. While the walls had been reconstructed under Nehemiah's leadership, the infrastructure necessary for a thriving community was still lacking. This reflects the ongoing process of restoration that requires both physical and spiritual rebuilding. The unrebuilt houses symbolize the need for the people to establish their lives and families in the city, fulfilling prophecies of return and restoration found in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah. The rebuilding of homes can also be seen as a metaphor for the restoration of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

- “Now the city was large and spacious” underlines that Jerusalem’s walls had been restored (Nehemiah 6:15), creating a secure perimeter far bigger than the present population required.

- God’s plans often exceed current realities. LikeIsaiah 54:2—“Enlarge the place of your tent”—He prepares room for growth before it happens.

- A roomy city also recalls Solomon’s era, when Jerusalem bustled with people (1 Kings 4:20). The rebuilt walls invite the people to envision that flourishing again.

-2 Chronicles 36:19 describes the city once laid waste; Nehemiah’s work reversed that shame and set the stage for future blessing (Psalm 102:16).

- Though the exile was over, only a remnant had returned (Ezra 2:64-65). The empty streets spotlight the need for repopulation.

- Nehemiah later addresses this by casting lots so “one out of ten” would settle in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:1-2).

- God often works with a faithful few—think Gideon’s 300 (Judges 7:7) or the “little flock” Jesus mentions (Luke 12:32). Small numbers never limit His purpose.

-Haggai 1:9 shows how neglecting God’s house led to scarcity; likewise, Jerusalem’s emptiness calls the people to prioritize the city God chose (Psalm 132:13).

- Completing the wall was only phase one; everyday life still needed restoration. Homes provide permanence, community, and generational stability (Deuteronomy 6:9).

-Haggai 1:4 rebukes those living in paneled houses while God’s house lay desolate. Here the reverse is true: the wall is finished, but private dwellings wait.

- Opposition had earlier halted construction (Ezra 4:23), so Nehemiah’s leadership must now motivate the people to finish what enemies tried to stop.

-Isaiah 58:12 promises that God’s people will “rebuild the ancient ruins.” Rebuilding houses fulfills that prophecy and turns ruins into neighborhoods.

Nehemiah 7:4 captures a moment of partial victory: a vast, secure Jerusalem ready for growth; a sparse population needing encouragement; and unfinished homes calling for action. God’s provision of space shows His forward-looking purpose, the few residents invite faith that He multiplies His people, and the unrepaired houses challenge believers to move from defense to habitation, turning restored walls into a thriving community that honors the Lord.