The city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and no houses had been built yet. (Nehemiah 7:4)

Now the leaders of the people stayed in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots for one out of ten to come and live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the other nine-tenths remained in their towns. The people blessed all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 11:1-2)

The rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants, along with their wives, sons, and daughters, everyone who is able to understand and who has separated themselves from the surrounding peoples to obey the law of God—join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oath to follow the law of God given through God’s servant Moses and to obey carefully all the commands, ordinances, and statutes of the LORD our Lord. (Nehemiah 10:28-29)

They said to me, “The remnant in the province, who survived the exile, are in great trouble and disgrace. Jerusalem’s wall has been broken down, and its gates have been burned.” (Nehemiah 1:3)

At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sent for the Levites wherever they lived and brought them to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres…

On that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy. The women and children also celebrated, and Jerusalem’s rejoicing was heard far away. (Nehemiah 12:27, 43)

So I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned. Come, let’s rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me, and what the king had said to me… (Nehemiah 2:17-18)

“…Do not grieve, because the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a great celebration… (Nehemiah 8:12)

…The Israelites had not celebrated like this from the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day… (Nehemiah 8:17)

Reflection Question: What beliefs and behaviors have transformed your life and your leadership?