1. Because he feared God more than most people (7:1-3)

Nehemiah appointed his brother to be in charge of Jerusalem, not out of nepotism, but because he was a man of integrity who feared God. He was the same brother who came to Persia to inform Nehemiah about the condition of the city walls. Nehemiah also put a military commander over the city to ensure safety and stability. He appointed men to serve God in the temple and in the city. Spiritual order was restored to God's people.

2. The registration exposes the enemy (7:4-73a)

The unpopulated city needed residents. God put it in Nehemiah's heart to have a family registration. It became clear why Tobiah opposed God's work, and why he had not wanted God's people to have unity and spiritual order. He and his family were not Levites; he was not even an Israelite (7:62). He had exercised leadership and had power because of his wealth, but now godly men would be Jerusalem's leaders, and he was excluded.