SCRIPTURE: NEHEMIAH 4
OPPOSITION TO THE REBUILDING (vs. 1-23)
While they were rebuilding the wall, Sanballat was angry and he ridiculed the Jews and insulted them saying: “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble – burned as they are?” Tobiah, the Ammonite said: “What they are building – if even a fox climbed up on it, he would break down their wall of stones!”. (vs. 2-3). Instead of retaliating, Nehemiah turned to God and prayed to the Lord to avenge for the insults had said. And they continued to rebuild the wall with all their hearts till it reached half its height.
Then Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But the Israelites prayed to God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.
Nehemiah stationed people posting them by families in the exposed places with their swords, spears and bows. He stood up and told the people: “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord who is great and awesome and fight for your brothers, your sons, and your daughters, your wives and your homes” (v. 14)
So half of the men did the work while the other half were equipped with spear, shields, bars and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. Each builder held a weapon on one hand and wore his sword at his side as he worked. So they continued their work with half the men holding spears form the first light of dawn till the stars came out. Every man with their weapons can serve as guard for them by night and workmen by day.
THOUGHTS:
WEAPONS USED BY THE ENEMIES TO STOP THEIR REBUILDING OF WALL:
- Ridicule (v. 1-6) – Despite of the mockery and insults, Nehemiah did not retaliate and trade insults. Instead, he continued their work and used prayer as their strength. Similarly, you should never allow ridicules to stop your ministry. Take it to the Lord in prayer and keep on working.
- Force (vs. 7-9) – All of the enemies conspired against the Jews. Nehemiah faced this new attack by praying and setting a watch. In order for you to win against your enemies, aside from praying, you should also do things to protect yourself.
- Discouragement (v. 10) – Discouragement and complaining spread rapidly but Nehemiah kept on building and praying. We should also follow Nehemiah’s footstep.
- Fear (vs. 11-23) – When the Jews heard the rumor that the enemy’s armies would suddenly invade Jerusalem, they were frightened. But Nehemiah set the guard in the wall and told the people not to be afraid. He put the workers with weapon in one hand and tool in the other. He also set a special watch with trumpet but he did not allow the work to stop. As Christian workers, we ought to have a mind to work, a heart to pray, and eye to watch and an ear to listen.
Nehemiah constantly combined prayer with preparation and planning. We should also combine prayer with thought, preparation and effort.
Nehemiah faced pressures by focusing on God’s purposes. He reminded the workers of their calling, goal and God’s protection. If you are overwhelmed by an assignment, tired and discouraged, remember God’s purpose for your life and his special purpose for the project.
Nehemiah devised a plan of defense to unite and protect his people – half the men worked while the other half stood on guard. Christians need to help one another in the same ways. By looking out for each other, we are assured on help when needed. Be united for mutual protection and benefit.
Nehemiah set up a communication system with a man to sound the trumpet. And the people know what to do it they heard it. The provision of open immediate communication helped the group accomplish its task.