Opposition from Without. Nehemiah 4

 

Nehemiah 4 -Opposition from Without

 

The wall was going up all the way around the city at the same time.

Laughing at them hadn’t stopped the enemy so they resort to ridicule. They mock that which was precious to God but despised by Sanballat.

This was discouraging for the people who had been working so hard.

The men that were trying to hinder the building were God’s enemies as well as the Jews enemies. Under the law, the people could pray that justice be brought to pass upon their enemies.

Nehemiah ignored the sarcasm of the enemy, prayed to God, and continued to build. He knew that the enemy was plotting to come against him, so he set a watch. This is what God expected him to do.

One of Satan’s greatest weapons against God’s people is discouragement.. The enemy took advantage of the Jews’ discouragement, and they planned a surprise attack. “We are going to take them when they are not looking for us.”

Nehemiah put every man in the position where he could defend his own family. He armed them well. “Remember the Lord!” was to be their motto, their rallying cry. That is the rallying cry of believers today.

The Jews went back to work and the enemy retreated. They found they could not surprise the Jews.

Each builder had a trowel in one hand in which to build and a sword in the other hand to defend. The trowel represents the fact that believers should build themselves up in their faith. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God with which we defend ourselves.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.