1 Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews.
2 And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?”
3 Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives.
4 Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives.
5 Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders.
6 So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
7 But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry.
8 And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it.
9 And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.
10 In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.”
11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.”
12 In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”
13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows.
14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”
15 When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work.
16 From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah,
17 who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other.
18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.
19 And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another.
20 In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”
21 So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out.
22 Each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other.
23 So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand.
The True Meaning of Nehemiah 4
The book of Nehemiah was written by the prophet Nehemiah, who served as a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. Nehemiah was a Jew living in exile, and he was deeply concerned about the state of his homeland, Jerusalem, which had fallen into ruin. Nehemiah and the Israelites face opposition as they work to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in this chapter.
The chapter begins with the enemies of the Israelites mocking and threatening them, but Nehemiah remains steadfast in his determination to complete the task at hand. He organizes the people, equipping them with weapons and dividing them into groups to work on different sections of the wall. The Israelites work tirelessly, even while some of them stand guard to protect against potential attacks. This chapter reminds us of the importance of perseverance and unity in the face of adversity as we read it. The Israelites’ willingness to work together and defend their homeland is a testament to their faith in God and their commitment to His plan for their people. This passage also echoes the words of the psalmist, who declared, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
Nehemiah 4:1-6
Nehemiah 4:1-6 states, “But it came to pass that when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews. And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, ‘What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Will they revive the stones from the heaps of rubbish—stones that are burned?’ Now Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, ‘Whatever they build, if even a fox goes up on it, he will break down their stone wall.’ Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their reproach on their own heads, and give them as plunder to a land of captivity! Do not cover their iniquity, and do not let their sin be blotted out from before You; for they have provoked You to anger before the builders. So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. Sanballat and Tobiah, two significant figures opposing the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem by Nehemiah and the Jews, are introduced in the first part of this passage. Sanballat was a governor of Samaria, and Tobiah was an Ammonite leader. These two men were staunch enemies of the Jews and constantly sought to hinder the progress of the wall’s reconstruction. Sanballat’s ridicule and Tobiah’s contemptuous remarks towards the Jews reflected their disdain and disbelief in the Jews’ ability to rebuild the wall successfully. They belittled the Jews’ efforts and insinuated that even a small animal, like a fox, would destroy their work.
This section emphasizes the theme of opposition and ridicule faced by those who are trying to fulfill God’s purpose. Just as Nehemiah faced mockery and scorn from his adversaries, believers may encounter challenges, mockery, and opposition when striving to follow God’s calling. It reminds us that when pursuing God’s work, there will always be those who will seek to undermine and discourage us. However, Nehemiah’s response was to turn to God in prayer, seeking His intervention and justice against their enemies. This exemplifies the importance of seeking God’s help and relying on Him in the face of adversity.
The prayer of Nehemiah in verse 4 serves as a powerful example of seeking God’s justice and protection in the midst of opposition. Nehemiah does not respond to the insults and threats of his enemies with anger or retaliation but instead petitioned God to deal with them justly. This prayer reflects Nehemiah’s trust in God’s sovereignty and his belief that ultimately, it is God who will bring justice and vindication to His people. It also highlights the importance of forgiveness and leaving vengeance to God, as stated in Romans 12:19, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’”
Despite the opposition and threats, Nehemiah and the people continued building the wall because they were determined and focused. The mention that “the people had a mind to work” highlights their unity, determination, and commitment to the task at hand. It underscores the importance of perseverance, unity, and diligence in carrying out God’s work despite facing challenges and discouragement. This unity and resolve displayed by the people of Jerusalem serve as a reminder of the strength found in community and shared purpose, echoing Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, which speaks about the value of having a companion to help withstand trials. Nehemiah 4:1-6 teaches us valuable lessons about facing opposition, seeking God’s help in times of trouble, responding to adversaries with prayer and faith, and the importance of unity and perseverance in fulfilling God’s purpose. It encourages believers to stay focused, determined, and prayerful, trusting in God’s sovereignty, justice, and provision even in the face of opposition and challenges.
Nehemiah 4:7-9
Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the people of Ashdod became very angry when they heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and the gaps were being closed. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.”
This section illustrates the opposition and threats Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem faced as they worked on rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Sanballat and Tobiah were prominent figures who repeatedly opposed Nehemiah throughout his mission to restore the city. Sanballat was a governor of Samaria, and Tobiah was an Ammonite official. Their constant antagonism towards Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem serves as a reminder of the challenges and obstacles faced by those trying to do God’s work.
The mention of other groups such as the Arabs, Ammonites, and people of Ashdod coming together to plot against Jerusalem shows the extent of the opposition Nehemiah encountered. These groups symbolize different forms of external threats that can undermine the rebuilding and restoration process. Despite facing such formidable adversaries, Nehemiah and the people turned to prayer as their first response. This demonstrates the importance of seeking God’s guidance and protection when faced with challenges, no matter how insurmountable they may seem.
Additionally, Nehemiah’s decision to post a guard day and night highlights the importance of both faith and practical measures in overcoming obstacles. While prayer is essential, it is also crucial to take necessary actions to protect oneself and one’s community. Nehemiah’s strategic thinking and reliance on both spiritual and practical means offer a valuable lesson on the balanced approach required when confronting adversity.
This passage resonates with timeless messages found throughout the Bible, emphasizing the themes of perseverance, faith, and the power of prayer in the face of opposition. It also serves as a reminder that doing God’s work often invites resistance, but with steadfast determination, reliance on God, and prudent action, obstacles can be overcome. References to similar themes can be found throughout the Bible, such as in James 5:16, which states, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,” highlighting the potency of prayer in times of need.
Nehemiah 4:10-14
The people of Judah faced opposition and threats as they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem under the leadership of Nehemiah, as seen in Nehemiah 4:10-14. This passage highlights the challenges and dangers they encountered as they sought to restore the city and rebuild its defense. The strength of the laborers was failing in verse 10, and debris was piling up, making the work more difficult. Despite their commitment and determination, the people were becoming weary and discouraged as they faced constant obstacles. This serves as a reminder of the physical, mental, and emotional toll that rebuilding and restoration efforts can take. It shows the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
Furthermore, in verse 11, we see that their enemies – Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites – plotted together to come and attack Jerusalem and disrupt the work. These adversaries were opposed to the restoration of Jerusalem’s walls and were intent on causing harm and hindering the progress of the construction. Sanballat and Tobiah had been persistent adversaries throughout Nehemiah’s mission, embodying opposition and resistance to the work of God.
Nehemiah responds to these threats by encouraging the people in verse 13 to station themselves behind the wall in the lowest points, with the families armed for protection. He recognized the seriousness of the situation and organized a strategic defense plan. Nehemiah’s leadership in this critical moment exemplifies the importance of wise strategy, preparation, and unity in the face of opposition.
Verses 14 reiterate Nehemiah’s call to the people to not be afraid of their enemies but to remember the Lord and fight for their brothers, their sons, their daughters, their wives, and their homes. This highlights the spiritual dimension of their battle. Instead of succumbing to fear, Nehemiah urges them to trust in God’s protection and to fight for their loved ones and their land. It underscores the idea of fighting not just for themselves but for the greater community and the future generations. This passage from Nehemiah 4 teaches us valuable lessons about perseverance in the midst of challenges, the reality of opposition in doing God’s work, the importance of strategic planning, unity, trust in God’s protection, and fighting not only for personal interests but for the well-being of the community and the legacy we leave for the next generation. These principles are timeless and applicable in various aspects of our lives, reminding us of the spiritual warfare we face and the need to stand firm in our faith and commitment to God’s work.
Nehemiah 4:15-18
We all returned to the wall, each to our work, when our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it in Nehemiah 4:15.” This portion highlights the awareness and vigilance of Nehemiah and his people. Despite facing significant opposition and threats from their enemies, they did not allow fear to deter them from their mission of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Their faith in God’s protection empowered them to face their adversaries head-on and continue their work. This demonstrates the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity and the belief that God will intervene on behalf of His people when they are faithful and follow His will.
Continuing to verse 16: “From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah…” Here, we see Nehemiah’s strategic planning and leadership. He divided his workforce, ensuring that half focused on construction while the other half stood guard, armed and ready to defend against any potential attacks. This exemplifies the wisdom of being prepared for both spiritual and physical battles. Christians are called to equip themselves with the full armor of God, as outlined in Ephesians 6:10-18, to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Verse 17 further states: “Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other…” This verse underscores the dedication and commitment of the workers in the face of danger. They were willing to multitask, handling building materials with one hand and a weapon for defense in the other. This highlights the importance of being spiritually equipped and ready at all times, as followers of Christ face constant spiritual battles. This also echoes the teachings of Jesus in Luke 9:62, emphasizing the need for unwavering focus and dedication in serving the Lord.
Lastly, in verse 18, we read: “Each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.” This verse showcases unity and teamwork among the workers. Each individual remained armed, reinforcing the collective commitment to protect one another and the common goal of rebuilding the walls. The mention of the man sounding the trumpet symbolizes the need for clear communication and a unified response to any signs of danger. This narrative emphasizes the importance of unity within the body of Christ, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, where believers are compared to one body with different parts working together for the greater good. Nehemiah 4:15-18 offers valuable lessons on faith, perseverance, preparedness, dedication, and unity in the face of opposition. It serves as a reminder for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, to be vigilant in times of trouble, and to work together in harmony to fulfill God’s purposes, knowing that He is their ultimate protector and provider.
Nehemiah 4:19-23
The passage in Nehemiah 4:19-23 can be broken down into the following important sections: “Then I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people: ‘The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall.’”
Here, Nehemiah addresses the nobles, officials, and the people, acknowledging the enormity of the task at hand. The task of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem was no small feat. It required unity, coordination, and diligence from everyone involved. This verse highlights the importance of recognizing the scale of a project or challenge before embarking on it. It stresses the need for effective communication and cooperation among leaders and followers to achieve a common goal, echoing the wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 that says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
- “Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”
Nehemiah instructs the people to be vigilant and responsive to the sound of the trumpet. The trumpet served as a signal for the people to come together quickly in case of an enemy attack. Nehemiah’s confidence in God’s protection and provision is evident in his declaration, “Our God will fight for us.” This verse emphasizes the importance of faith and reliance on God in times of difficulty and opposition. It reflects the biblical truth found in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
- “So we labored in the work, and half of the men held the spears from daybreak until the stars came out.”
Despite the threats and challenges they faced, the people continued to work diligently on the wall. Half of the men were armed with spears, ready to defend themselves and their fellow workers if needed. This verse illustrates the balance between working diligently and being prepared for potential opposition. It speaks to the importance of being proactive and ready to face obstacles while also trusting in God’s protection. This sentiment is echoed in Proverbs 21:31, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.”
- “At that time I also said to the people, ‘Let each man and his servant stay at night in Jerusalem, that they may be our guard by night and a working party by day.’”
Nehemiah wisely strategizes by having the people remain in Jerusalem at night, serving as both guards and workers. This dual role ensured the continuous security and progress of the rebuilding efforts. This verse demonstrates Nehemiah’s leadership skills in organizing the people effectively for both defense and construction tasks. It reflects the biblical principle of being vigilant and watchful, as advised in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Nehemiah 4:19-23 portrays a powerful message of leadership, faith, diligence, and preparedness in the face of challenges. It serves as a timeless lesson on the importance of unity, trust in God’s protection, hard work, and strategic planning when tackling formidable tasks or overcoming adversity. It inspires believers to persevere in their endeavors with a combination of faith and practical wisdom, believing that God is ultimately the source of strength and victory.
After Nehemiah 4
The people worked tirelessly, their hands calloused from the constant labor. They faced threats and ridicule, but their resolve only grew stronger. Nehemiah’s leadership and their unwavering faith kept them united, determined to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The workers paused as the sun began to set, scanning the horizon with their eyes. They had made remarkable progress, but the task was far from complete. Nehemiah gathered the people, his voice ringing with a sense of urgency. “Our work is not done,” he declared, “for the enemy still lurks in the shadows, waiting to strike. We must remain vigilant, for the safety of our city and the glory of our God.”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.