Nehemiah 4-6:14
Opposition – Nehemiah 4
The governor, Sanballat became angry and ridiculed the Jews when he heard they were rebuilding the wall. He and Tobiah and their allies tried to discourage the Jews’ efforts to rebuild the wall by mocking them. They plotted to attack Jerusalem and to disrupt the work.
People mock Christians today. They make fun of us, call us Jesus freaks. They mock Jesus. There is persecution all over the world. Christians are faced with severe persecution, including violence, imprisonment, and even death.
Nehemiah’s response to his enemies persecution was prayer. The people remained determined to complete the wall. God answered Nehemiah’s prayer by giving the people strength to continue their work on the wall.
The reaction of Israel’s enemies to the progress of building the wall was anger. They plotted to fight and stir up trouble. The people responded to the threats by praying to God and posted guards day and night to meet these threats.
When they were about half through building, the people’s spirits become low and they became discouraged and were ready to give up. Their enemies planned to attack, because they knew the only way to stop the wall was to kill the Jews. But the Jews heard what the enemy was planning and Nehemiah planned a defense.
Nehemiah’s solution began with prayer. Then he organized the workers into armed groups. He had them bring out their armor, swords, spears and bows and get ready for a fight. When danger approached, they would sound the trumpet as an alert. He encouraged the people to trust in God and be prepared to defend themselves. He reminded them what they were fighting for and to remember that God was on their side.
The people did as Nehemiah had said. Half continued with their work and while the other half were armed and stood guard around the city.
Nehemiah set a great example of leadership by prioritizing the people’s needs. He worked alongside the people. He combined prayer and practical action and continually encouraged the people. He organized a defense while they continued the rebuilding of the wall. He reminded the people of God’s power.
Principle: When faced with opposition, turn to God in prayer.
Financial Problems – Nehemiah 5
The people raised problems to Nehemiah. There was a famine and they had no food. They had financial problems, too. Their hardship was made harder by the rich nobles taking advantage of their struggle. They had to borrow money to pay their taxes and had been forced to mortgage their fields to pay their bills. The rich nobles were even charging interest to the poor.
This angered Nehemiah. He called a meeting with the nobles. He solved the problem by reasoning with them and told what they were doing was not right. He told them to return everything they had taken unjustly including food, money, and property. The nobles agreed.
Nehemiah demonstrated godly values by refusing to take the governor’s food allowance and other benefits what were legally due to him. He refused to levy excessive taxes on the people. He said he feared God too much to take advantage of the people under him.
Principle: Trust that God will supply all your needs as you faithfully serve Him.
The Conspiracy – Nehemiah 6
The Jewish enemies including Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem tried to arrange a meeting with Nehemiah. Nehemiah was able to see through what they were trying to do and refused to go to the meeting. He told them he was too busy working on the wall. They sent a letter of invitation 5 different times. On the 5th time Sanballat’s letter accused the Jews of plotting a revolt and that Nehemiah wanted to be their king. Nehemiah replied that there was no such thing happening and that he was just making things up in his head.
In verses 10-14 we’re told that Nehemiah went to house of Shemaiah who was a shut-in. Shemaiah offered him a place in the temple for protection, because Nehemiah’s life was in danger. Nehemiah realized that he was a false a prophet hired to intimidate and discredit him. He was trying to create fear in Nehemiah to get him to disobey God for only priests were allowed in the temple. Nehemiah refused. He relied on God to protect him.
Principle: Stay focused on God’s work and resist distraction and discouragement, despite opposition and manipulative tactics.
Next week we will continue our study in Nehemiah. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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