Wearying the Wall Builders

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah cover the period of Israel’s history following the Babylonian captivity. These events were prophesied beforehand and carried out by Cyrus, King of Persia (Isa. 44:28; 45:1; Ezra 1:1-3). The remnant from Judah returned to Jerusalem and began an era of reconstruction. The first wave of returning Jews were led by Zerubbabel (abt. 536 BC), the second wave by Ezra (abt. 457 BC), and the third by Nehemiah (abt. 444 BC). God, through His leaders and prophets, addressed many important and needed spiritual reforms during this time, but there were also many physical matters that needed the people’s attention. The first half of Nehemiah records how Jerusalem’s walls were rebuilt.

As is true for any people seeking to obey God’s command, the wall builders in Nehemiah’s day faced opposition. Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arab attempted in various ways to discourage the Jews and thwart their efforts. Today, Christians should not be surprised to face challenges from the world (Jn. 15:18-19; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:12). By studying what Nehemiah faced and the response he gave, we will be better equipped to overcome resistance to our service in the kingdom.

Opposition by Ridicule (Neh. 4:1-6)

When the enemies of truth heard about the building project at Jerusalem, they were furious and indignant. They mocked the Jews and called them feeble, claiming their efforts were doomed to fail and that they lacked any true ability (4:1-2). At one point they even said a fox would be enough to destroy their fortifications (4:3). One can see how this would have made Nehemiah upset. However, he did not respond to those who made fun, instead Nehemiah cast his cares upon the God of Heaven and got on with the work (4:4-6). We too must trust in God when the world mocks.

Opposition by Threat (4:7-23)

After Sanballat and company discovered that their ridicule was not enough to stop the work at Jerusalem, they became even angrier. They conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion (4:8). The news reached the Jews and initially caused quite a stir. Nehemiah responded by preparing defenses among the people, urging them to remember the Lord (4:13-14). Nehemiah instructed each worker to load themselves so that with one hand they held a weapon, and with the other their tool (4:17-18). In this way, the work was not halted. We too must find ways to continue our efforts for the kingdom, no matter what may be happening around us. There has never been a back burner grand enough to have God’s work on it!

Opposition by Diversion (6:1-9)

Once the work was nearly completed, Nehemiah’s enemies tried again to impede the work of the wall builders. They invited Nehemiah to a private meeting. The message was sent repeatedly and urgently, even accompanied by lies concerning the Jews’ motivation for rebuilding. But Nehemiah knew they only meant to do him harm (6:2). He refused to meet with them and only replied by a messenger, speaking of the great work they were completing (6:3-4). Nehemiah was committed to obedience. He would not allow distractions to interfere. And so, the wall was fully repaired in 52 days (6:15).

We too have a great work to accomplish, one for which God has well-equipped us. Our building project, our area of service, is the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-21). Do not allow distractions to turn you from the purpose of the kingdom. Trust in God and His power to deliver. The church must remain loyal and strong in the face of opposition. Our Lord’s work is too important. Enemies of truth must never be permitted to weary the wall builders!