READ: Nehemiah 6:1 – 7:4
Chapter six reveals that Nehemiah is also a man of
incredible discernment. Where others might derail by giving into temptation or
walking into a trap, Nehemiah keeps His eyes on the Lord and persists in what
he was called to. The story continues in chapter 6 with more plotting by
Sanballat, Tobiah and a new adversary, Gesham. This time they try to get to
Nehemiah by cover of peace, claiming they want nothing more than a meeting with
him. After four attempts and no response from Nehemiah, their true colours are
revealed and they get hostile, sending him a letter of false accusation.
Nehemiah is not the least worried by their allegations and comes back quickly
with a response and a prayer – “But now,
O God, strengthen my hands.” We see him depending on God as a true leader
should. His strength is not his own; it is the power of God in Him. Nehemiah surely
was not without fear or weakness, but he submitted these things to the power of
God in his life and he was able to lead the people through challenging times.
Sanballat and Tobiah make a sixth attempt to bring
down Nehemiah and his building project, and this one is the sneakiest. They
hire a prophet to urge Nehemiah to take refuge from them in the temple.
Nehemiah recognizes this for the ploy that it is: he knows that to hide out in
the temple when God had clearly instructed him to build would be a display of
doubt and unbelief, and would tarnish the name of Yahweh, and so he refuses and
keeps working. Yet again, we overhear Nehemiah’s bold prayer asking the Lord to
judge his enemies.
One further struggle is mentioned in the final
three verses – some of the people in Judah are supporters of Tobiah, and thus
they were likely against Nehemiah. Even from his own people he receives
pushback, yet he continues to put all his trust in the Lord. The chapter closes
with the report that the walls have been finished, and in only 52 days! This is
seen by all – including the surrounding nations – as the work of the God of the
Jews. So despite all the sacrifice and struggle, God is glorified. Nehemiah
immediately sets up gatekeepers, singers and Levites to guard the walls of the
city. It seems like an interesting job for worship officials, but it shows
again that the key focus is the establishment of proper Yahweh worship – these
were God’s people in God’s city in the land God had promised them; they needed
to protect it.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1. Nehemiah showed incredible discernment where
many people would have fallen prey to the enemy. He was so certain of God’s
will for him in this matter, that even a prophet’s “word from the Lord” could
not sway him. From what you have seen in Nehemiah thus far, what about his
character enabled him to forge on ahead so boldly, so often?
2. This chapter shows us what God can do despite
hardship. He wants to use all things – even our struggles – for His glory.
Those watching the Jews rebuild the walls knew that they were experiencing
heavy opposition. This opposition was no doubt a great burden to the builders
and to Nehemiah, and yet, because of
the opposition, those watching knew that God was behind the project. Ask God
how He wants to be glorified in your weakness and hardship today. Will you let
Him be glorified?
3. In what area do you feel the enemy is often
attacking you (ex. offense, addiction, gossip, lust, etc.)? Ask the Holy Spirit
to give you discernment, to give you an alert mind so that you will recognize
the enemy and his plans. Pray what Nehemiah prayed, “But now, O God, strengthen
my hands!” Ask for God’s strength to resist the enemy and forge ahead. Read 1
Peter 5:8-11 and take heart!
