1 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
2 And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?
3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite [was] by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.
4 Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:
5 And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked [thee] to anger before the builders.
6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
7 But it came to pass, [that] when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, [and] that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,
8 And conspired all of them together to come [and] to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.
9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.
10 And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and [there is] much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.
11 And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.
12 And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us [they will be upon you].
13 Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, [and] on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.
14 And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, [which is] great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
15 And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.
16 And it came to pass from that time forth, [that] the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers [were] behind all the house of Judah.
17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, [every one] with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other [hand] held a weapon.
18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and [so] builded. And he that sounded the trumpet [was] by me.
19 And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work [is] great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another.
20 In what place [therefore] ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.
21 So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.
22 Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day.
23 So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, [saving that] every one put them off for washing.
Overview of Nehemiah Chapter 4
Nehemiah Chapter 4 describes the challenges faced by Nehemiah and the Jewish people as they work to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This chapter highlights themes of opposition, perseverance, and faith in the face of adversity.
Key Themes
- Opposition and Mockery: The chapter begins with the opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah, who ridicule the Jews’ efforts to rebuild the wall.
- Prayer and Dependence on God: Nehemiah responds to the mockery with prayer, demonstrating the importance of seeking divine assistance in difficult times.
- Unity and Collaboration: The chapter emphasizes the collective effort of the Jewish people as they work together to rebuild the wall.
- Perseverance: Despite the threats and challenges, the people remain determined to complete the work.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-3: Opposition from Enemies
Sanballat’s anger and mockery highlight the external threats faced by Nehemiah and the Jewish community. The ridicule serves to demoralize the workers and undermine their confidence.
- Sanballat’s scornful remarks question the capability and strength of the Jews.
- Tobiah’s derisive comment about the wall being so weak that even a fox could break it emphasizes the perceived futility of their efforts.
Verses 4-6: Nehemiah’s Prayer and Response
Nehemiah’s immediate response to the mockery is prayer, which reflects his reliance on God for strength and guidance. He asks God to turn the mockery back on their enemies.
- Nehemiah’s prayer is a call for divine intervention against those who oppose the rebuilding effort.
- Despite the opposition, the people continue to work, demonstrating their commitment to the task at hand.
Verses 7-9: Escalating Threats
As the rebuilding progresses, the threats from their enemies escalate. Sanballat, Tobiah, and others plot against the Jews, intending to cause confusion and fear.
- The mention of the enemies conspiring together indicates a united front against the Jews.
- Nehemiah’s awareness of these threats shows his leadership and vigilance.
Verses 10-12: Discouragement Among the Workers
The workers express their fatigue and fear, indicating that the opposition is taking a toll on their morale. The situation is dire, and the workers feel overwhelmed.
- The phrase “the strength of the laborers is giving out” illustrates the physical and emotional exhaustion of the people.
- The concern about the enemies attacking highlights the constant danger they face.
Verses 13-14: Nehemiah’s Leadership
Nehemiah takes decisive action by organizing the workers and arming them for protection. He encourages them to remain steadfast and reminds them of their purpose.
- Nehemiah’s strategy to divide the workers into groups for both building and defense demonstrates effective leadership.
- His rallying cry to “remember the Lord” serves as a spiritual motivation for the people.
Verses 15-23: Continued Work Amidst Threats
The chapter concludes with the workers continuing their tasks, armed and vigilant. Nehemiah’s leadership fosters a sense of unity and determination among the people.
- The workers are committed to the project, even sleeping near the wall to remain prepared for any potential attacks.
- Their willingness to work with one hand and hold a weapon with the other reflects their dedication and resolve.
Conclusion
Nehemiah Chapter 4 serves as a powerful testament to the challenges faced by those who seek to fulfill a divine mission. The themes of opposition, prayer, unity, and perseverance resonate throughout the chapter, providing valuable lessons for individuals facing adversity in their own lives.
