Key Passage: Nehemiah 4:11-23
When the enemies planned surprise attacks, GOD placed faithful Jews to reveal those plans to Nehemiah. This is yet another example of the mighty hand of GOD working throughout this book. These Jews were faithful to GOD and they repeatedly warned the people about the attacks. As a result, Nehemiah was able to fortify the city against the attacks. He could have rejected the repeated warnings of these Jews as they dwelt near the enemies! But, as a Godly man, he could discern the people who came to him and also the genuineness of the information that he received.
Therefore, he prayerfully planned the strategies. He could have done nothing, he could have panicked! But, as he trusted GOD, more than anything in this world, he was able to stay quiet and calm while planning. Some fine qualities reflected in this passage are:
a) He knew their weak spots: Vs. 13, “Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall…” As he knew the vulnerable spots in the wall, he doubled the security in those areas, making it secure.
b) He encouraged them not to be afraid: Vs. 14, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord…” Attacks from the enemies make us frightened! But, the leader was keen on keeping himself and others motivated, to remember GOD -to remember the mighty hand of the LORD, and the call for which they came to that place.
c) He exhorted them to be vigilant: Vs.16, “From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears…” He motivated them to carry enough weapons to fight against the enemies. They were given a proper schedule, both to protect, and to work for their city.
d) He motivated them to unite when attack comes: Vs. 20, “Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!” As they were scattered across different areas while building the wall, they needed to be united when the attack came! So, he made a signal to gather them together-the sound of the trumpet. “Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” When unity becomes our priority, GOD will take care of our battles!
They worked together – day and night, forgetting everything that entangled their lives, clothed in armor and helped in the construction as well! Waiting to hear the blast of the trumpet, their common goal – to redeem Jerusalem from its ruins and the disgrace!
Practical Living: The enemies may plot many things against us, let us plan the defense with prayers. A true follower of CHRIST must be like the workers who were vigilant while doing their works – clothed in the righteousness of JESUS CHRIST and ready to gather together when the final trumpet calls on the day of HIS return. Let our hearts be filled with the hope of HIS second coming.
