Nehemiah 4:11
“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.”
Context:The book of Nehemiah recounts the story of Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, who was burdened by the news of the destruction of Jerusalem and the broken-down walls of the city. Nehemiah received permission from the king to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls. Despite facing opposition and threats from enemies, Nehemiah and his workers persevered in the task given to them by God.
Understanding the adversaries:In this verse, Nehemiah and his workers faced adversaries who sought to prevent the work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. These adversaries were aware of the progress being made and were plotting to attack the workers.
Application:As believers, we often face opposition and obstacles when we seek to fulfill God’s purposes. It is important to recognize that spiritual adversaries may arise, seeking to hinder our progress and cause us to abandon our God-given tasks. However, we should not be discouraged or fearful, but instead trust in God’s strength and continue working faithfully.
The adversaries’ strategy:The adversaries in Nehemiah’s time believed that they could surprise and overpower the workers by launching a sudden attack. They wanted to cause fear, chaos, and disrupt the rebuilding process, ultimately leading to the cessation of the work.
Application:The enemy often employs various strategies to hinder God’s work in our lives. These may include sowing doubt, fear, discouragement, or attempting to distract us from our calling. We should be vigilant and discerning, recognizing the schemes of the enemy and standing firm in our faith.
Nehemiah’s response:Nehemiah was aware of the adversaries’ plans. Instead of succumbing to fear or giving up, he devised a strategic response to protect the workers. He stationed armed men at vulnerable points, and they continued their work with one hand while holding weapons with the other.
Application:Nehemiah’s response teaches us the importance of both spiritual and practical preparedness. As we face opposition, we should rely on God’s guidance and wisdom to develop strategies to overcome obstacles. This may involve seeking His Word, praying, seeking counsel, or taking practical steps to protect and advance the work God has called us to do.
The assurance of God’s sovereignty:While Nehemiah took practical steps to protect the workers, he also recognized that the ultimate outcome rested in God’s hands. Nehemiah trusted that God would provide the needed strength and protection to overcome their adversaries.
Application:When facing opposition, we must remember that God is ultimately in control. We can find assurance and strength in knowing that He is sovereign and faithful. By placing our trust in Him, we can overcome the challenges we face and continue to fulfill His purposes.
Conclusion:Nehemiah 4:11 highlights the challenges and opposition Nehemiah and his workers encountered as they sought to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. It teaches us valuable lessons about recognizing and responding to adversaries, relying on God’s wisdom, and trusting in His sovereignty. By studying this verse, we can draw inspiration and guidance for our own lives as we navigate obstacles and opposition while pursuing God’s calling.
