Nehemiah 4:2

“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?”

Historical Context: Nehemiah was a Jewish cupbearer to the king of Persia, but he had a deep burden for the city of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed and its walls broken down. God put it in Nehemiah’s heart to rebuild the walls and restore the city. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem and led the people in this monumental task.

• Opposition and Mockery:

In Nehemiah 4:2, we see Sanballat, a prominent figure in Samaria, mocking the Jews who were working on the rebuilding of the walls. Sanballat questioned the Jews’ ability to accomplish their task, referring to them as “feeble Jews.” He doubted their strength, their commitment, and their capability to complete the work.

The Mockery and Challenges of the Enemy: The mocking words of Sanballat highlight the opposition that Nehemiah and the Jewish people faced during the rebuilding process. Sanballat and his associates were unhappy with the progress being made, and they sought to discourage and undermine the Jews’ efforts.

Faith in the Face of Mockery: Despite the mocking and doubts expressed by Sanballat, Nehemiah and his fellow Jews did not lose heart. They were determined to trust in God and proceed with the task at hand. Nehemiah knew that the power of God was with them and that they could accomplish great things through faith and perseverance.

Lessons for Us:

• Trust in God’s strength: Nehemiah’s response to the mockery demonstrates the importance of relying on God’s strength rather than our own. When we face opposition or challenges, we should trust in God’s power and seek His guidance.
• Perseverance: Nehemiah and the Jews did not allow the mockery to discourage them. They remained steadfast and continued their work. In our own lives, we may face obstacles or people who doubt our abilities or purpose. We should persevere in our faith and continue to pursue what God has called us to do.
• Opposition is a part of the journey: Nehemiah’s story reminds us that opposition is often encountered when we seek to do God’s work. However, we should not be deterred by it. Instead, we can use it as an opportunity to strengthen our faith and rely on God even more.
• Mockery does not define us: The Jews were called “feeble” and were ridiculed, but their identity and worth were not determined by the words of their enemies. Likewise, we should remember that our true worth and identity come from God, not from the opinions of others.
• The power of unity: Nehemiah and his brethren stood together in the face of opposition. Their unity and cooperation were crucial for the success of their endeavor. As believers, we are called to work together, support one another, and stand united in the face of challenges.

In conclusion, Nehemiah 4:2 showcases the mockery and opposition faced by Nehemiah and the Jews during the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. It teaches us valuable lessons about trusting in God, persevering in the face of challenges, and relying on the power of unity.