Nehemiah 6:1
Now it came to passe when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies heard, that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein: (though at that time I had not set vp the doores vpon the gates,) Nehemiah 6:1 (KJV)
Nehemiah is a book in the Old Testament that describes the story of Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I. The events take place during the time when the Israelites had returned from exile in Babylon and were in the process of rebuilding Jerusalem and its walls. Nehemiah was moved by God to seek permission from King Artaxerxes to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed during the Babylonian invasion. Despite facing opposition and various challenges, Nehemiah’s determination and faith in God remained steadfast.
In Nehemiah 6:1 we are introduced to Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, along with the rest of Nehemiah’s enemies. These individuals were local officials who opposed Nehemiah’s work because they saw the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls as a threat to their power and influence. The verse mentions that Nehemiah’s enemies became aware that the wall had been built with no breach left therein, indicating that the project was nearing completion. The phrase “no breach left therein” implies that Nehemiah’s team had successfully constructed the walls, making it difficult for their enemies to infiltrate the city. Although the walls were built, Nehemiah had not yet set up the doors upon the gates, revealing that there were still final tasks to be completed before the city could be fully secured.
- a. Perseverance in the face of opposition: Nehemiah’s enemies were actively trying to hinder his work, but he remained steadfast in fulfilling God’s calling. This teaches us to persevere in our own tasks, even when faced with opposition.
- b. Completion despite obstacles: Nehemiah and his team achieved their goal of building the walls, even though they faced constant opposition. This reminds us that with God’s help, we can overcome obstacles and complete the tasks He has given us.
- c. Importance of vigilance: Although the walls were built, Nehemiah recognized the need to finalize the gates. It serves as a reminder that we should not neglect any aspect of our work or spiritual lives, but instead be diligent and attentive to every detail.
