In Nehemiah 3 we see the plan to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem take shape. Everyone is involved in the work at hand, including the women. When it comes to repairing the Church’s broken down defenses, everyone needs to be involved. The work is great and all must cooperate with the Holy Spirit, of who Nehemiah is a type.
Beginning the Work
Nehemiah 3is a detailed listing of all those who were set to work upon the wall. In all, Nehemiah set 42 separate groups to sections of the wall and its gates to work on the repairs.
Nehemiah 3:5, “And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.”
In verse 5 we see that the Nobles of Tekoa refused to assist in their families building effort. The phrase, “put not their necks to the work”, implies a stiff-necked attitude otherwise known as pride.
Reminds me of many of the leaders of the Church today. They continue to build their kingdoms and their brands; all the while leaving God’s Church (His people) and His Kingdom to fend for themselves. They are unwilling to get in the dirt and mud with their people and rebuild the walls. That is the mark of a boss and taskmaster, not of a leader.
Several tradesmen, as well as priests and rulers, were active in this work. Goldsmiths, apothecaries, merchants, v. 8, 32. They did not think their callings excused them, nor plead that they could not leave their shops to attend the public business. I’m sure they believed that what they lost would certainly be made up to them by the blessing of God upon their callings.
Nehemiah 3:7, “And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.”
In verse 7 we see mention of the Gibeonites and the men of Gibeon. Remember them from Ezra and Joshua 9? The men who fooled Joshua and the nobles into making a covenant with them that forever bound them to Israel.
Opposition to the Wall
The last thing Sanballat and the governors wanted was for Israel to rebuild the walls and learn who they were again and discover their true destiny. A renewed and rebuilt Israel would mean an end to their rule and power. The enemy knows the power within the restored church and what it means for their rule and power. When the enemy learns of your plans and desire to begin restoring your defenses, he will be incensed. The last thing he wants is you able to defend yourself and knowing the true power God has given you.
Verse 8, “And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.”
That phrase ‘to hinder it’ actually means to create confusion. As soon as the Israelites made a stand, the enemy’s first move was to create confusion in their midst.
He does the same with the Church. As soon as you start digging deeper into God; growing closer to Him and His word, working to rebuild His life in you, he will sow your mind with doubt and confusion to keep you distracted.
1Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
In verses 4-6 we see Nehemiah pray to God to put the people of the land to shame and for retribution because they dared to challenge God. As the Church we need to do the same. Not pray for vengeance or for fire to come down from heaven, but to pray that God’s power be shown mighty through us.
Wearing Down of the Builders
Nehemiah 4:9-10, “Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. 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.”
One of the strategies the enemy will use to stop the Saints of God is to wear them down and tire them out. Emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. That will destroy their drive and desire to continue. It destroys physical strength. Continuous warfare day and night will exhaust even the strongest of soldiers.
Daniel 7:25, “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.”
There is hope though. By running to Jesus and laying all our burdens on Him, we will receive rest. We will receive the strength to continue on.
Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Nehemiah 4:14-23outlines the strategies God gave to Nehemiah to secure his peoples safety as they worked to rebuild the walls.
One of the first things he tells them is to rise up and fight for their brothers and their families. That is something that unfortunately is not seen a whole lot in the Church today. The love to lay down our lives for others John15:13. We fail to learn that the greatest sign that we are Christ’s is our love for one another.
John 13:35. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”