4:1-8
Sanballat was angry that the rebuilding had started, even today people have an irrational reaction against Israel doing anything. Sanballat was supported by Tobiah, their first attempt was to use mockery, casting doubt on the Israelites’ ability to do anything useful. Nehemiah’s first reaction was to pray. The result was that the wall was built to half its original height. The people worked with all their heart. On hearing that good progress was being made, Sanballat and Tobiah became even more angry. Anger seems to have been their default response. Seeing that mockery had not worked, they decided to take a more direct approach, planning to fight against them.
4:9-15
Sanballat and Tobiah’s default response was anger, Nehemiah’s was prayer and planning. So he prayed to the Lord and posted Guards on the wall. The people (v10) were finding things hard going and were discouraged, fearing attack. Nehemiah posted the people carefully, and organised them by families, so they would have every incentive to fight hard. He encouraged them by reminding them who God was, and encouraging them to fight for their families. This seemed to deter the enemies, and the work continued.
No comments:
Post a Comment