Builders on the Wall
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wall. And of some it is written that they builded “everyone over against
his house.”
Nor did Nehemiah’s energy abate, now that the work was actually
begun. With tireless vigilance he superintended the building, directing
the workmen, noting the hindrances, and providing for emergencies.
Along the whole extent of that three miles of wall his influence was
constantly felt. With timely words he encouraged the fearful, aroused
the laggard, and approved the diligent. And ever he watched the
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movements of their enemies, who from time to time collected at a
distance and engaged in conversation, as if plotting mischief, and then,
drawing nearer the workmen, attempted to divert their attention.
In his many activities Nehemiah did not forget the source of his
strength. His heart was constantly uplifted to God, the great Overseer
of all. “The God of heaven,” he exclaimed, “He will prosper us;” and
the words, echoed and re-echoed, thrilled the hearts of all the workers
on the wall.
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But the restoration of the defenses of Jerusalem did not go forward
unhindered. Satan was working to stir up opposition and bring discour-
agement. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, his principal agents in this
movement, now set themselves to hinder the work of rebuilding. They
endeavored to cause division among the workmen. They ridiculed the
efforts of the builders, declaring the enterprise an impossibility and
predicting failure.
“What do these feeble Jews?” exclaimed Sanballat mockingly;
“will they fortify themselves? ... will they revive the stones out
of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?” Tobiah, still more
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contemptuous, added, “Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he
shall even break down their stone wall.”
The builders were soon beset by more active opposition. They
were compelled to guard continually against the plots of their adver-
saries, who, professing friendliness, sought in various ways to cause
confusion and perplexity, and to arouse distrust. They endeavored to
destroy the courage of the Jews; they formed conspiracies to draw
Nehemiah into their toils; and falsehearted Jews were found ready to
aid the treacherous undertaking. The report was spread that Nehemiah
was plotting against the Persian monarch, intending to exalt himself
as a king over Israel, and that all who aided him were traitors.