Basic HTML Version
280
Royalty and Ruin
more a strong city. Results that were enormously important to the
Jewish nation hung on this request. “And,” Nehemiah declared, “the
king granted me what I asked, for the gracious hand of my God was
upon me.” NRSV.
Nehemiah set about making arrangements to assure the success
of the project. While he knew that many Israelites would rejoice in
his success, he feared that some might stir up the jealousy of their
enemies and perhaps bring about the defeat of the whole effort.
The king had received his request so favorably that Nehemiah
felt encouraged to ask for still more help. He asked for a military
escort to give authority to his mission. He obtained royal letters
to the governors of the territory he must pass through on his way
to Judea and a letter to the keeper of the king’s forest in Lebanon,
[223]
directing him to furnish timber. Nehemiah was careful to have the
authority given him clearly defined. God’s children are not only to
pray in faith but to work with diligent and wise care.
Nehemiah did not think his duty was done when he had wept
and prayed before the Lord. He united his petitions with holy effort.
He asked for the means he lacked from those who were able to give
it. And in behalf of the cause of truth, the Lord is still willing to
move on the hearts of people who are in possession of His goods.
Those who work for Him are to secure these gifts by which the light
of truth will go to many dark lands. The donors may have no faith
in Christ, no acquaintance with His Word; but this is no reason why
their gifts should be refused.
[224]