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Royalty and Ruin
Nehemiah carried a royal order requiring the inhabitants to co-
operate in rebuilding the walls of the city, but he preferred to gain
the sympathy of the people, knowing that a union of hearts was es-
sential in the work. When he called the people together he presented
arguments designed to unite the various groups.
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Nehemiah’s hearers did not know of his midnight circuit the
night before. But the fact that he was able to speak of the condition
of the city with accuracy and in detail astonished them.
How Nehemiah Won Support
Nehemiah presented before the people their disgrace among the
heathen—their religion was dishonored, their God blasphemed. He
told them that in a distant land he had earnestly asked for the favor
of Heaven in their behalf and had determined to request permission
from the king to come to their aid. He had asked God that the king
might also grant him authority and give him the help needed for the
work. And his prayer had been answered in such a way as to show
that the plan was of the Lord!
Then Nehemiah asked the people directly whether they would
take advantage of this opportunity and rise up to build the wall. With
new courage they said with one voice, “‘Let us rise up and build.’
Then they set their hands to this good work.”
Nehemiah’s enthusiasm and determination were contagious.
Each man became a Nehemiah in his turn and helped to strengthen
the heart and hand of his neighbor.
When Israel’s enemies heard what the Jews were hoping to
accomplish, they laughed. “What is this thing that you are doing?
Will you rebel against the king?” But Nehemiah answered, “The
God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants
will arise and build.”
Nehemiah’s Example Wins the Day
Among the first to catch Nehemiah’s spirit were the priests.
Because of their influential position, they could advance or hinder
the work, and their cooperation at the beginning contributed much
to its success. The majority came up nobly to their duty, and these