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Nehemiah Accomplishes the “Impossible”
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faithful men have honorable mention in the book of God. But a few,
the nobles from Tekoa, “did not put their shoulders to the work of
their Lord.” In every religious movement some hold back, refusing
to help. Heaven keeps a record of every neglected opportunity to do
service for God; and there, too, every deed of faith and love is held
in everlasting remembrance.
The people in general acted from patriotism and zeal. Able men
organized the citizens into companies, each leader making himself
responsible for a certain part of the wall. Some built “each in front
of his own house.” With tireless vigilance Nehemiah supervised the
building, noting the problems and providing for emergencies. Along
the entire three miles of wall the people constantly felt his influence.
He encouraged the fearful, motivated the slackers, and approved
the diligent. And he kept a constant eye on the movements of their
enemies at a distance, who were conversing as if plotting mischief.
Nehemiah did not forget the Source of his strength. He constantly
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lifted up his heart to the great Overseer of all. “The God of heaven
Himself,” he exclaimed, “will prosper us.” The words thrilled the
hearts of all the workers on the wall.
But Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem tried to cause division among
the workmen. They ridiculed the efforts of the builders, predicting
failure. “What are these feeble Jews doing?” exclaimed Sanballat
mockingly. “Will they fortify themselves? ... Will they revive the
stones from the heaps of rubbish—stones that are burned?” Tobiah
added, “Whatever they build, if even a fox goes up on it, he will
break down their stone wall.”
Soon the builders had to guard continually against the plots of
their adversaries, who conspired to draw Nehemiah into their traps.
Falsehearted Jews helped the treacherous effort. The report spread
that Nehemiah was plotting against the Persian monarch, intending
to set himself as king over Israel, and that all who aided him were
traitors.
But “the people had a mind to work.” The project went forward
until the gaps were filled and the entire wall built up to half its
intended height.