Nehemiah 4:1–23 (November 23rd, 2025)

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Summary

Nehemiah 4 opens with the rising hostility of Judah’s enemies.

Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. (v.1)

Mockery becomes their weapon.

And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” (v. 2)

Tobiah joins in with sarcasm:

Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” (v. 3).

But Nehemiah does not trade insults. He prays:

4 Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. 5 Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders.

What a prayer! Now, the work continues.

Opposition intensifies. When the surrounding nations see progress, they plot violence to stop the work.

And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it (v. 8).

The people grew tired. Fear spread. Rumors multiplied. Yet Nehemiah responds pastorally and courageously:

“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes” (v. 14)

He organizes the people with a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other. Half the workers built. The other half stood guard. Those who carry burdens do it with one hand working and the other hand holding a weapon (v. 17). Even at night, they keep their weapons close.

The chapter ends with a sober, beautiful line that captures the heart of spiritual perseverance:

“So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out” (v. 21).

Nehemiah 4 captures the tension of God’s people living between promise and threat. God's people responded with faith, fighting with vigilance, and depended wholly on the God who fights for them.

Who is God?

God is the great and awesome defender of His people. God fights for His people when they are opposed and strengthens them to persevere in His work.

Nehemiah anchors Israel’s courage not in their strength but in God’s character (v. 14)_. The people are mocked, threatened, and surrounded, but God is not threatened. He frustrates the plans of the wicked (v. 15) and stands as the protector of His covenant people.

What is our Guilt?

We often become fearful, discouraged, and self-reliant when spiritual opposition rises, forgetting the greatness of God and the calling He has given us.

The people of Judah say in despair, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing” (v. 10), and others bring fear-filled reports.

“They will come up against us from every place” (v. 12).

Like them, we too tend to assess the spiritual landscape by human strength rather than divine promise. We fear mockery, threats, and setbacks more than we fear God. We forget that His work will always provoke opposition. Let us not shrink back but build up faithfully.

How does Grace Shine?

Grace shines as God strengthens weary hands, unites His people in the work, frustrates the plans of the enemy, and promises to fight for His people until His purposes are fulfilled.

God does not remove the opposition. He strengthens His people in it.

He gives Nehemiah wisdom to organize the workers. He gives courage to the fearful.

He gives unity to a vulnerable community. And He provides assurance:

“Our God will fight for us” (v. 20).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, you are our great and awesome defender.

When fear rises and opposition surrounds us, help us not to rely on ourselves but to remember you. Strengthen our tired hands. Steady our anxious hearts. Keep us faithful in the work you have entrusted to us.

Teach us to build with hope and to watch with vigilance, trusting that you fight for your people, provide for your purposes, and finish what you begin.

Help our church, Riverside Community Church, to stand firm in the gospel, to serve with courage, and to labor with joy until Christ returns.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.