Read Nehemiah 4:4-6

As the workers endure the ridicule of the foreign leaders, we have to wonder, how will Nehemiah respond? Things are off to a great start; the Israelites are working together for the common goal of restoring the fortunes of the city and nation; morale is high and doubts are low.

We would understand if Nehemiah reacted with anger and frustration over the behavior of these foreign leaders. We would understand if Nehemiah gathered a small group of armed men and confronted these leaders at spear point.

Yet, scripture records that he does none of these things, somewhat to the casual reader’s surprise. Rather, Nehemiah takes the situation to God in prayer, as we have seen him do in previous chapters. To be fair, he content of this prayer is intense, as it should be given the circumstances.

Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders. Nehemiah 4:4-5 NIV

Nehemiah understood that all the people were looking to him for a response. He also understood that neither he nor the people could afford to get distracted from the work. Thus, he asked God to fight for the people while the work continued. Because Nehemiah didn’t lose focus, the people continued to work earnestly despite the distractions.

So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. Nehemiah 4:6 NIV

Questions to consider…

How would we respond to Sanballat and Tobiah if we were in Nehemiah’s position?

What would be some of the consequences if Nehemiah had lost his cool?