Nehemiah 4:15-23 – Victory
Nehemiah had encouraged the people to be ready for the attack that their enemies were planning and to put their trust in the Lord. Whilst they were making preparation by organising themselves and by gathering together a variety of weapons, the Lord was secretly frustrating the evil plan. The attackers had planned a secret attack to catch the defenders unaware, but the Lord had ensured that the plan was revealed to Nehemiah and the defenders of Jerusalem. Even although the attack did not materialise, Nehemiah and his followers secured a very great victory:
1. The work continued v. 15. The whole purpose of the proposed attack was to prevent progress in the work. The very fact that the work carried on meant that the plan had failed.
2. The people were prepared v. 16 – 18. Some of the people carried out the building work, and some were prepared to defend should the attack come. So it is in the work of the kingdom – the sword of the Spirit to repel the attacks of the evil one (Matt. 4:1-11), and the trowel to continue strengthening and building up the kingdom.
3. The people were watchful and united v. 19 – 23. Being aware that an attack could come at any time, the people took the precautions of making arrangements to warn one another and to be watchful both night and day. So the believer in the Lord Jesus needs to be watchful both for himself and for his brethren.
4. They realised that they were doing the work of the Lord and had the confidence that the Lord himself would be fighting for them. It is easy to forget that in the struggle against the enemy of our souls ‘those who are with us are more than those who are with them’ 2 Kings 6:16.
Questions
- How did the Jews gain a victory?
- Who was fighting for the Jews?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God fights for His people.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.