25 May

Bible In 365 Days

Nehemiah 4-6

Nehemiah 4

As the work proceeded, the opposition of outsiders turned from derision to anger, but rose no higher at the moment than contempt. However, Nehemiah was conscious of the menace of this attitude, and lifted his heart in prayer to God. An illuminative sentence, "The people had a mind to work," shows how completely Nehemiah had captured and inspired them, and we are therefore not surprised when we read that the wall was half finished.

At this point, however, opposition became very wroth, and organized a conspiracy to hinder the work. Immediately, and with a keen sense of the necessity, Nehemiah says, "We made our prayer, and set a watch." In his method there was neither foolish independence of God nor foolhardy neglect of human responsibility. Everything was done to procure that twofold attitude of simple faith in God and determined dependence on personal endeavor which always makes for victory. How often God's workers fail for lack of one or other of these important elements.

Nehemiah 5

A new difficulty now presented itself. This time it arose among the people themselves. The rich among them exacted usury from their poorer brethren to such an extent as to oppress and impoverish them.

Perhaps nowhere in the story does the nobility of Nehemiah's character more clearly manifest itself than here. There is a fine touch in his declaration, "I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles." His consultation with himself resulted in his determination to set an example of self-denial in that he took no usury, or even the things which were his right as the appointed governor of the people. Such an example produced immediate results in that all the nobles did the same. Thus the people were relieved, and were filled with joy; and consequently went forward with their work with new enthusiasm.

From the position of personal rectitude a man is always strong to deal effectively with wrong in others. Contention with nobles who are violating principles of justice, which is not preceded by consultation with self, is of no avail. When the life is free from all complicity with evil, it is strong to smite it and overcome it in others.

Nehemiah 6

In this chapter we have the account of the continuity of opposition to the work of Nehemiah. It moved, however, on to a new plane. Having begun in contempt, and proceeded through conspiracy, it now attempted to accomplish its end by subtlety. Affecting friendship, the enemies of Nehemiah four times proposed conference with him, which he resolutely declined, and pressed forward with his work. This was followed by a slanderous open letter, which he was urged to consider. Again, with singular directness, he denied the slander, and carried on his building.

Finding that he was not to be seduced, they attempted a new method, to fill him with fear, and he was advised to hide. This advice he scorned, and continued to urge the workers. Through the whole period he was harassed by the complicity of certain of the nobles with Tobiah. He was constantly compelled to listen to their stories concerning the excellence of this man.

This whole chapter is a wonderful revelation of the true attitude of the servant of God toward his work. Nothing must be allowed to slacken endeavor or to turn the mind aside from the main purpose. Each of these methods illustrates a peril. Conferences with the enemies of the King about His work are always to be avoided. Slanders concerning the workers and their purpose may be denied, but the work must never cease, even for vindication by argument. With the consciousness of the divine purpose in the heart, no man can secure his own safety by hiding, even in the Temple of God. The perpetual wear of reiterated stories concerning the excellence of those who would hinder the building, must be resisted zealously. In all these things Nehemiah was a conspicuous success.