Nehemiah’s Example Wins the Day

Among the first to catch Nehemiah’s spirit were the priests. Because of their influential position, they could advance or hinder the work, and their cooperation at the beginning contributed much to its success. The majority came up nobly to their duty, and these 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.RR 225.6

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.RR 225.7

Nehemiah did not forget the Source of his strength. He constantly 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.RR 225.8

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.”RR 226.1

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.RR 226.2

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.RR 226.3