9/2/13 Four Kinds of Opposition Nehemiah 4:7-12

7 But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. 8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. 9 But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.

10 Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.”

11 Also our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.”

12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” (Nehemiah 4:7-12)

Thoughts: There were four kinds of opposition here:

1) The neighboring people were threatening war.  (4:7,8)
2) The strength is giving out, and too much to do. (10)

3) Their enemies threatened to sneak up on them in a surprise attack.
4) The Jews outside said they would bear the brunt of attacks for the work on Jerusalem.  

The response of Nehemiah is a great one- and is found in verse 9. He did not argue, he did not whine or complain- he instead prayed and posted a guard.  He asked people to join him in focusing on God and not his enemies. 

Prayer: Help me to focus on you, O lord.