(4:1-5) The Jews Are Ridiculed - Ridicule can cut deeply, causing discouragement and despair. Sanballat and Tobiah used ridicule to try to dissuade the Jews from building the wall. Instead of trading insults, however, Nehemiah prayed, and the work continued. When you are mocked for your faith or criticized for doing what you know is right, refuse to respond in the same way or to become discouraged. Tell God how you feel and remember his promise to be with you.This will give you encouragement and strength to carry on.

(4:1-2) The Samaritans - Almost 300 years before Nehemiah's time, the northern kingdom of Israel had been conquered, and most of the people had been carried away as captives (722 BC. Sargon of Assyria had repopulated Israel with captives from other lands. These captives eventually intermarried with the few Israelites who remained in the land to form a mixed race of people who became known as Samaritans. The Jews who returned to Jerusalem and the southern region of Judea during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah would have nothing to do with Samaritans, whom they considered to be racially and religiously impure. Relations between both groups grew progressively worse--400 years later, the Jews and Samaritans hated each other (John 4:9).

(4:1) Sanballat's Plans Were Changed  - Sanballat was governor of Samaria, the region just north of Judea, where Jerusalem was located. Sanballat may have hoped to become governor of Judah as well, but Neheriah's arrival spoiled his plans. (For his other reasons for opposing Nehemiah, see 2:10.) Sanballat tried to scare Nehemiah away or at least discourage him by scorn (4:2), threats (4:8), and bluffs (6:6-2).

(4:4-5) A Prayer For Justice - Nehemiah was praying not for revenge but that God's justice would be carried out. His prayer is similar to many of David's (see Psalm 7:1-6) .

(4:6) Working Through Discouragement - The work of rebuilding the wall progressed well because the people had set their hearts and minds on accomplishing the task. They did not lose faith or give up but instead persevered in the work. If God has called you to a task, determine to complete it, even if you face opposition or discouragement. The rewards of work well done will be worth the effort.

(4:9) Application of Prayer - Nehemiah constantly combined prayer with preparation and planning. His people trusted God and at the same time kept vigilant watch over what had been entrusted to them. Too often we pray without looking for what God wants us to do. We show God we are serious when we combine prayer with thought, preparation, and effort.

(4:10-15) Working Through Opposition - The people working on the walls faced the continual threat of terrorist attacks from those who didn't want to see Jerusalem rebuilt. Threats demoralize. The tension created by the possibility of sudden assaults adds to fatigue. Nehemiah took wise, practical steps to counter the threats: (1) He stationed guards at obvious weak points; (2) he reminded the workers to keep weapons close at hand and to fight for God, their families, and the nation if an attack came; and (3) he established duty rotations so that some stood guard while others worked. The preparations for defense and the continuation of the work reversed the effects of terrorism and demoralized the enemies. Obstacles and foes can either make us work smarter and live wiser or make us give up our purpose and our way of living. If they accomplish the latter, they have won even if they haven't actually attacked us. But if we adjust our way of living wisely while continuing resolutely to live under God's instructions, the opposition will fail.

(4:10-14) Working Through Fatigue - Accomplishing any large task is tiring. There are always pressures that foster discouragement--the task seems impossible, it can never be finished, or too many factors are working against us. The only cure for fatigue and discouragement is focusing on God's purposes. Nehemiah reminded the workers of their calling, their goal, and God's protection. If you are overwhelmed by an assignment, tired, and discouraged, remember God's purpose for your life and his special purpose for the project. Look for devout and prayerful leaders and fellow workers. Encourage them as they are driven by God's purposes. Then give yourself wholeheartedly to completing

the project.

(4:16) Working In Pairs - The workers were spread out along the wall, so Nehemiah devised a plan of defense that would unite and protect his people--half the men worked while the other half stood guard. Christians need to help one another in the same way because we can become so afraid of possible dangers that we can't get anything done. By looking out for each other, we will be free to put forth our best efforts, confident that others are ready to offer help when needed. Don't cut yourself off from others; instead, join together with them for mutual benefit. You need them as much as they need you.

(4:18-20) Watching Out For Each Other - To further relieve the anxieties of the people, Nehemiah set up a communication system. The man who sounded the trumpet stayed with Nehemiah, and the people knew what to do if they heard it. We have no record that the trumpet was ever used, but simply knowing it would issue a warning when needed was reassuring. The system also put doubt into the minds of those trying to terrorize the workforce since the people on the wall were no longer passive targets. The promise of open, immediate communication helped the group counter the enemy threats and accomplish the reconstruction of the wall in record time.

(4:23) Protecting Each Other - Although the exact meaning of the Hebrew words behind the phrase " saving that every one put them off for washing" is unclear (it has also been translated "in his right hand" or "at his right hand at night"), the point is that each person always had a weapon close at hand. The guards were alert and prepared and took their responsibilities seriously. We should ask God to guide us and keep us alert to our surroundings--to the good we can accomplish and to the enemy who seeks to harm us. But being vigilant should not make us overanxious or fearful. On the contrary, it should help us be better prepared to live confidently and joyfully.

 Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today we continue in the book of Nehemiah with Chapter 4 and we see the enemies of Israel opposing the rebuilding of the walls. In opposition, Nehemiah prayed and prepared, devising a plan of teamwork of spreading out to have one work while the other protected and watched over the worker. In making application we see the plan for working together in the Body of Christ. Prayer partners and accountability groups are excellent ways to be strong in the Lord as we face the enemy and his attacks. Having a partner pray for you and keeping an eye on your Christian walk helps keep us focused on the Lord and avoid the pitfalls in life. How about you? Do you have a prayer or accountability partner to help warn you of the enemy attacks in your life. Let us learn from our text today and the life of Nehemiah to remember to watch out for each other as we serve the Lord.