1-2 When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall he exploded in anger, vilifying the Jews. In the company of his Samaritan cronies and military he let loose: “What are these miserable Jews doing? Do they think they can get everything back to normal overnight? Make building stones out of make-believe?”
3 At his side, Tobiah the Ammonite jumped in and said, “That’s right! What do they think they’re building? Why, if a fox climbed that wall, it would fall to pieces under his weight.”
4-5 Nehemiah prayed, “Oh listen to us, dear God. We’re so despised: Boomerang their ridicule on their heads; have their enemies cart them off as war trophies to a land of no return; don’t forgive their iniquity, don’t wipe away their sin—they’ve insulted the builders!”
6 We kept at it, repairing and rebuilding the wall. The whole wall was soon joined together and halfway to its intended height because the people had a heart for the work.
The people of God had a heart for rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. The enemies mocked their works, but the leader Nehemiah prayed to God, placing all the insults, ridicule, and threatening back before God instead of answering or fighting back. The people were united in perseverance in repairing and rebuilding works. Works of God progressed and would soon be completed.
My Father God, thanks for choosing me to be your people and participate in your Kingdom's plan. Attacks and mocking from the enemies must be expected. Enemies want us to lose our strength and passion for continuing our works for God. Anxieties, worries, discouragement, and even body's weaknesses all squelch our passion for the works of God. Help me focus my eyes on Father God through prayer as I advance Kingdom's ministry. May my Father God also use my hand to strengthen your people's heart that we can be united and persevere in accomplishing your works.
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