7-9 When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repairs of the walls of Jerusalem were going so well—that the breaks in the wall were being fixed—they were absolutely furious. They put their heads together and decided to fight against Jerusalem and create as much trouble as they could. We countered with prayer to our God and set a round-the-clock guard against them.
10 But soon word was going around in Judah,
The builders are pooped,
the rubbish piles up;
We’re in over our heads,
we can’t build this wall.
the rubbish piles up;
We’re in over our heads,
we can’t build this wall.
11-12 And all this time our enemies were saying, “They won’t know what hit them. Before they know it we’ll be at their throats, killing them right and left. That will put a stop to the work!” The Jews who were their neighbors kept reporting, “They have us surrounded; they’re going to attack!” If we heard it once, we heard it ten times.
13-14 So I stationed armed guards at the most vulnerable places of the wall and assigned people by families with their swords, lances, and bows. After looking things over I stood up and spoke to the nobles, officials, and everyone else: “Don’t be afraid of them. Put your minds on the Master, great and awesome, and then fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”
15-18 Our enemies learned that we knew all about their plan and that God had frustrated it. And we went back to the wall and went to work. From then on half of my young men worked while the other half stood guard with lances, shields, bows, and mail armor. Military officers served as backup for everyone in Judah who was at work rebuilding the wall. The common laborers held a tool in one hand and a spear in the other. Each of the builders had a sword strapped to his side as he worked. I kept the trumpeter at my side to sound the alert.
19-20 Then I spoke to the nobles and officials and everyone else: “There’s a lot of work going on and we are spread out all along the wall, separated from each other. When you hear the trumpet call, join us there; our God will fight for us.”
21 And so we kept working, from first light until the stars came out, half of us holding lances.
22 I also instructed the people, “Each person and his helper is to stay inside Jerusalem—guards by night and workmen by day.”
23 We all slept in our clothes—I, my brothers, my workmen, and the guards backing me up. And each one kept his spear in his hand, even when getting water.
The enemies were always trying to stop the works of God by threatening and mocking. Nehemiah set a good example for people of God to continue the works of God while being equipped to fight against the enemies. Israelite countered the enemies with prayer to God. They have one hand in tools while the other in weapons - continuing working while at the same time always ready to fight against the enemy's attacks. They made the trumpet call when one side was under attack that the other sides could come to help and support fighting against the enemies together - call for help when one is needed while watch over our b/s at the same time. They all stayed in Jerusalem and all slept in clothes - do not step back and prepare for battle.
My Father God, thanks for using Nehemiah to remind us how to continue your works while being aware of the spiritual attack from our enemies. The enemy Satan is always seeking chance to destruct God's people and God's works. I pray to You that You strengthen Your people, and open our eyes that we see more clearly the spiritual warfare ahead of us. But know that relying on our God's strength is always our victory as our Lord Jesus' cross and resurrection has completely destroyed the power of darkness, and the power of the Holy Spirit is able enough to deliver us from the evil. Stand firm and work for God's Kingdom.
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