An Amazing Accomplishment

An Amazing Accomplishment

It’s remarkable what can be accomplished with God’s help.

THE JEWS had been back in Jerusalem for over ninety years since the Babylonian captivity. Back in Persia, Nehemiah, a Jew, was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes (c. 465–424 B.C.). The cupbearer was an official of high rank whose duty was to serve the king his wine, often tasting it first to ensure it wasn’t poisoned. Nehemiah received a report from Jerusalem that the walls and gates of Jerusalem were broken down, making the city impossible to defend (Nehemiah 1:1-3). After fasting and praying, Nehemiah asked the Persian king whether he could go to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. Artaxerxes agreed, appointed Nehemiah governor of Judah, and sent him to Jerusalem (1:4–2:9; 5:14).

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah enlisted the help of everyone in the project, and they responded enthusiastically. When the news got out that the Jews were rebuilding the wall, Israel’s enemies became alarmed. Sanballat, the governor of Samaria, Tobiah, from a powerful family in Ammon, and Geshem, the king of Kedar, an Arabian tribe, accused the Jews of rebelling against Persia. Nehemiah’s reply was, “The God of heaven will help us succeed” (2:20).

The key to Nehemiah’s success was that he had a plan and worked his plan. People were assigned to repair a particular portion of the wall, usually the section closest to their home. Eliashib the high priest set the example. He and his fellow priests rebuilt the Sheep Gate and its adjoining walls.

Once the building commenced, Sanballat became angry. Parading his Samaritan army past Jerusalem, he asked, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they are doing?” (4:2).

Tobiah the Ammonite taunted, “That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!” (v. 3).

What was Nehemiah’s response? He prayed, “Hear us, O our God, for we are being mocked. May their scoffing fall back on their own heads, and may they themselves become captives in a foreign land! Do not ignore their guilt. Do not blot out their sins, for they have provoked you to anger here in the presence of the builders” (v. 4).

When Sanballat, Tobiah, and other enemies of the Jews learned that the wall was half built, they made plans to attack Jerusalem. In response, Nehemiah called together the exhausted workers and told them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!” He then posted half of his men on guard around the city while the other half worked on the wall. Everyone carried a weapon, and the city was guarded day and night (vv. 6-23).

When the walls were completely restored and all that remained was to hang the doors in the gates, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem made four requests for a meeting with Nehemiah in a village half way between Samaria and Jerusalem. Nehemiah, realizing it was a trap, declined (6:1-4).

Then Sanballat sent a letter to Nehemiah saying, “Geshem tells me that everywhere he goes he hears that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king. . . . You can be very sure that this report will get back to the king so I suggest that you come and talk it over with me” (vv. 5-7).

Nehemiah replied simply, “You know you are lying” (v. 8).

The project was finally completed on October 2, 445 B.C. The walls were rebuilt and the gates restored. This gigantic task had been completed in just fifty-two days! When the news reached their enemies, they were frightened and humiliated because even they realized that this had only been accomplished with God’s help (vv. 15-16).

Reflection

Have you faced projects that humanly speaking were too great to accomplish? Maybe you are facing one right now. Study Nehemiah’s methodology to learn how you can succeed in spite of opposition. Remember, Nehemiah’s God is your God too.

Nothing is impossible with God.

Luke 1:37