Introduction: Many think the work of the Lord is easy. It is not. God’s work requires the greatest of organization and effort. Then, those doing it must be prepared for battle because the forces of this world will surely oppose it. This record of the building of the wall contains much instruction about the requirements for doing a work for God.

1. ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK (Nehemiah 3:1-32 [1] Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel. [2] And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri. [3] But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof. [4] And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana. [5] And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their LORD. [6] Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof. [7] And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river. [8] Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall. [9] And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem. [10] And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah. [11] Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces. [12] And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters. [13] The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate. [14] But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof. [15] But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David. [16] After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty. [17] After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part. [18] After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah. [19] And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall. [20] After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. [21] After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib. [22] And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain. [23] After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house. [24] After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner. [25] Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning of the wall, and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh. [26] Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out. [27] After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel. [28] From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house. [29] After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate. [30] After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber. [31] After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner. [32] And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.
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1. Description of the Work – This chapter gives a counter-clockwise description of the rebuilding of the wall from the sheep gate (Nehemiah 3:1Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.
   See All...) all the way around and back again to the sheep gate (Nehemiah 3:32And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.
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2. The Listing of the Gates – Preachers and Bible teachers have often taken these gates as symbolic of stages or challenges in the Christian life. The possibilities for practical application are large.
1. The sheep gate (Nehemiah 3:1Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.
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2. The fish gate (Nehemiah 3:3But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
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3. The old gate (Nehemiah 3:6Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
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4. The valley gate (Nehemiah 3:13The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.
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5. The dung gate (Nehemiah 3:14But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
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6. The fountain gate (Nehemiah 3:15But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.
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7. The water gate (Nehemiah 3:26Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.
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8. The horse gate (Nehemiah 3:28From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.
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9. The east gate (Nehemiah 3:29After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.
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10. The gate Miphkad or the judgment gate (Nehemiah 3:31After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.
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3. Later Gate Names – some of these may be newly built gates; some may be new names for old gates
1. The Ephraim gate (Nehemiah 8:16So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.
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2. The corner gate (Jeremiah 31:39And the measuring line shall yet go forth over against it upon the hill Gareb, and shall compass about to Goath.
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3. The prison gate (Nehemiah 12:39And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.
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4. Benjamin’s gate (Zechariah 14:10All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses.
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4. Other Notes on the Chapter
1. The high priest worked alongside his brethren (Nehemiah 3:1Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.
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2. The nobles of the Tekoites “put not their necks to the work of the Lord” (Nehemiah 3:5And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their LORD.
   See All...). This was a shame to them.
3. The daughters of Halohesh worked with him (Nehemiah 3:12And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.
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4. The sixth son of a man might not receive many earthly honors, but Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph has his name recorded for his work on the temple (Nehemiah 3:30After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.
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2. OPPOSITION TO THE WORK (Nehemiah 4:1-12 [1] But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. [2] And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? [3] Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall. [4] Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: [5] And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders. [6] So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. [7] But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, [8] And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. [9] Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. [10] And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. [11] And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease. [12] And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you.
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1. Opposition by Ridicule (Nehemiah 4:1-6 [1] But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. [2] And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? [3] Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall. [4] Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: [5] And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders. [6] So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
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1. The mockery of Sanballat (Nehemiah 4:1-2 [1] But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. [2] And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?
   See All...; Psalm 40:12-17 [12] For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. [13] Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me. [14] Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. [15] Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha. [16] Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. [17] But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
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1. His response to the news (Nehemiah 4:1But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
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1. He heard
2. He was wroth
3. He had great indignation
4. He mocked
2. His five questions (Nehemiah 4:2And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?
   See All...); Note: “will they make an end in a day?” probably refers to their supposed foolishness in thinking that they can end the reproach on them as a people in the one act of rebuilding the wall.
2. The mockery of Tobiah (Nehemiah 4:3Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.
   See All...; Lamentations 5:17-18 [17] For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim. [18] Because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it.
   See All...); even a fox could break down their feeble efforts
3. The prayer of the Jews (Nehemiah 4:4-5 [4] Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: [5] And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.
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1. For God to hear how they are despised (Nehemiah 4:4Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:
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2. For God to turn the reproach of their enemies on their own head (Nehemiah 4:4Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:
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3. For God to make them pay for their sins (Nehemiah 4:5And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.
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4. For God not to calm His anger (Nehemiah 4:5And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.
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4. The mind of the people (Nehemiah 4:6So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
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1. Half of the wall was done at this point
2. The people had a mind to work (Ecclesiastes 9:10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
   See All...; Colossians 3:23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
   See All...; compare Zechariah 4:6-10 [6] Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. [7] Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. [8] Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, [9] The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. [10] For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.
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2. Opposition by Conspiracy (Nehemiah 4:7-12 [7] But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, [8] And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. [9] Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. [10] And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. [11] And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease. [12] And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you.
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1. Plans made to fight (Nehemiah 4:7-8 [7] But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, [8] And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.
   See All...; 2 Timothy 3:12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
   See All...; 1 Peter 4:12-14 [12] Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: [13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. [14] If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
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1. The enemies hear the news (Nehemiah 4:7But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,
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1. The walls were being built
2. The breaches were being stopped; Note: breaches were gaps in the wall where it had been damaged or destroyed
2. The enemies conspire against the Jews (Nehemiah 4:8And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.
   See All...; Psalm 83:3-5 [3] They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. [4] They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. [5] For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:
   See All...; Isaiah 8:9-10 [9] Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. [10] Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.
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1. To fight against Jerusalem
2. To hinder the building of the walls
2. Watch set day and night (Nehemiah 4:9Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.
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1. Their prayer unto God
2. Their watch against their enemies
1. They would watch and pray (Matthew 26:41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
   See All...; 1 Thessalonians 5:6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
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2. They were faithful day and night (Acts 20:31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
   See All...; 1 Thessalonians 2:9For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
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3. Backlogs in the work (Nehemiah 4:10And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.
   See All...; see Galatians 6:9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
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1. The strength of the bearers is decayed
2. There is still much rubbish to removed
3. It keeps the wall from being built
4. News of approaching enemies (Nehemiah 4:11-12 [11] And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease. [12] And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you.
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1. Plans for a surprise attack (Nehemiah 4:11And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.
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2. Warnings from the local Jews (Nehemiah 4:12And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you.
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1. Warning of ambushing attacks
2. Warning ten times (Genesis 31:41Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.
   See All...; Numbers 14:22Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;
   See All...; Job 19:3These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me.
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3. RESPONSE TO THE OPPOSITION (Nehemiah 4:13-23 [13] Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. [14] And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the LORD, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses. [15] And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work. [16] And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. [17] They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. [18] For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me. [19] And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another. [20] In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us. [21] So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared. [22] Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day. [23] So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.
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1. Military Preparation (Nehemiah 4:13-15 [13] Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. [14] And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the LORD, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses. [15] And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.
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1. Weapons in their hands (Nehemiah 4:13Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.
   See All...; compare Ephesians 6:10-18 [10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: [18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
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2. Trust in the Lord (Nehemiah 4:14And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the LORD, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
   See All...; Psalm 144:1Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
   See All...; Proverbs 21:31The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
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1. Be not afraid of them
2. Remember the might of the Lord
3. Fight for your families and houses
3. Fear in the enemy (Nehemiah 4:15And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.
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1. They heard that their plans were known
2. God had brought their counsel to nought
2. Continued Work (Nehemiah 4:16-18 [16] And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. [17] They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. [18] For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.
   See All...; compare Luke 14:28-33 [28] For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? [29] Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, [30] Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. [31] Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? [32] Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. [33] So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
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1. Dividing the workers (Nehemiah 4:16And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.
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1. Those who continued the work on the wall
2. Those who held the weapons of war
2. Dividing the labor (Nehemiah 4:17They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.
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1. Doing the work with one hand
2. Holding the weapon with the other hand
3. Building the wall (Nehemiah 4:18For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.
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1. The builders continued to build
2. The man with the trumpet stayed by Nehemiah
3. Constant Readiness (Nehemiah 4:19-23 [19] And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another. [20] In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us. [21] So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared. [22] Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day. [23] So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.
   See All...; Titus 3:1Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
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1. Listening for the trumpet (Nehemiah 4:19-20 [19] And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another. [20] In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.
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1. Separation caused by the greatness of the wall (Nehemiah 4:19And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another.
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2. Instructions to gather to the sound of the trumpet (Nehemiah 4:20In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.
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2. Watching day and night (Nehemiah 4:21So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.
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3. Lodging in the city (Nehemiah 4:22Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day.
   See All...; compare Hebrews 10:25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
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1. With their servants
2. To guard the city by night
4. Keeping on their garments (Nehemiah 4:23So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.
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Conclusion: Nehemiah was determined to finish the wall of Jerusalem and he took every effort to continue the work. His leadership kept the people going when others would have failed. This struggle says much about the Christian life and the work of the Lord. Are you doing everything possible to continue the work to which God has called you? Are you taking heed to the ministry to fulfill it? See Colossians 4:17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
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MEMORY VERSES:

Nehemiah 4:6So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
See All... – So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

Colossians 4:17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
See All... – And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

Nehemiah 4:17They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.
See All... – They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.