Ancient cities had walls so people could retreat inside for protection. When the gates of the walls were shut, people in the city experienced a measure of protection from robbers, wild beasts, and invading armies.
Because the Babylonians had destroyed Jerusalem's walls, the Israelites needed to rebuild them when they returned from exile—but conditions were not good. And when Nehemiah, cupbearer for the Persian king, heard about the plight of the people, he obtained permission to return to Jerusalem so he could help the people.
The first thing Nehemiah did after he arrived in Jerusalem was pray.
Then he challenged the people to work—even while under attack. He developed strategies and set the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. (Neh. 4:13b NKJV) Only half of the people actually worked on the wall while the others kept watch and held weapons. Because the people were spread thinly around the city, he said, whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. (v. 20b)
When the project was completed, Nehemiah joyfully recorded that they finished it in 52 days. Furthermore, as the Israelites rejoiced, their enemies perceived that this work was done by our God. (6:16c)
Originally published October 30, 1987 and October 4, 1991.
Picture: Wildflowers, Glacier National Park, 2009. Photo by Solveig.
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