CONTEXT AND INTRODUCTION

Nehemiah held a high position in the Persian Empire when God called him to a greater endeavor. The walls around Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C., leaving the city without protection, security, and identity. Now, 140 years later, it was time to rebuild the walls. In Nehemiah 3, the true leader did what leaders do best.  Nehemiah recruited a team of proven leaders to lead the rebuilding efforts. He placed them at strategic spots along the wall and delegated the work to them. But starting in chapter 4, those involved in the effort started hearing voices.

THE VOICES OF DOUBT

Anti-Jewish agitators were “angry and greatly enraged” that the rebuilding project was underway (Neh. 4:1). Their voices delivered statements that challenged the ability, wisdom, leadership, and resources of the Jews (Neh. 4:2-3).

THE VOICES OF FEAR

Israel’s enemy threatened war to stop the work (Neh. 4:6-8). They said that the Jews working on the wall “will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work” (Neh. 4:11). Even the Jews in the surrounding areas told the Jews working on the wall to stop and flee to safety (Neh. 4:12)

THE VOICES OF DISCOURAGEMENT

Israel had been all in (Neh. 2:18) and worked with determination to rebuild the wall to half its height (Neh. 4:6). But the enemy wore them down physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Their strength began to fail, and they were ready to give up (Neh. 4:10).

Voices of doubt, fear, and discouragement will wear us down. But Nehemiah, the leader, addressed the voices head-on.

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