Building & Defending (Nehemiah 4)

Let’s face it: anytime we step out to do something meaningful, especially when it’s for God, opposition is almost guaranteed. It doesn’t take long before the doubts creep in, or others start telling us why we shouldn’t even try. We all know what it feels like to face resistance, to hit walls—whether it’s in our personal lives, in ministry, or even in our own minds.

But here’s the truth: the real question isn’t whether we’ll face opposition, but how we’ll respond when it comes. Today, we’re going to take a close look at Nehemiah’s response when he and the people of Jerusalem faced incredible resistance while rebuilding the city’s walls. What can we learn from their perseverance, and more importantly, how do we apply these lessons to our own lives when challenges arise?

We’ll see how Nehemiah’s leadership wasn’t just about building a wall—it was about building faith, fighting fear, and staying vigilant. And as we explore this story, I want us to think about the work God has called each of us to do. Are we prepared for the challenges that come our way? More importantly, are we ready to keep building, no matter what? Let’s dive into Nehemiah 4 and see how faith, action, and perseverance come together to accomplish something powerful.

Prayer Before Action (Nehemiah 4:1-5)

Nehemiah 4:1–5 (ESV) — 1 Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. 2 And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” 3 Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” 4 Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. 5 Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders.

As the people of God began the work of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, it didn’t take long for opposition to rise. Sanballat and Tobiah, enemies of Israel, wasted no time in ridiculing the Jews. Their words were sharp and cutting, full of mockery and doubt. “What are these feeble Jews doing?” Sanballat sneered. “Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish it in a day?” Tobiah chimed in, adding insult to injury: “If a fox goes up on the wall they are building, it will break down.” Imagine hearing this as you labor in the hot sun, trying to restore the walls of your city. The task is already difficult, and now, you’re being mocked for even trying. For many, this kind of ridicule could break their spirit, cause them to second-guess their mission, and even give up. But Nehemiah had a different response.

When the opposition came, Nehemiah didn’t retaliate or argue with his enemies. He didn’t spend time defending his people against the insults. Instead, he turned immediately to prayer. In Nehemiah 4:4-5, we hear the heart of a leader who knew where his strength came from. “Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders.”

Nehemiah understood something that we often forget in the heat of the moment: battles are first fought in prayer. Before we do anything else—before we defend ourselves, before we plan our next steps, before we even speak—our first response must be to turn to God. This prayer wasn’t a simple request for help. It was a cry for God’s justice and a plea for divine intervention. Nehemiah wasn’t asking for personal revenge but for God to uphold His people, His mission, and His honor.

There’s a lesson here for us. When opposition comes in our lives, when we face ridicule or challenges in the work God has called us to do, our first response must be prayer. How many times do we rush into action, trying to fix things ourselves, only to find that our efforts fall short? How often do we respond to criticism with defensiveness instead of humility? Nehemiah reminds us that our strength comes not from our ability to answer critics or outmaneuver enemies but from our ability to lay everything before God.

Imagine the difference it would make if, in every challenge we faced, we first brought it to God. If, like Nehemiah, we prayed, “Hear, O God.” What if we asked God to deal with the opposition, to handle the critics, and to bring justice in His own time and way? There is incredible power in prayer—power to change hearts, power to shift circumstances, and power to remind us that God is still in control. When Nehemiah prayed, it wasn’t just a formality. He believed that God would act, and that belief gave him the strength to continue the work despite the opposition.

Balanced Faith and Action (Nehemiah 4:6-9)

Nehemiah 4:6–9 (ESV) — 6 So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. 7 But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. 8 And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. 9 And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.

Nehemiah’s prayer was not the end of the story—it was just the beginning. After laying the situation before God, Nehemiah didn’t sit back and wait for divine intervention without taking action. He understood that trusting God doesn’t mean inaction; it means that while we trust God to work, we still do our part. Nehemiah and the people prayed, yes—but then they also worked.

Picture the scene. The workers are out there rebuilding the wall, knowing that their enemies are plotting against them. They’ve just been mocked and ridiculed, and now the threat has escalated. Sanballat, Tobiah, and their allies were no longer content with insults; they were planning an attack.

In Nehemiah 4:9, it says, “And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” There’s a balance here that we need to grasp: faith in God’s provision doesn’t negate the need for wise, practical steps. Nehemiah prayed, but he also set up defenses. He posted guards around the clock to protect the workers, ensuring that while they worked, they were also ready for any potential attack.

It’s easy to fall into one of two extremes when we face challenges. Some of us lean so heavily on prayer that we forget to take action. We pray for God to move, but we don’t move ourselves. Others of us act without prayer, believing that if we just work harder or plan better, we can handle the situation. But Nehemiah shows us a better way: a balance of faith and action. He trusted God to protect them, but he also set guards in place. He didn’t pray and then do nothing, but he also didn’t set guards without first seeking God’s guidance.

For us today, this balance is essential. When we face opposition or challenges, yes, we pray—fervently. But then we must ask, “What is my role here? What practical steps do I need to take?” Trusting God doesn’t mean abandoning responsibility. It means knowing that God is working through our actions, blessing our efforts, and guiding us as we move forward.

Think about the areas in your life where you might be waiting for God to act. Are there places where you’re praying for God’s intervention but haven’t yet taken the steps you need to take? Maybe you’re praying for reconciliation in a relationship, but you haven’t made the effort to reach out or apologize. Maybe you’re asking God for help with your finances, but you haven’t created a budget or taken steps to manage your money wisely.

Nehemiah’s example teaches us that trusting God is not passive. It’s active. It’s stepping out in faith while also doing the work. We trust God to protect us, but we also stand guard. We rely on His strength, but we pick up the weapon. There is a time to pray and a time to act—and often, those times overlap. God calls us to both.

Nehemiah’s balanced approach of prayer and action ensured that the work didn’t stop. The people kept building the wall while also defending themselves. They were prepared for whatever came their way because they knew that God was with them—and because they were doing their part. This is how faith and action work together: faith drives us to prayer, and prayer drives us to act with wisdom and purpose.

Overcoming Fear with Purpose (Nehemiah 4:10-14)

Nehemiah 4:10–14 (ESV) — 10 In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” 11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” 12 At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.” 13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

As the opposition intensified, it wasn’t just the threat of attack that weighed on the people. Fear crept in, spreading from within their own hearts. Whispers of doubt echoed: "What if we aren’t ready? What if we can’t finish the wall?" Fear has a way of paralyzing us, making us doubt both the mission and our ability to carry it out.

Fear wasn’t only inside Jerusalem; it spread to the surrounding regions. In Nehemiah 4:12, the Jews from nearby villages repeatedly warned the workers, urging them to return home: "You must leave!" Imagine hearing that ten times—pressure from those you love, terrified for your safety. Their concern wasn’t unfounded, but it added to the overwhelming sense that abandoning the work might be the safest option.

In Nehemiah 4:10, we also hear the internal doubt: “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. We won’t be able to rebuild the wall.” The task seemed impossible, and the mounting fear made it worse. But a true leader knows when to step in—not by dismissing fear, but by giving a greater purpose.

Nehemiah gathered the people and, without ignoring their fear, shifted their focus: “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families” (Nehemiah 4:14). He pointed them back to God’s greatness and reminded them why they were rebuilding. The work wasn’t just for a wall; it was for their families, their future.

Fear can make us lose sight of the bigger picture. But when we remember God’s power and faithfulness, fear begins to fade. Nehemiah gave the people a reason to push through, something greater than their fear: their loved ones. When people have a personal stake, they find the strength to continue.

For us today, fear can take many forms—failure, rejection, or uncertainty. And when those around us are afraid, it can amplify our own fears. But Nehemiah’s words remain true: "Remember the Lord." When fear rises, we must refocus on who God is. His greatness and our purpose help us move forward. Fear loses its grip when we remember both God’s promises and why we’re fighting.

When you feel overwhelmed, shift your focus. Don’t let fear dictate your actions. Remember God’s power and promises, and the purpose He’s given you. That’s how Nehemiah led his people—by reminding them of a God who is greater than their fear, and of a purpose worth fighting for.

Persevering Together in Vigilance (Nehemiah 4:15-23).

Nehemiah 4:15–23 (ESV) — 15 When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. 16 From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, 17 who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. 18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me. 19 And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another. 20 In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” 21 So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out. 22 I also said to the people at that time, “Let every man and his servant pass the night within Jerusalem, that they may be a guard for us by night and may labor by day.” 23 So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand.

When the enemies realized their plots had been discovered, they backed off, but Nehemiah didn’t let his guard down. The work on the wall continued, but so did the vigilance. Nehemiah knew that even when the immediate threat seemed to subside, the danger wasn’t over. In Nehemiah 4:16-18, we see a people who were both builders and defenders. “From that day on,” the text says, “half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail.” They were prepared for whatever came their way, determined to complete the task, but always ready to defend themselves.

Nehemiah organized the people so that the work would never stop, but neither would their readiness for battle. Some worked with one hand and held a weapon in the other, while others stood guard. The builders carried their loads, but with their swords strapped to their sides. This dual responsibility—working while staying vigilant—reflects a critical principle for our own spiritual lives. Perseverance doesn’t mean we plow forward blindly; it means we move ahead with constant awareness of the challenges around us.

Nehemiah’s leadership shows us that when doing God’s work, we can’t afford to be passive. Yes, we trust God’s protection, but we remain watchful. As 1 Peter 5:8 warns, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Just as the builders in Nehemiah’s day were armed for potential attacks, we must arm ourselves spiritually. But notice that the work never stopped. Vigilance didn’t replace action—it accompanied it.

For us today, this means that as we pursue the work God has given us—whether it’s in ministry, family, or personal spiritual growth—we need to persevere with both hands engaged: one hand building and the other hand ready to defend our faith. We can’t let distractions, opposition, or even fear stop us from the mission. At the same time, we must remain spiritually alert, always ready to stand firm when challenges come.

Think about what this looks like practically. Are you so focused on the work that you’ve let your guard down spiritually? Or have you become so consumed with defending against potential problems that you’ve stopped building? Nehemiah shows us the balance we need—pressing forward while staying prepared. It’s not enough to do one or the other. We must keep advancing while being vigilant.

In our lives, this means actively engaging in the work God has called us to do, whether it’s serving in the church, raising a family, or making an impact in our communities, while also maintaining spiritual vigilance. We must stay rooted in prayer, grounded in God’s Word, and connected with fellow believers who can stand with us when we face challenges. Nehemiah’s people didn’t fight alone, and neither should we. Perseverance in faith is a team effort, a community endeavor. We build together, and we defend together.

In the end, the people of Jerusalem pressed on, because they trusted God and worked in unity. They kept their swords at their sides, ready for battle, but they never lost sight of the mission. And that’s how we’re called to live—always building, always defending, and always trusting in God’s strength to carry us through.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen in Nehemiah 4, opposition is inevitable when we’re working for God, but our response to that opposition is what matters most. Nehemiah faced ridicule, threats, and fear, but he didn’t waver. His leadership was rooted in prayer, balanced with action, and fueled by a sense of purpose that went far beyond just rebuilding a wall—it was about protecting the people, their faith, and their future.

The people of Jerusalem persevered because they understood two things: first, that God was with them, and second, that the work they were doing mattered. They weren’t just building for themselves; they were building for their families and for future generations. And they knew that without vigilance, both physically and spiritually, they could lose sight of their mission.

The same is true for us today. We are each building something—whether it’s our faith, our families, our ministries, or our communities. And just like the people in Nehemiah’s time, we’ll face opposition, doubts, and fear. But God’s calling is greater than those obstacles. We need to be a people who pray first, act wisely, overcome fear with purpose, and stay vigilant as we persevere.

As we leave today, let’s remember that the work God has called us to do is worth fighting for. And just like Nehemiah, we can trust that God is with us every step of the way—giving us the strength to keep building, even when the challenges seem overwhelming. So, keep praying, keep working, and keep trusting, because the wall isn’t just about what you’re building—it’s about who you’re building it for. And that’s a mission worth everything.

Pray Before Acting (1-5)

• Imagine the struggle of building this wall and having outsiders mock you for even trying
• How would we respond?
  • Nehemiah turns to God to find strength
  • He asks God to provide justice and restore honor
• There is incredible power in prayer

Balancing Faith & Action (6-9)

• “So we built the wall… for the people had a mind to work”
  • Nehemiah and the people push ahead without hesitation or distraction
• Then, the Sanballat and Tobiah planned to attack
  • Notice Nehemiah again turns to God, but he also sets up a guard
• How should we respond when challenged with physical violence?
  • Nehemiah shows us that we can balance faith and action
  • We can trust God to protect us AND prepare for the worst case
• Consider Peter and Paul in the New Testament

Overcoming Fear With Purpose (10-14)

• Then, everything started to fall apart
  • People felt tired and overwhelmed!
  • The enemies were planning a secret attack
  • Relatives could sense the danger and called for the people to leave the city ten times
• We can imagine what people were thinking and saying to one another
• Nehemiah shifts their focus to help them overcome their fears (14)
  • ”Remember the Lord”
  • “Fight for your families”
• Fear loses its grip when we remember God’s power
• We also need a purpose worth fighting for

Persevering Together (15-23)

• The enemies back off, God gets the glory, and the people get back to work… armed
  • A new plan is in place to provide encouragement
  • “Rally to us there. Our God will fight for us”
• They don’t assume the danger is over
• Nor do they abandon the work to stand guard
• Are we letting our spiritual guard down?
• Are we so consumed with defending that we’ve stopped building?
  • These Jews build and defend at the same time
  • They are rooted in prayer, grounded in God’s word, and connected with fellow believers
• What about us?

What About Us?

• We build relationships and teach others the truth
  • Satan attacks us with discouraging lies
  • Outsiders threaten us with suffering and pain
• We need a mind to work and a belief that souls are worth fighting for
• But we really need to remember the Lord

Nehemiah’s Leadership Training

• Pray before acting
• Maintain a unified vision
• Act with wisdom and balance
• Address fear with purpose
• Be vigilant and prepared
• Empower and delegate
• Lead by example