Learning to overcome discouragement and other obstacles (Neh 4:6-23)

Professional long-distance runners are sometimes asked what the hardest portion of a run is. The answer varies, of course, since each part has its particular difficulties. Frequently though, somewhere past the mid-point is seen as mentally the most challenging. The initial excitement and burst of energy are gone and the miles stretch into the distance without the end in sight. Starting up a new project poses similar challenges beyond the half-way point and this is what the wall builders experienced.

Enemies all around

Initially, the enemies’ ridicule seemed to have little effect, but as the wall is built up to half its height (Neh 4:6), the pressures intensify. Beyond discouraging words, the hostile parties gang up on the Jews and are planning the forceful disruption of the work (Neh 4:7-8). Geographically, the groups in v.7 cover areas all around Judah. To the north is Samaria that Sanballat has links with (see my last post The best answer to ridicule (Neh 4:1-5)). To the north-east are the Ammonites, next to Samaria on the other side of the Jordan. To the east and south-east, on the other side of the Dead Sea is Kedar, the territory of the Arabs mentioned here. Finally, to the west is Ashdod, the name of the Philistine territory on the south-western coastline. The Jews are surrounded by enemies on every side.

Pressures within and without

The builders face the external challenge of hostile attack by force (Neh 4:8, 11) and most will have remembered the recent destruction of the wall building, since this is what happened before Nehemiah arrived (see my The secret of effective prayer (Neh 1:1-11)). They are also discouraged internally by all the rubble and the amount of work still undone (Neh 4:10). They are half-way there but still a long way to go. Added to that is the talk from fellow Jews outside Jerusalem, who further weaken the builders’ resolve by dire predictions (Neh 4:12). The project now is in grave jeopardy. At stake is not simply the physical building, but what it represents in God’s restoration of the people. Nehemiah uses the word ‘the healing of the walls’ for the repair work (Neh 4:7), which encapsulates the symbolic significance of the building project.[1]

Nehemiah’s response

Nehemiah’s response to the crisis, as so often before, starts with prayer (Neh 4:9), this time communally. In his typically down-to-earth fashion, he also takes sensible precautions, stations groups with weapons where the work is vulnerable to attack, gathers and encourages the people, ensures lines of communication, and sets a personal example. Clearly, trust and practical action are not mutually exclusive in his thinking.

Nehemiah’s gathering of the people and his speech are particularly important (Neh 4:14). He encourages them to remember the God they serve, especially that He is powerful. In effect, he is saying that God is greater than the enemy they fear. He also calls them to action and reminds them of what is at stake (their families and possessions), which defines their purpose, as well. No doubt, gathering everyone fosters the sense of togetherness at a time when so many of them were labouring in isolation on long stretches of the wall (Neh 4:19). Finally, it is a signal to the enemy that the Jews are prepared and alert to any attack planned (Neh 4:15).

The mental challenge to keep going

Nehemiah knows, like long-distance runners do, that whatever our undertaking, it takes more than physical or intellectual abilities to keep going. For some, the project might be a new initiative at church, a decision to pray and read the Bible daily, the battle to let go of addictive habits, the struggle to forgive someone, the determination to continue in the Christian walk. The battle is often a mental one. We are easily discouraged, become fearful, and negative talk even from well-meaning friends can get us down. That is why Nehemiah’s strategy offers so much food for thought. Combining prayer and common-sense practical steps to make our project workable is helpful. So is finding support through fellowship and sharing with other Christians. Most importantly though, we must keep our focus on the purpose of what we do and remember that ‘the Lord will fight for us’ (Neh 4:20).

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[1] H.G.M. Williamson suggests that the word may express Nehemiah’s concern for the healing and well-being of the city, although he admits that it could have been a regular idiom (i.e. it may have lost this association through regular use). Ezra, Nehemiah, WBC 16 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1985), 225.

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