Nehemiah 4:7

Nehemiah 4:7 describes a critical moment in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. It highlights the escalating opposition faced by Nehemiah and the Jewish people as their diligent work began to show significant progress.

Context

Following the decree of King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah, cupbearer to the king, gained permission to return to Jerusalem and restore its dilapidated walls. This task was not merely an architectural project but a spiritual and national revival, symbolizing the restoration of God's people and their covenant identity. From the outset, this endeavor faced scorn and ridicule from neighboring governors and tribes, particularly Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official, along with Geshem the Arabian.

Verse 7 marks a shift in their strategy. Initially, their opposition was primarily ridicule and verbal attacks. However, as the KJV text states, "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," their reaction intensified from scorn to intense fury. The term "made up" implies that the gaps in the wall were being filled, and "breaches began to be stopped" indicates the critical weak points were being addressed, signifying real, tangible progress towards completion.

Key Themes

• Escalation of Opposition: This verse illustrates how progress in God's work often provokes fiercer resistance from adversaries. As Nehemiah's team achieved tangible results, the enemies' anger boiled over, leading to more aggressive tactics in subsequent verses.
• Perseverance Amidst Adversity: Despite the growing anger and threats, the builders continued their work, demonstrating resilience and commitment to their divine calling. This serves as a powerful example of not growing weary in doing good.
• Spiritual Warfare: Beyond political or territorial disputes, this opposition can be seen as a spiritual battle against God's purposes. The adversaries sought to hinder the restoration of Jerusalem, which was central to God's plan for His people.
• Divine Providence: Even in the face of intense hatred, God's hand was guiding the work, allowing progress that infuriated the enemies, ultimately leading to His glory.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "very wroth" in the KJV translates the Hebrew חָרָה לָהֶם מְאֹד (charah lahem m'od). The root charah (חָרָה) literally means "to burn" or "to be hot," often used metaphorically for intense anger or indignation. The addition of m'od (מְאֹד), meaning "very" or "exceedingly," emphasizes the extreme nature of their wrath. It was not mere annoyance but a deep-seated, burning fury, indicating their desperation as their efforts to stop the rebuilding were failing.

Practical Application

For believers today, Nehemiah 4:7 offers several insights:

1. Expect Opposition: When you are pursuing God's will and making spiritual progress, whether in personal growth, ministry, or community impact, expect resistance. Just as the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls faced external threats, our spiritual endeavors often encounter opposition from various sources.
2. Recognize the Source: The intense anger of Nehemiah's enemies stemmed from their inability to stop God's work. This can remind us that opposition to righteous endeavors often comes from those who feel threatened by truth and light.
3. Persevere: The success of the builders, even in the face of escalating threats, is a testament to perseverance. This verse encourages us to remain steadfast in our calling, knowing that God is with us and will ultimately bring His plans to fruition, as seen in Philippians 1:6.