We saw last week how Nehemiah was able to motivate the people of Jerusalem to commit to this huge task of rebuilding Jerusalem. Everyone was willing to roll up their sleeves and do their bit. In chapter four, Nehemiah faces his first serious opposition. The leaders of the neighbouring nations become very angry – their opposition begins with taunting, but before long they plotted to stir up trouble and fight against Jerusalem. The response from Nehemiah is two-fold: practically speaking he posts a guard on the wall to defend the workers. But his main act of defence is to pray to God for protection.
