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PERSPECTIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL SERVICE (V)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Nehemiah 6:5-9

Ezra 4:1-5

 

“…the people of the land weakened

the hands of the people of Judah.”

 

PERSPECTIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL SERVICE (V)
 
The enemies of the work of God tried and failed to seduce Nehemiah away from the work. They then resorted to a new method. They tried to use fear and intimidation. The opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem was not going to relent despite the progress in the work. Previously in Ezra 4, when the enemies tried and failed to join themselves to the work, they resorted to the same use of fear and intimidation. They succeeded when they wrote a letter to the king, and got the work stopped.
 
Thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem (Neh 6:7). The slander against Nehemiah was made plain and public in the open letter. He was charged with leading and collaborating with others in treason. Sanballat suggested that Nehemiah was bent on setting up a kingdom against the king of Persia, and that he also collaborated with and appointed “prophets” to proclaim him in Jerusalem. Sanballat brought to question the support that Nehemiah had in Jerusalem. They went to great lengths to isolate Nehemiah.
 
Now shall it be reported to the king according to these words (Neh 6:7). The malice intended was then clouded with fake care for Nehemiah: the information might reach the king, and his treasonous acts be dealt with by the king himself. It was then presented that this could be averted and avoided by Nehemiah accepting the invitation, which until then he had refused to accept. With the words “Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together,” they presented an offer of help. Like good neighbours, they were willing to listen to his side of the story so that they might help counter the common stories being spread among the heathen. Otherwise, the supposed treason might reach the ears of the king and bring dire consequences upon Nehemiah and the Jews.
 
The open letter was written by seemingly concerned friends who appeared wanting to help. Yet, they were the ones who had fabricated the whole story, seeking to hinder the work.
 
THOUGHT: (Read Proverbs 20:6 and 28:20.)

PRAYER: Give me grace, patience, and strength to do Thy work, O Father.

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