7 Now when Sanballat , Tobiah , the Arabs , the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repair of the walls of Jerusalem went on, and that the breaches began to be closed , they were very angry . 8 All of them conspired together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause a disturbance in it. 9 But we prayed to our God , and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night . 10 Thus in Judah it was said , "The strength of the burden bearers is failing , Yet there is much rubbish ; And we ourselves are unable e To rebuild the wall ." 11 Our enemies said , "They will not know or see until e we come among e them, kill them and put a stop to the work ." 12 When the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times , "They will come up against us from every place where you may turn ," 13 then I stationed men in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall , the exposed places , and I stationed the people in families with their swords , spears and bows . 14 When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles , the officials and 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 houses ." 15 When our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had frustrated their plan , then all of us returned to the wall , each one to his work .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:7-15
Commentary on Nehemiah 4:7-15
(Read Nehemiah 4:7-15)
The hindering good work is what bad men aim at, and promise themselves success in; but good work is God's work, and it shall prosper. God has many ways of bringing to light, and so of bringing to nought, the devices and designs of his church's enemies. If our enemies cannot frighten us from duty, or deceive us into sin, they cannot hurt us. Nehemiah put himself and his cause under the Divine protection. It was the way of this good man, and should be our way. All his cares, all his griefs, all his fears, he spread before God. Before he used any means, he made his prayer to God. Having prayed, he set a watch against the enemy. If we think to secure ourselves by prayer, without watchfulness, we are slothful, and tempt God; if by watchfulness, without prayer, we are proud, and slight God: either way, we forfeit his protection. God's care of our safety, should engage and encourage us to go on with vigour in our duty. As soon as a danger is over, let us return to our work, and trust God another time.