anballat's plot to hinder Nehemiah. (1-9) False prophets try
to frighten Nehemiah. (10-14) The wall finished, Treachery of
some among the Jews. (15-19)
Verses 1-9: Let those who are tempted to idle merry meetings by vain
companions, thus answer the temptation, We have work to do, and
must not neglect it. We must never suffer ourselves to be
overcome, by repeated urgency, to do anything sinful or
imprudent; but when attacked with the same temptation, must
resist it with the same reason and resolution. It is common for
that which is desired only by the malicious, to be falsely
represented by them as desired by the many. But Nehemiah knew at
what they aimed, he not only denied that such things were true,
but that they were reported; he was better known than to be thus
suspected. We must never omit any known duty for fear it should
be misconstrued; but, while we keep a good conscience, let us
trust God with our good name. God's people, though loaded with
reproach, are not really fallen so low in reputation as some
would have them thought to be. Nehemiah lifted up his heart to
Heaven in a short prayer. When, in our Christian work and
warfare, we enter upon any service or conflict, this is a good
prayer, I have such a duty to do, such a temptation to grapple
with; now, therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. Every
temptation to draw us from duty, should quicken us the more to
duty.
Verses 10-14: The greatest mischief our enemies can do us, is, to
frighten us from our duty, and to lead us to do what is sinful.
Let us never decline a good work, never do a bad one. We ought
to try all advice, and to reject what is contrary to the word of
God. Every man should study to be consistent. Should I, a
professed Christian, called to be a saint, a child of God, a
member of Christ, a temple of the Holy Ghost, should I be
covetous, sensual, proud, or envious? Should I yield to
impatience, discontent, or anger? Should I be slothful,
unbelieving, or unmerciful? What effects will such conduct have
upon others? All that God has done for us, or by us, or given to
us, should lead us to watchfulness, self-denial, and diligence.
Next to the sinfulness of sin, we should dread the scandal.
Verses 15-19: The wall was begun and finished in fifty-two days, though
they rested on the sabbaths. A great deal of work may be done in
a little time, if we set about it in earnest, and keep close to
it. See the mischief of marrying with strangers. When men once
became akin to Tobiah, they soon became sworn to him. A sinful
love leads to a sinful league. The enemy of souls employs many
instruments, and forms many projects, to bring reproach on the
active servants of God, or to take them from their work. But we
should follow the example of Him who laid down his life for the
sheep. Those that simply cleave to the Lord and his work will be
supported.
anballat's plot to hinder Nehemiah. (1-9) False prophets try
to frighten Nehemiah. (10-14) The wall finished, Treachery of
some among the Jews. (15-19)