Nehemiah 3-4
Chapter Summary
Nehemiah organizes work on the wall, assigning sections to families, neighborhoods, and even guilds of tradesmen (3:1-32). This strategy fixes responsibility for each part of the task. It also creates work teams out of existing groups who have learned to work cooperatively. And it encourages competition, not between individuals but between teams.
But as progress is made on the walls, Sanballat becomes incensed. He and Tobiah step up their rumor and ridicule campaign (4:1-3). Nehemiah simply prays—and keeps the people working (vv. 4-5). When ridicule fails to halt the rebuilding, the enemies plot an armed attack. Then the Jews hear Nehemiah reassure his fearful workers (vv. 6-15). He also organizes a defense: Half his workers are placed on guard while the other half work, and signals are devised to bring reinforcements to any section of the wall under attack (vv. 16-20). Thus prepared, the Jews intensify rather than abandon their building efforts (vv. 21-23).
Key Verse
4:21: To defeat opposition, continue the work.
Personal Application
One way to exercise your faith is to plan and organize carefully.
Key Concepts
War. Enemies. Guilt. 
Insight
“Sheep Gate” (3:1). The gates and various features of the wall surrounding Jerusalem are given names, much as we name our city streets. The list begins at the northeast section of Jerusalem’s walls and makes a circuit concluding in v. 32 at the same corner.
Unity of purpose (3:1-32). Some 40 different sections of wall are mentioned in the chapter, each assigned to a different group. To work effectively and quickly, the wall builders displayed a sense of common purpose and commitment.
A common sense of purpose is also important today if Christians are to work together in God’s kingdom. That sense of common purpose can unite us, even when we differ in convictions or doctrine.
Close to home. Nehemiah assigned teams to work as close to home as possible. Thus, they had a personal interest in building that section of wall which would defend their own houses or businesses.

We need to encourage rather than discourage personal interest in God’s work. For instance, it may be more meaningful to direct giving to a missionary we know and can pray for than to give to a denomination’s missionary “program.”
Diversity. Nehemiah organized his work groups on several different bases. Some were organized by neighborhood—others by family, social status, and profession.
Don’t be afraid of diversity in the church. God gives people different gifts and calls us from different cultures and backgrounds. Yet the church is one, and believers are to work and worship together.
No war of words (4:1-5). Nehemiah has been criticized by some for a meanspirited prayer—asking God to punish the Jews’ enemy. But how much better it is to ask God to deal with our enemies than for us to become involved in a war of words—or worse.
“Enemies” (4:11). The term for enemies found here is the Heb. word sar, which means to cause harm. Sanballat and his supporters intended to injure the Jerusalem Jews. Nehemiah’s prayer was just!
Sneak attack (4:11-13). Like many evil persons, Sanballat was ready to kill the unarmed and unsuspecting. But when the Jews learned, they were armed and ready. Thus, Sanballat was afraid to attack.
Don’t be afraid of the threats of bullies. Resist and most will back down.
“Great and awesome” (4:14). Nehemiah’s exhortation identifies two bases for courage. Remember that God is far greater than any human enemy. And, be sure that what you are fighting for is right. Defending loved ones provided the Jews with the moral grounds to fight against their attackers, grounds that would not exist if the Jews were the aggressors.