Opposition to the Walls

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Chapter 4 records the opposition to the wall. During the time of the construction, Nehemiah was in charge. He coordinated, encouraged and supervised the builders and at the same time, kept an eye on the enemy. The enemy was Samaria. At first, the Samaritans scoffed: "These feeble Jews, what will they do for materials?" "Will they revive the stones out of the rubbish?" "What will they use for talent?" "What kind of a wall could they possibly build?" "If a fox would go up against it, it would break down."

But their scoffing did not work. Nehemiah prayed and the workers ignored the scoffers. So the Samaritans decided to use force. The walls were only completed about half as high as they were originally and there were gaps between the work groups so Nehemiah set up a signal that when the workers heard the signal given, they were to stop work and rush to the point of attack by the enemy. Then Nehemiah armed the people and half stood guard and half worked. They guarded the wall day and night. They slept with their clothes on and their swords in their hand. Everyone outside the walls were moved into the city so that all, servants alike, could do guard duty as well as work during the day.

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