Building with God: The builder s no (Nehemiah 6:1-4) Introduction Early on in the rebuilding effort the opposition was general; they did not oppose anyone in particular but all of the Jews that were helping to rebuild. There were general threats implied through publicized meetings where angry rulers met with Syrian armies to ridicule the Jews and their work (Nehemiah 4:1-3). General threats became general plans when the enemies of the Jews began conspiring to hide in the plains and in the rubble with the aim of springing violence on the builders (Nehemiah 4:7-11). The general disparagement was ongoing and the general danger was real. But the man of God met the general threats with the appropriate responses of prayer (Nehemiah 4:4-5, 9), practical arrangements of the builders into armed family units (Nehemiah 4:13), and preaching to encourage them to both build and fight (Nehemiah 4:14). Without question Nehemiah (comfort of Yahweh) has been a tremendous leader and comfort to the people of God. He consistently rises to the occasion in order to lead his people through each crisis while continuing to work toward the completion of the wall. It is therefore not surprising that the opposition, having failed to stop the rebuilding effort with generalized opposition, would see that there needed to be change in the opposition program: Instead of trying to demoralize the laborers just destroy the leader. Chapter six is a short but powerful record of how a godly leader handled the opposition when it became personal. In the material that follows we look at three things required by those who would build with God when the attacks are aimed at an individual: (1) discernment, (2) decisiveness, and (3) a development program. Page 1 of 5
Nehemiah 6:1-4 1 Now it happened when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it (though at that time I had not hung the doors in the gates), 2 that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me harm. 3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you? 4 But they sent me this message four times, and I answered them in the same manner. The Now it happened when our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall of Nehemiah 6:1 is an introduction to the consequences of the leader s commitment. Here, says the writer, is the problem with persistence and progress: targeted persecution from the opposition. This chapter shows us the change in tactics by those who wanted to stop the wall restoration effort. Where prior antagonism was general and focused broadly, the attack is now centered upon the catalyst and commander of the endeavor Nehemiah. Mocking and veiled threats have not succeeded in shutting down the reconstruction of the walls. Perhaps, think the enemies, an effective program to stop the building of the wall and restoring of the city s safety is to be found in focusing on bringing down the leadership. In any great work of God the leaders are strategic; the enemy, whether human or satanic, will try to cause the leader to fall, lose credibility, or disappear altogether. 1 The critics now begin to call to meet together with Nehemiah. What does this mean? Chuck Swindoll, in his commentary Hand Me Another Brick, says this Now the word together suggests the idea of a compatible visit. The plain of Ono was located about twenty miles north of Jerusalem, and it was a beautiful, verdant valley. Sanballat and Geshem were saying, "You need to get away for a while. You've been laying bricks too long, Nehemiah. We've had our spats, a few little disagreements, but let's get together. Come on up to Ono." Is this true? That is, does the together of Nehemiah 6:2 have the implication of a retreat from the rigors of building and the possibility of working through differences? In my opinion it may be too much to say that the idea of retreat from work is implied. The plain reading of the text does not include this idea. (Taking into account the work that was being done, the geography, and culture of the time it may be surmised by some that this is what Sanballat meant. I am not so sure. Swindoll s commentary does not claim to be based an exhaustive exegesis or in-depth background study; it is primarily excellent exhortation with some background on the region, the people, and the message of God to them and then to us.) But, to Swindoll s point, the word for together (yah-daw, דּ ו (י ח is used almost invariably to communicate the idea of a meeting of harmony, unity, 1 Breneman, M. (1993). Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (electronic ed., Vol. 10, p. 210). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers. Page 2 of 5
peace, or compatible visit (Supporting examples include Genesis 22:8; Psalm 34:3; 55:14; Isaiah 9:21. The exception is Deuteronomy 22:11). Make no mistake, this is another threat. Although it is disguised in the calm words with a request for a compatible visit it is still a threat. In dealing with this new threat Nehemiah will need two things. The Builder s Need for Discernment (Nehemiah 6:2) So, they requested a meeting to with Nehemiah using words that indicate it would be an atmosphere of unity and togetherness. However, their words did not match their intent and Nehemiah knows it: But they thought to do me harm. How does he know? Nehemiah has confidence in God. Valuable. Nehemiah has regular communication with God. Valuable. Nehemiah has discernment from God. Priceless! Out of his time with God the leader has obtained favor for the work and insight for dealing with insidious opponents. His Counsel has shown him the true nature of the request: kidnapping and murder. Based on discernment Nehemiah recognizes dangerous distractions at a distance. And it is based on this discernment that refuses to go to a place called, ironically, Ono. 2 The Builder s Need for Decisiveness (Nehemiah 6:3-4) As silly as it may sound the enemy can get you to hurt yourself but just asking you over and over. You eventually wear down and agree to do something that initially you knew was wrong. Ever been there? Whether it is staying pure when being pressured toward immorality, staying positive when being pressured toward unbelieving pessimism, or staying quiet with information that could be used to hurt people we can eventually wear down. Nehemiah says, They sent me this message four times. The enemies just keep asking and knocking in hopes that they will soon be receiving a Yes. But this leader is not leaving the work for their meeting. His answer does not change. How did he do it? Look closely at his response to their request: I am doing a great work. Nehemiah has a clear view of his value to the great work that he was called to by God. Therefore he cannot come down. With his mission in view he has no problem refusing this ridiculous request. Leaders who lose sight of the mission and their part in the work lose sight of the need to uncompromising and uncooperative with evil. Saying no to ridiculous requests is so much easier when you have regularly reviewed your mission. In the light of His calling you realize that the answer to other calls is not simply "No" but "Oh no! To further underscore the fact that he has no regard for their request Nehemiah responds with a rhetorical question of his own: Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you? What is the answer to the rhetorical question of Nehemiah 6:3? What is there to talk about that could be so important that it would 2 Ono was about seven miles southeast of Joppa. It may have been in neutral territory between Judah and Samaria, although the references to Jews living in Ono (Ezra 2:33; Nehemiah 11:35) make it more likely that it was in the extreme northwestern part of Judah. Page 3 of 5
require me to leave this great work? (Silence broken by crickets chirping.) Answer: Nothing! There is no reason for the work to cease. And thus there is no reason for him to go. Developing Your Defense (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1; Philippians 4:8; 1 Timothy 4:15) If we are going to build effectively with God we can expect persecution. In fact we can expect that eventually we will become the individualized targets of the enemy as he tries to stop the work of God in Martindale. Personal experience has taught me that I am more effective in saying No when I am regularly reviewing my mission and reinforcing my reasons for staying focused. Do you regularly review your mission? The advice of the Bible, for those who would have unqualified success in serving God, is that we would review the mission day and night: Psalm 1:1-4 1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Years ago I went through a terrible ordeal with people who regularly asked me to be involved in areas that I am not called. While I generally said No sometimes I would waver or capitulate. That is, after much requesting and pleading with me, I would give in. Finally, in both frustration with myself and faith in God I began to write down and review my reasons for saying No. After a few weeks of writing and reviewing I found myself regularly refusing their requests. And when they would protest I would say nothing! One of the marks of maturity is the ability to say no without explanation. - Chuck Swindoll, Hand Me Another Brick What can I say to help you with your building program? First, get wisdom and discernment by spending much time alone with God in prayer. Wisdom is the principle thing therefore get wisdom. And in all thy getting get an understanding. This will help you to recognize distractions at a distance. Second, reinforce your resolve by regularly reviewing your reasons. Take time daily to consider your calling. This can be as simple as praying Page 4 of 5
regularly and having a Bible reading program and then meditating. Writing down your reasons is a key aspect of moving it from the head to the heart. The opposition is coming be ready. Page 5 of 5