Nehemiah 4:21 - Discouragement Overcome
Audio Bible
Context
Discouragement Overcome
…20Wherever you hear the sound of the horn, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us!” 21So we continued the work, while half of the men held spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out. 22At that time I also said to the people, “Let every man and his servant spend the night inside Jerusalem, so that they can stand guard by night and work by day.”…
Cross References
Nehemiah 4:9
So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night.Nehemiah 2:18
I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. “Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work.Nehemiah 6:9
For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands.Nehemiah 4:17-18
who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other. / And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side. But the trumpeter stayed beside me.Nehemiah 4:6
So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.Nehemiah 5:16
Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of the wall, and all my servants were gathered there for the work; we did not acquire any land.Nehemiah 6:3
So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?”Nehemiah 2:20
So I answered them and said, “The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start rebuilding, but you have no portion, right, or claim in Jerusalem.”1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.Philippians 1:27
Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel,Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ...1 Thessalonians 5:8
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. / Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.2 Corinthians 6:7
in truthful speech and in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;
Treasury of Scripture
So we labored in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.
So we
1 Corinthians 15:10,58
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me…
Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Colossians 1:29
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
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Appeared Break Business Carried Continued Dawn First Forth Half Hands Held Hold Holding Keeping Laboured Morning Rising Spears Stars Work Worked Working WroughtJump to Next
Appeared Break Business Carried Continued Dawn First Forth Half Hands Held Hold Holding Keeping Laboured Morning Rising Spears Stars Work Worked Working WroughtNehemiah 4
1. While the enemies scoff, Nehemiah prays and continues the work7. Understanding the wrath and secrets of the enemy, he sets a watch
13. He arms the laborers
19. and gives military precepts
So we continued the work
This phrase highlights the perseverance and determination of Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem in rebuilding the city walls despite opposition. The context of Nehemiah 4 shows that the Israelites faced significant threats from surrounding enemies, yet they remained steadfast. This determination can be seen as a reflection of faith and commitment to God's purposes, similar to the perseverance encouraged in James 1:12, where those who endure trials are blessed.
while half of the men held spears
The division of labor here is strategic, with half of the workforce actively engaged in defense. This reflects the practical wisdom of Nehemiah as a leader, ensuring both progress and protection. The use of spears indicates the readiness for battle, a common necessity in ancient times when cities were often under threat. This dual focus on work and defense can be paralleled with the Christian life, where believers are called to be both active in their mission and vigilant against spiritual adversaries, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18, which speaks of the armor of God.
from the break of dawn until the stars came out
This phrase emphasizes the long hours and dedication of the workers, from early morning until nightfall. It reflects the urgency and importance of the task at hand. In the ancient Near East, working from dawn to dusk was typical, especially in critical situations. This commitment can be compared to the diligence encouraged in Colossians 3:23, where believers are instructed to work heartily as for the Lord. The imagery of working until the stars appear also evokes the idea of God's creation and order, as seen in Genesis 1:16, where the stars are set in the sky to govern the night.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who played a crucial role in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. His leadership and faith were instrumental in overcoming opposition.
2. The Workers
The Jewish people who were committed to rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. They worked tirelessly under Nehemiah's leadership, balancing construction with defense against their enemies.
3. The Opponents
Various groups, including the Samaritans, Ammonites, and others, who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. They sought to discourage and intimidate the workers.
4. Jerusalem
The city of great significance to the Jewish people, representing their spiritual and national identity. The rebuilding of its walls was a symbol of restoration and protection.
5. The Wall
The physical structure being rebuilt, symbolizing security, community, and the re-establishment of Jerusalem as a fortified city.
Teaching Points
Diligence in Work and Faith
Nehemiah 4:21 exemplifies the balance between diligent work and faith in God. Believers are called to be industrious in their tasks while trusting in God's protection and provision.
Preparedness and Vigilance
The dual role of the workers as builders and defenders teaches the importance of being prepared and vigilant in our spiritual lives, ready to face opposition while continuing our God-given missions.
Community and Cooperation
The collective effort in rebuilding the wall underscores the power of community and cooperation among believers. Working together towards a common goal strengthens the body of Christ.
Leadership and Encouragement
Nehemiah's leadership highlights the importance of encouraging and motivating others in the face of adversity. Effective leaders inspire perseverance and unity.
Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite external threats, the workers' commitment reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty. Believers are reminded to rely on God's control over circumstances.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 4What does the Bible say regarding being busy?If Genesis describes the creation of the sun on the fourth day, how were there 'days' before the sun existed?What is physical trauma?Nehemiah 4:21-23: Does the notion of workers maintaining constant vigilance, day and night, align with practical human limitations and historical labor practices?
(21) So we laboured.--This is a general recapitulation, with additional note of the length of the day's work during this pressing season.
Verse 21. - So we laboured: and half of them held the spears. This is a summary of the main points previously related: "So we continued to work; and one-half of my personal followers continued to keep watch, and to hold the spears" (ver. 16). From the rising of the morning, etc. This is additional, and shows how early the work commenced each morning, and how late it continued. Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So we
וַאֲנַ֖חְנוּ (wa·’ă·naḥ·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common plural
Strong's 587: We
continued
עֹשִׂ֣ים (‘ō·śîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make
the work,
בַּמְּלָאכָ֑ה (bam·mə·lā·ḵāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4399: Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property
while half of [the men]
וְחֶצְיָ֗ם (wə·ḥeṣ·yām)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2677: The half, middle
held
מַחֲזִיקִים֙ (ma·ḥă·zî·qîm)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer
spears
בָּֽרְמָחִ֔ים (bā·rə·mā·ḥîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7420: A lance, the iron point
from the break
מֵעֲל֣וֹת (mê·‘ă·lō·wṯ)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively
of dawn
הַשַּׁ֔חַר (haš·ša·ḥar)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7837: Dawn
until
עַ֖ד (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while
the stars
הַכּוֹכָבִֽים׃ (hak·kō·w·ḵā·ḇîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3556: A star, a prince
came out.
צֵ֥את (ṣêṯ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim
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Nehemiah 4:21 Catholic BibleOT History: Nehemiah 4:21 So we worked in the work: (Neh Ne)