Mark works with the Adoue St. church of Christ in Alvin, TX, where he serves as both evangelist and an elder. His email address is markmayberry@outlook.com, and his Bible Study website is www.markmayberry.net.

Because of Israel’s persistent disobedience and rebellion, the Lord delivered them into the hands of their enemies. Such chastening occurred repeatedly over time, but culminated in the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. The northern ten tribes of Israel were carried into Assyria in 722 B.C. The southern tribe of Judah was deported into Babylonian exile beginning in 606 B.C. where the people remained for seventy long years.

Cyrus, king of Persia, conquered Babylon in 539 B.C., gaining control over the Levant. Shortly thereafter, he permitted the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Yet, the resulting remnant were few in number and faced many hardships over the ensuing years.

Nearly a century later, the Persian Empire was ruled by Artaxerxes I Longimanus (465-424 B.C.), and Nehemiah was his personal cupbearer (Neh. 1:11). In 445 B.C., Nehemiah learned of the distressing state of the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem: the city walls were broken down, its gates burned, and the people were defenseless before their enemies (Neh. 1:1-3).

Afterwards, he mourned for many days, fasting, and praying to God. Nehemiah’s leadership abilities are seen in his prayer of confession and entreaty, coupled with his compassionate heart and willingness to serve (Neh. 1:4-11). Nehemiah received permission to return to his homeland and restore the fortunes of the sons of Israel. Appointed governor of the land of Judah, he was authorized to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Neh. 2:1-10).

The concept of restoring that which was once functional, but has been broken, and is in need of repair is a frequent Biblical theme: It is used of Israel’s physical restoration from captivity (Deut. 30:1-5; Jer. 29:10-14), of the spiritual restoration of the Messiah (Isa. 61:1-5; Acts 15:16-18), and also of the personal restoration of those who stumble (Psa. 51:10-13; Gal. 6:1).

Consider Nehemiah’s efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, and the parallels that can be observed when we engage in similar spiritual endeavors. Let us make individual application of these principles (Col. 1:9-10), and collectively seek to build up the church of Christ, symbolically described as spiritual Zion (Heb. 12:22-24).

The Reality

After reconnoitering Jerusalem’s helpless state, Nehemiah challenged the people, saying, “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.” The people consented, saying, “Let us arise and build.” So they put their hands to the good work (Neh. 2:11-18).

When our lives are broken and in need of repair, we need clear-headed analysis. Through honest self-examination, we discern where we are presently, where we potentially need to be, and what steps are necessary to move from Point A to Point B.

The Recruits

Agreeing with Nehemiah’s assessment, the Israelites devoted themselves to the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Note the diversity of the participants: laborers came from the ranks of men and women, parents and children, young and old. Workers included religious leaders (the high priest, the Levites, and temple servants), city officials, goldsmiths, perfumers, and merchants. Despite coming from different cities, clans, and tribes, all worked as one (Neh. 3:1-32).

When our lives are broken and in need of repair, or if we are going to strengthen and rebuild the walls of Zion (the church), we need the active involvement of all our brethren. Our diversity is our strength (Acts 13:1-3; Gal. 3:27-29; Eph. 4:14-16).

The Rivals

When the enemies of Israel (Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab) heard of Nehemiah’s initial plans, “they mocked us and despised us,” and engaged in slanderous misrepresentation (Neh. 2:19-20). Later, when he learned the work was actually proceeding, Sanballat became furious and very angry. He and his associates derided the Jews and ridiculed their efforts (Neh. 4:1-5).

When our lives are broken and in need of repair, or if we are going to strengthen and rebuild the walls of Zion (the church), we must be willing to face ridicule and rejection (Matt. 5:10-12; 1 Cor. 4:11-13).

The Resolve

In spite of scorn, intimidation, and threats, the workers manifested resolve. Half were assigned to stand guard, while the others labored. Trumpeters stood ready to sound the alarm. Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon (Neh. 4:6-23).

When our lives are broken and in need of repair, or if we are going to strengthen and rebuild the walls of Zion (the church), we must have the courage to labor and toil, and also stand and fight (Eph. 6:13-17; Phil. 4:2-3).

The Rejoinder

The enemies of Israel did not give up easily, but continued to probe for any weakness that could be exploited (Neh. 6:1-14). When our lives are broken and in need of repair, or if we are going to strengthen and rebuild the walls of Zion (the church), we must be prepared to face repeated assaults from Satan and his minions (Luke 4:13; James 4:7-8; 1 Pet. 5:8-9).

The Results

Nehemiah was successful because he trusted in God; the work of restoration was completed in fifty-two days (Neh. 6:15-19). If we evidence similar courage and commitment, faith and fidelity, we will also be victorious (Rom. 8:31-39; 1 John 4:4-6).

Conclusion

Nehemiah’s efforts did not stop with the restoration of the city walls. He instituted many cultural and political reforms among the people, including a renewed commitment to the Word of God, and the worship of Jehovah. May we manifest the faith of Nehemiah, showing the same fortitude, and offering the same prayer as did he (Neh. 13:14, 22, 31).