Nehemiah Sets Up a Communication System

Topic: Commitment

Passage: Nehemiah 4:15–23

March 4, 2021

Commentary

When Nehemiah’s enemies heard that their plot had been discovered, they did not attack and the people resumed their construction work (v. 15). However, Nehemiah exercises caution and devises a plan of defense that will unite and protect his people. He divides the people around the wall. Half of them work while the other half stands guard (v. 16). The work proceeded, and everyone who was involved in the work also carried a weapon (vv 17-18).

To further relieve the anxieties of the people, Nehemiah set up a communication system. He organized the people so that when a trumpet was sounded all of the people would congregate to a given area (v. 19). In order to accomplish this, he stationed a trumpeter next to him (v. 20). This was a person who would follow him everywhere he went as he supervised the work. He also reminds the people that God is fighting for them.

The work was very demanding (vv 21-23). They worked from the crack of dawn until the stars came out at night (v. 21). Those living outside the city did not even return to their homes. Venturing outside Jerusalem at night would have also been a dangerous risk. They were so committed to rebuilding the walls that everyone at all times was prepared to defend the city. In fact, they were so committed that they didn’t even take off their clothes (v. 23).

Application

Nehemiah and his people were ready at any moment to defend Jerusalem. This is symbolic of the Christian who is involved in building for the Lord and at the same time, in warfare against the devil. I should be so committed to the Lord’s work that I am always ready to build and to fight for Him.

Nehemiah 4:15– 23 (NET)

¹⁵ It so happened that when our adversaries heard that we were aware of these matters, God frustrated their intentions. Then all of us returned to the wall, each to his own work. ¹⁶ From that day forward, half my men were doing the work and half were taking up spears, shields, bows, and body armor. Now the officers were behind all the people of Judah ¹⁷ who were rebuilding the wall. Those who were carrying loads did so by keeping one hand on the work and the other on their weapon. ¹⁸ The builders, to a man, had their swords strapped to their sides while they were building. But the trumpeter remained with me.

¹⁹ I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “The work is demanding and extensive, and we are spread out on the wall, far removed from one another. ²⁰ Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, gather there with us. Our God will fight for us!”

²¹ So we worked on, with half holding spears, from dawn till dusk. ²² At that time I instructed the people, “Let every man and his coworker spend the night in Jerusalem and let them be guards for us by night and workers by day.” ²³ We did not change clothes —not I, nor my relatives, nor my workers, nor the watchmen who were with me. Each had his weapon, even when getting a drink of water.