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v20300
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1994-03-02
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20318
* Opposition of Sanballat and others. (1-6) The designs of the
adversaries. (7-15) Nehemiah's precautions. (16-23)
#1-6 Many a good work has been looked upon with contempt by
proud and haughty scorners. Those who disagree in almost every
thing, will unite in persecution. Nehemiah did not answer these
fools according to their folly, but looked up to God by prayer.
God's people have often been a despised people, but he hears all
the slights that are put upon them, and it is their comfort that
he does so. Nehemiah had reason to think that the hearts of
those sinners were desperately hardened, else he would not have
prayed that their sins might never be blotted out. Good work
goes on well, when people have a mind to it. The reproaches of
enemies should quicken us to our duty, not drive us from it.
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#7-15 The hindering good work is what bad men aim at, and
promise themselves success in; but good work is God's work, and
it shall prosper. God has many ways of bringing to light, and so
of bringing to nought, the devices and designs of his church's
enemies. If our enemies cannot frighten us from duty, or deceive
us into sin, they cannot hurt us. Nehemiah put himself and his
cause under the Divine protection. It was the way of this good
man, and should be our way. All his cares, all his griefs, all
his fears, he spread before God. Before he used any means, he
made his prayer to God. Having prayed, he set a watch against
the enemy. If we think to secure ourselves by prayer, without
watchfulness, we are slothful, and tempt God; if by
watchfulness, without prayer, we are proud, and slight God:
either way, we forfeit his protection. God's care of our safety,
should engage and encourage us to go on with vigour in our duty.
As soon as a danger is over, let us return to our work, and
trust God another time.
20333
#16-23 We must watch always against spiritual enemies, and not
expect that our warfare will be over till our work is ended. The
word of God is the sword of the Spirit, which we ought to have
always at hand, and never to have to seek for it, either in our
labours, or in our conflicts, as Christians. Every true
Christian is both a labourer and a soldier, working with one
hand, and fighting with the other. Good work is likely to go on
with success, when those who labour in it, make a business of
it. And Satan fears to assault the watchful Christian; or, if
attacked, the Lord fights for him. Thus must we wait to the
close of life, never putting off our armour till our work and
warfare are ended; then we shall be welcomed to the rest and joy
of our Lord.
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* The Jews complain of grievances. (1-5) Nehemiah redresses the
grievances. (6-13) Nehemiah's forbearance. (14-19)
#1-5 Men prey upon their fellow-creatures: by despising the poor
they reproach their Maker. Such conduct is a disgrace to any,
but who can sufficiently abhor it when adopted by professing
Christians? With compassion for the oppressed, we should lament
the hardships which many in the world are groaning under;
putting our souls into their souls' stead, and remembering in
our prayers and succours those who are burdened. But let those
who show no mercy, expect judgment without mercy.
20346
#6-13 Nehemiah knew that, if he built Jerusalem's walls ever so
high, so thick, or so strong, the city could not be safe while
there were abuses. The right way to reform men's lives, is to
convince their consciences. If you walk in the fear of God, you
will not be either covetous of worldly gain, or cruel toward
your brethren. Nothing exposes religion more to reproach, than
the worldliness and hard-heartedness of the professors of it.
Those that rigorously insist upon their right, with a very ill
grace try to persuade others to give up theirs. In reasoning
with selfish people, it is good to contrast their conduct with
that of others who are liberal; but it is best to point to His
example, who though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor,
that we, through his poverty, might be rich, #2Co 8:9|. They did
according to promise. Good promises are good things, but good
performances are better.