Nehemiah 4:11

And our enemies said, "Before they know or see a thing, we will come into their midst, kill them, and put an end to the work."

Study Bible

And our enemies said
This phrase highlights the opposition faced by Nehemiah and the Israelites from surrounding groups. Historically, these enemies included the Samaritans, Ammonites, Arabs, and Ashdodites, who were threatened by the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This opposition is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God's people often face resistance from adversaries (e.g., Exodus 17:8-16, 1 Samuel 17).

Before they know or see a thing
The enemies planned a surprise attack, indicating their intent to catch the Israelites off guard. This reflects the tactics of warfare in ancient times, where surprise and stealth were crucial. It also underscores the vigilance required by God's people, as seen in 1 Peter 5:8, which warns believers to be alert against the devil's schemes.

we will come into their midst
The phrase suggests infiltration and a direct assault on the community. This tactic of entering the midst of the people is reminiscent of other biblical narratives where enemies sought to disrupt God's plans, such as the infiltration of spies in Joshua 2. It also foreshadows the need for internal vigilance and unity among God's people.

kill them
The ultimate goal of the enemies was to destroy the Israelites physically. This reflects the severity of the threat and the lengths to which adversaries would go to stop God's work. It echoes the spiritual warfare theme found in Ephesians 6:12, where the struggle is not just physical but spiritual.

and put an end to the work
The enemies aimed to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, which symbolized the restoration of the Jewish community and their covenant with God. This mirrors the broader biblical narrative of opposition to God's redemptive work, as seen in the attempts to thwart Jesus' mission (Matthew 2:16, John 11:53). The rebuilding of the walls can also be seen as a type of Christ, representing protection, salvation, and the establishment of God's kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader who is instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

2. Enemies of Judah
These are the adversaries of the Jewish people, including the Samaritans, Ammonites, Arabs, and Ashdodites, who oppose the rebuilding efforts.

3. Jerusalem
The city where the rebuilding of the walls is taking place, symbolizing the restoration of the Jewish community and their faith.

4. The Workers
The Jewish people who are actively engaged in the reconstruction of the city walls under Nehemiah's leadership.

5. The Plot
The conspiracy by the enemies to attack and kill the workers to halt the rebuilding process.

Teaching Points

Vigilance in the Face of Opposition
Just as Nehemiah and the workers had to be alert to the threats around them, Christians today must remain vigilant against spiritual and worldly opposition.

The Power of Community and Unity
The workers in Jerusalem were united in their purpose, demonstrating the strength found in community and shared goals.

Faith and Action
Nehemiah's response to the threat was both spiritual (prayer) and practical (setting guards), teaching us to balance faith with action.

God's Sovereignty in Adversity
Despite the enemies' plans, God's purpose for Jerusalem prevailed, reminding us of His ultimate control over our circumstances.

Perseverance in God's Work
The determination to continue rebuilding despite threats encourages believers to persevere in their God-given missions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nehemiah 4:11 illustrate the nature of opposition that believers might face today?

2. In what ways can we apply Nehemiah's strategy of prayer and practical action in our own lives when facing challenges?

3. How does the unity of the workers in Jerusalem inspire us to foster community within our own church or group?

4. What other biblical examples can you find where God's people faced opposition but ultimately succeeded through faith and perseverance?

5. How can we remain vigilant against spiritual threats in our daily lives, as Nehemiah and his workers did against their physical enemies?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 83
This psalm speaks of a coalition of nations conspiring against Israel, similar to the enemies in Nehemiah 4:11, highlighting the recurring theme of opposition against God's people.

Ephesians 6:12
This verse discusses the spiritual warfare against evil forces, paralleling the physical and spiritual opposition faced by Nehemiah and the workers.

1 Peter 5:8
This verse warns believers to be vigilant against the devil, akin to Nehemiah's call for vigilance against the enemies' plots.