Nehemiah, 4
10. But from that day on, only half of my men worked while the other half, with bows, spears, shields and armor, stood behind all the people of Judah
10. But from that day on, only half of my men worked while the other half, with bows, spears, shields and armor, stood behind all the people of Judah
Nehemiah 4 narrates the opposition and oppositions faced by the Jews in the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem. In the chapter, the enemies oppose the work, mock the Jews, plan to attack them and spread lies upon them. In response, Nehemiah organizes workers, encourages them to trust God and take precautionary measures against the attacks. Here are five verses related to the topics covered in Nehemiah 4:
Isaiah 41:10: "Do not fear, because I am with you, do not haunt yourself, because I am your God; I strengthen you, and help you, and I support you with my faithful right hand." This verse encourages Jews to trust God for protection and help, as Nehemiah did when he faced himself with the opposition.
Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and fortress, well present help in anguish." Nehemiah trusts in God as his protection against enemies, and this psalm reflects that confidence.
Proverbs 21:31: "The horse prepares for battle day, but the Lord gives victory." Nehemiah took precautionary measures to protect himself from the attacks of enemies, but acknowledged that the victory came from the Lord.
Ephesians 6:11: "Coat of all God's armor, that you may be firm against the shrewd cunning of the devil." Nehemiah encouraged workers to protect themselves with weapons as they recognized that the fight was not only physical but spiritual.
Nehemiah 4:20: "In the place where you hear the sound of the horn, you will gather with us; our God will fight for us." This verse reflects the confidence of Nehemiah and the Jews that God would fight for them and protect the work they were doing.
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