When Sanballat heard that Nehemiah and others were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (Neh. 4:1-f) he set about to stop this good work — and his methods are still being used to hinder or stop scriptural work today. He mocked their feeble efforts — they are small and insignificant (v.2-3). And he conspired with other enemies, uniting the forces of evil against truth, and offering "unity" (?) as compelling reason to "return unto us" (8-12).

Internal weakness also hindered the work, and it was necessary for the faithful to "clean house," even as the same is necessary today if our work is to succeed (5:1-19).

feignest them out of thine own heart. (5f)

Then Sanballat and Tobiah tried trickery. They hired men to cultivate an atmosphere of fear — trick Nehemiah into appearing to lose faith — to cringe at the enemy's approach. Bold Nehemiah would not hide. He could not be intimidated by threats to put his own safety above the need for God's work to continue (6:10-14).

"So the wall was finished..." and Nehemiah gave credit where it belonged: "this work was wrought of our God" (6:15-16). God works with those who have the faith and courage to do His bidding against all odds. Who go steadily forward, unshaken by Satan and his wiles. Who allow neither mockery, conspiracy, internal troubles, compromise, slander, or carnal tricks to move them from their course.

This offers no encouragement to those who confuse bluster, unethical tactics or character assassination with the fight of faith. If we are truly co-workers with God we do not need carnal methods to succeed. The courage of the saints is marked by meekness and poverty of spirit, true signs of trust in God and His power. We sorely need men with godly courage who can “do all things in Him..."