The reactions of Nehemiah face the four traps

"The wall was completed ... in fifty-two days." Nehemiah 6: 15

The rebuilding of the Jerusalem Wall was completed in record time : 52 days. Yet enemies have stretched four traps against the leader Nehemiah to try to block the work. How did Nehemiah avoid being caught ?

1. "I sent them messengers, saying," I do a great work, and I can not go down "(v. 3). Nehemiah discerns the hidden purpose of their invitation, but he does not accuse or despise his enemies. He sends messengers who convey his courteous, clear and reasoned refusal : his priority is service for God, his call is in Jerusalem, there is urgency to finish the work. This attitude is described by Paul :

"Founded and firm, without letting you turn away from the hope of the gospel" (Col. 1:23).

2. "They sent me to say the same thing four times, and I answered them in the same way" (v. 4). The enemies harass Nehemiah in the hope that fear will make him yield. But he does not let himself be impressed, he remains polite, but firm. He could have said:

"Fortified in all strength, according to the power of his glory, for all patience and perseverance, with joy" (Col. 1:11).

3. "I sent to him, saying," None of the things of which thou speakest did take place; But you invent them in your own heart. For they would all frighten us, saying: their hands will be wearied of labor, and it will not happen. Now therefore strengthen my hands "(v.8). The enemy spread a very serious accusation of treason against Nehemiah. But he reacts without panic, anger, or hatred. He answers falsehood by the truth and trusts in God.

"Having stripped away falsehood, speak the truth to one's neighbor" (Ephesians 4:25).

"Do not worry about anything, but in all circumstances, expose your requests to God" (Phil 4: 6).

4. "What man like me would enter the temple and live ... I recognized that ... it was not God who had sent [Shemahia]" (v. 11, 12), a traitor who sought to bring him under the judgment Of God by pushing him to a sacrilegious act to save his life.

The spiritual discernment makes him distinguish, with humility and dignity, what comes from God or men.

Source (To pleasing the Lord)