2). The concern of the people. 4:9-12

a). The condition of the city. They had to clear the debris from the city. 4:9,10
b). The constant threat of the enemy. Waiting to ambush the labourers. 4:11,12

3). The charge to the people. 4:13,14

a). The solution to their problem –

(1). Fear God.
(2). Fight for their families

These same situations were known to the early church and they are known among us today –
2 Corinthians 7:3-5 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

b). The solution to our problem today. We must receive the same charge and act accordingly.

(1). Fear God.
(2). Fight for our families.

We are in a spiritual battle, the war is raging and believers must be aware of the dangers in the world!

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Work, but wear your armour when you go out!

4). The continuation of the work. 4:15-23

a). They determined to complete the wall. 4:15 “…every one unto his work.”
b). They discouraged their enemies. They were prepared to face them. 4:16-23

Nehemiah learned from the account in God’s Word of those that were before him –

Note Joab’s instructions to Abishi as they prepared for battle –

2 Samuel 10:11-12 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee. Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.
5). The confrontation of sin among the people. 5:1-13
a). The complaint of the people. 5:1-5 The rich had taken advantage of the poor.
b). The confrontation of the guilty. 5:6-13

(1). The authority of the Word of God.

Leviticus 25:39-43 And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant: But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the year of jubile: And then shall he depart from thee, both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return. For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen. Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour; but shalt fear thy God.

(2). The appeal to their conscience. 5:6-11
(3). The acceptance of the rebuke and restoration to the people. 5:12,13

6). The charity of Nehemiah. 5:14-19
We note Nehemiah’s care for the people both physically (Protection and Provision), mentally (working together), and spiritually. His desire was truly as was stated in                  Nehemiah 2:10 “… there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of                        Israel.”
7). The complicity of the Jews to destroy the testimony of Nehemiah. 6:10-14, 17-19
King David despaired over the treachery of his friends –
Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.