B. Nehemiah, the builder. 2:9 – 7:73

1. His arrival. 2:9-11

a. The presentation of documents. 2:9a
b. The presence of the Kings authority 2:9b The kings soldiers
c. The provocation of the enemies. 2:10

1). The Samaritan’s animosity against the restoration of Israel.

2 Kings 17:26-28 Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land. Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry thither one of the priests whom ye brought from thence; and let them go and dwell there, and let him teach them the manner of the God of the land. Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear the LORD.

Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

John 8:48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
These delighted in the suffering of Israel. They should have been aware of God judgment on those that hate His people.

Psalms 7:15-16 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

2. His assessment of the task. 2:12-16
3. His admonition to the people to build. 2:17,18
4. His attitude toward the opposition. He was opposed in seven ways.

We should learn from his responses!

a. Opposition – Ridicule. 2:19, 4:1-3
Response – “…The God of heaven, he will prosper us…”
b. Opposition – Anger 4:7
Response – “Nevertheless we made our prayer unto God, and set a watch against them…”
c. Opposition – Discouragement. 4:10-12
Response – “…Be ye not afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren…”
d. Opposition – Greed (danger from within) 5:1-9
Response – “…It is not good that ye do. Ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?”
e. Opposition – Deceit 6:1-4
Response – He remained focused on the service unto the Lord. “I am doing a great work. Why should the work cease, whilst I come down to you?”
f. Opposition – Intimidation 6:5-9
Response – “Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands'”
g. Opposition – Betrayal (danger from within) 6:10-14
Response – “…Should such a man as I flee…? 6:11
“My God, think thou upon… the rest that would have put me in fear”. 6:14
Opposition is to be expected in the Lord’s work, but the Lord is near –
Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.