V.1-4 The same enemies have not given up their hatred, but this time they try another method. They suggest to Nehemiah that he should “come and let us meet together.” How harmless that sounded. Nehemiah said “no” four times. Today the “Ecumenical Movement” is a great effort to try to unite all the religious groups together to form one great church. We have a picture of it here. May our answer be “no” also.
V.5-8 The enemy tries again, with false accusations, and says “Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.” Again, Nehemiah refused to be tricked.
V.9 He turns to God for strength.
V.10-14 Further attempts to hinder this servant of God. Nehemiah takes it all to the Lord and goes quietly on with his work.
V.15 The work is finished. The wall and all of its gates were now completed.
V.17-19 Instead of mocking or threatening, the enemy tries to make friends with some inside the wall. We even find marriage between those enemies outside and God’s people inside, for Meshullam was one of the builders of the wall.