That the children of Israel should have again a definite place in the land of their inheritance, was as we have before seen (chapter 2:10, 19), very much against the thoughts and desires of Sanballat the Horonite. Though their position was that of subjects of the king of Persia, and their numbers were few indeed, they were here marked out as God's people, and anything which looked like strengthening them, aroused the opposition of Satan. Sanballat therefore begins with ridicule, and Tobiah joins him in it.
Nehemiah turns to God as his resource, but the building of the wall was continued.
Hearing that the walls of Jerusalem were being repaired, and that the breaches were being stopped, Sanballat and those who presently were joined with him in opposition to the work, became very angry, and conspired to fight against the city and harm it.
In a later day (Acts 4), other enemies of God and His grace, were similarly aroused against a little company who had God before them, but they were no more overthrown by the activities of their enemies, than were these with Nehemiah,.
With prayer, wisdom was given to Nehemiah, and his band of builders, and they set a watch by day and night.
Judah now began to complain about the work, and the enemies talked of surprising and killing the builders.
The Jews who lived near these adversaries, brought news of what they were planning, ten times, mid Nehemiah then set the people armed with their swords. spears and bows, in exposed places, and bade them not fear; but to remember the Lord, great and terrible, and fight.
The expected attack, did not, however, take place, for the enemies heard that their plans were known, and God had defeated their counsel. The people therefore returned to the work, half of them building, and half of them holding the weapons of warfare ready for an attack at any time, and so the wall slowly grew, from dawn to starlight daily.
One of the results of this opposition was, of course, to show what Satan's power is, and who they are that do his bidding; another was the drawing of the people together for protection, and their realizing that they must be prepared always for conflict,
The Christian's position and circumstances are similar, though it is not his to fight with flesh and blood, but with unseen powers of evil, satanic, watchful and relentless (see Ephesians 6:10-1810Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For 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. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:10‑18)); and he is shown how to meet the enemy,—-not with words and the like, but with a walk according to God, and with the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.