INTRODUCTION:  Sanballat and Tobiah had earlier tried to oppose the building of the wall by ridicule (Nehemiah 4:1-6 [1] But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. [2] And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? [3] Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall. [4] Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: [5] And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders. [6] So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
See All...) and conspiracy (Nehemiah 4:7-12 [7] But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, [8] And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. [9] Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. [10] And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. [11] And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease. [12] And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you.
See All...). Now that only the gates remain to be set in place and the time is short (see Revelation 12:12Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
See All...), they increase their efforts even more. They first pretend to be willing to compromise and come to terms with Nehemiah in order to influence the progress of the work. Then, they make accusations of wrongdoing against the Jews. And, finally, they underhandedly attack Nehemiah on a personal level trying to catch him in a weak moment.

1. OPPOSITION BY CONCILIATION (Nehemiah 6:1-4 [1] Now it came to pass when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) [2] That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. [3] And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? [4] Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
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1. The Job Nearly Finished (Nehemiah 6:1Now it came to pass when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)
   See All...; compare Acts 26:28-29 [28] Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. [29] And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
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1. The enemies of the wall keep up with the progress
2. The news of the building of the wall
1. The walls are built
2. But the doors are not set (Nehemiah 3:3But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
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3. Note: this is a time when many people relax. Although some critical elements remain, they are so simple compared to the bulk of the work already done. But the enemies of God’s work will not relax. It is important to keep vigilant at this time also. When a work for God is almost completed, you can expect one final push by the enemies of God to defeat its completion.
2. The Call to a Meeting (Nehemiah 6:2That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.
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1. The invitation to a meeting
1. By Sanballat and Geshem
2. To meet in a village in the plain of Ono
2. The purpose of the meeting
1. To draw Nehemiah away from the work
2. To do mischief to Nehemiah; they probably planned to hold or even to harm Nehemiah in order to discourage the people in their work
3. The call to compromise is one of the chief ploys of the devil when it becomes apparent that he cannot destroy the work outright (2 Corinthians 2:11Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
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1. The example of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:1-5 [1] And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. [2] And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. [3] And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; [4] But sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. [5] Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 18:1Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.
   See All...; 2 Chronicles 19:1-2 [1] And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem. [2] And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.
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2. The warning of Paul (2 Corinthians 6:14-16 [14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? [15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
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3. The Answer of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:3-4 [3] And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? [4] Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
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1. The greatness of the work (Nehemiah 6:3And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
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1. I am doing a great work; Note: this was not a matter of pride but of conviction. It was the work of God and therefore it was very great (John 9:4I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
   See All...; 2 Corinthians 4:1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
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2. I cannot allow the work to cease
3. I cannot come down to you; Note: that to go to Sanballat and Geshem would be to go down
2. The consistency of his reply (Nehemiah 6:4Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
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1. Four requests for a meeting
2. Four identical replies
2. OPPOSITION BY ACCUSATION (Nehemiah 6:5-9 [5] Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; [6] Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words. [7] And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together. [8] Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. [9] For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
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1. Accusing of Rebellion (Nehemiah 6:5-7 [5] Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; [6] Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words. [7] And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.
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1. The last letter (Nehemiah 6:5Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;
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1. The fifth letter
2. An open letter; that is, a public letter meant for all to hear. They are trying to sway public opinion.
2. The supposed desire of Nehemiah to be king (Nehemiah 6:6-7 [6] Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words. [7] And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.
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1. A rumor among the heathen (Nehemiah 6:6Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.
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2. The purpose for the wall (Nehemiah 6:6Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.
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3. The preaching of the prophets (Nehemiah 6:7And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.
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3. The desired meeting (Nehemiah 6:7And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.
   See All...b; Proverbs 1:10-16 [10] My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. [11] If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: [12] Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: [13] We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: [14] Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: [15] My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: [16] For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
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2. Attempting to Cause Fear (Nehemiah 6:8-9 [8] Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. [9] For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
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1. A false report (Nehemiah 6:8Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
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1. A denial of the report
2. An accusation of falsehood
2. A sturdy faith (Nehemiah 6:9For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
   See All...; Nehemiah 2:18Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.
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1. The fears of the people
2. The hopes of the enemies
3. The prayer of Nehemiah
3. OPPOSITION BY DECEPTION (Nehemiah 6:10-14 [10] Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee. [11] And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in. [12] And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. [13] Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me. [14] My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.
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1. The Deception of Shemaiah (Nehemiah 6:10-11 [10] Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee. [11] And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.
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1. Shemaiah’s offer of protection (Nehemiah 6:10Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.
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1. A warning of assassination
1. By his enemies
2. In the night
2. An offer of protection in the temple
2. Nehemiah’s refusal to listen (Nehemiah 6:11And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.
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1. Not a man to flee
2. Not one to wrongly use the temple
2. The Hire of Shemaiah (Nehemiah 6:12-14 [12] And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. [13] Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me. [14] My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.
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1. Paid to prophecy (Nehemiah 6:12And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
   See All...; Micah 3:11The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.
   See All...; John 10:12-13 [12] But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. [13] The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
   See All...; Jude 1:11Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
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1. Not sent by God (Ezekiel 13:3-6 [3] Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! [4] O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts. [5] Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD. [6] They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.
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2. Hired by Sanballat and Tobiah
2. Seeking a flaw (Nehemiah 6:13Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.
   See All...; Daniel 6:4-5 [4] Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. [5] Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.
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1. That he should be afraid
2. That he should commit a sin
3. That an evil report might be made against him
3. Turned over to God (Nehemiah 6:14My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.
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1. The enemies of the work
2. The false prophets who lie
4. COMPLETION OF THE WALL (Nehemiah 6:15-19 [15] So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. [16] And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God. [17] Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. [18] For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah. [19] Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.
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1. A Testimony to the Heathen (Nehemiah 6:15-16 [15] So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. [16] And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
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1. Finished in 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.
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1. On the 25th of the Elul, the 6th month in the sacred Jewish calendar
2. In 52 days; attesting to the quickness of the work
2. Witnessing to God’s work (Nehemiah 6:16And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
   See All...; Psalm 126:1-2 [1] When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. [2] Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
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1. Defeating the enemies of the work
2. Exalting the greatness of God
2. A Continuation of Conflict (Nehemiah 6:17-19 [17] Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. [18] For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah. [19] Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.
   See All...; see Acts 20:29-30 [29] For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. [30] Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
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1. Those writing to Tobiah (Nehemiah 6:17Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.
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2. Those supporting Tobiah (Nehemiah 6:18For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.
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1. Those sworn to him
2. Those related to him
3. Those exalting Tobiah (Nehemiah 6:19Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.
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1. Reporting his good deeds to Nehemiah
2. Reporting Nehemiah’s words to Tobiah
3. Sending his letters to create fear
5. REGISTER OF THE FIRST RETURN (Nehemiah 7:1-73 [1] Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, [2] That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. [3] And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house. [4] Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded. [5] And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein, [6] These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city; [7] Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this; [8] The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two. [9] The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two. [10] The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two. [11] The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen. [12] The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. [13] The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five. [14] The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore. [15] The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight. [16] The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight. [17] The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two. [18] The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven. [19] The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven. [20] The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five. [21] The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight. [22] The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight. [23] The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four. [24] The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve. [25] The children of Gibeon, ninety and five. [26] The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight. [27] The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight. [28] The men of Bethazmaveth, forty and two. [29] The men of Kirjathjearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three. [30] The men of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one. [31] The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two. [32] The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three. [33] The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two. [34] The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. [35] The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty. [36] The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five. [37] The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one. [38] The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty. [39] The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three. [40] The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two. [41] The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven. [42] The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen. [43] The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four. [44] The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight. [45] The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight. [46] The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth, [47] The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon, [48] The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai, [49] The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, [50] The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, [51] The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah, [52] The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim, [53] The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, [54] The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, [55] The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah, [56] The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. [57] The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida, [58] The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, [59] The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon. [60] All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two. [61] And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel. [62] The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two. [63] And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name. [64] These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. [65] And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim. [66] The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore, [67] Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women. [68] Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred forty and five: [69] Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses. [70] And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments. [71] And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver. [72] And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments. [73] So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities.
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1. The Charge of the Keepers (Nehemiah 7:1-4 [1] Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, [2] That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. [3] And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house. [4] Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.
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1. The appointment of the keepers (Nehemiah 7:1-2 [1] Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, [2] That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.
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2. The protection of the city (Nehemiah 7:3And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.
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3. The weakness of the city (Nehemiah 7:4Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.
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2. The Numbering of the First Return (Nehemiah 7:5-73 [5] And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein, [6] These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city; [7] Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this; [8] The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two. [9] The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two. [10] The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two. [11] The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen. [12] The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. [13] The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five. [14] The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore. [15] The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight. [16] The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight. [17] The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two. [18] The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven. [19] The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven. [20] The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five. [21] The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight. [22] The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight. [23] The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four. [24] The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve. [25] The children of Gibeon, ninety and five. [26] The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight. [27] The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight. [28] The men of Bethazmaveth, forty and two. [29] The men of Kirjathjearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three. [30] The men of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one. [31] The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two. [32] The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three. [33] The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two. [34] The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. [35] The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty. [36] The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five. [37] The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one. [38] The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty. [39] The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three. [40] The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two. [41] The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven. [42] The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen. [43] The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four. [44] The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight. [45] The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight. [46] The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth, [47] The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon, [48] The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai, [49] The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, [50] The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, [51] The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah, [52] The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim, [53] The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, [54] The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, [55] The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah, [56] The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. [57] The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida, [58] The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, [59] The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon. [60] All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two. [61] And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel. [62] The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two. [63] And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name. [64] These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. [65] And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim. [66] The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore, [67] Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women. [68] Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred forty and five: [69] Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses. [70] And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments. [71] And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver. [72] And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments. [73] So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities.
   See All...; compare Ezra 2:1-70 [1] Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city; [2] Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mizpar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: [3] The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two. [4] The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two. [5] The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five. [6] The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve. [7] The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. [8] The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five. [9] The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore. [10] The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two. [11] The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three. [12] The children of Azgad, a thousand two hundred twenty and two. [13] The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six. [14] The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six. [15] The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four. [16] The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight. [17] The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three. [18] The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve. [19] The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three. [20] The children of Gibbar, ninety and five. [21] The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three. [22] The men of Netophah, fifty and six. [23] The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight. [24] The children of Azmaveth, forty and two. [25] The children of Kirjatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three. [26] The children of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one. [27] The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two. [28] The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three. [29] The children of Nebo, fifty and two. [30] The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six. [31] The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. [32] The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty. [33] The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five. [34] The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five. [35] The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty. [36] The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three. [37] The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two. [38] The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven. [39] The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen. [40] The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four. [41] The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight. [42] The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine. [43] The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth, [44] The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon, [45] The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub, [46] The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan, [47] The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah, [48] The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam, [49] The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai, [50] The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim, [51] The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, [52] The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, [53] The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah, [54] The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. [55] The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda, [56] The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, [57] The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami. [58] All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two. [59] And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel: [60] The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two. [61] And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name: [62] These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. [63] And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim. [64] The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore, [65] Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women. [66] Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five; [67] Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty. [68] And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place: [69] They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments. [70] So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.
   See All...); this is a look back of 92 years

CONCLUSION: Certainly, the Lord enabled Nehemiah and the Jews to complete the walls of Jerusalem. However, the leadership of Nehemiah was critical from the human viewpoint. The enemies of the wall threw everything imaginable at him, but he would not turn from the cause at hand. How much we should learn from Nehemiah’s example!

John 9:4I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
See All... I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

2 Corinthians 2:11Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
See All... Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Nehemiah 6:3And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
See All... And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?