So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
The verse belongs to the mission to rebuild Jerusalem's wall, which met opposition from nearby leaders. In that setting Nehemiah prayed for help, God heard him and moved heathen kings to support the work, and God worked through those kings while enemies opposed him. The wall was joined together with its gaps filled and raised to half its intended height, even while opposition tried to distract and confuse the builders. The returned captives succeeded despite poverty, difficulty, and danger because the people were united and willing to work. Their shared resolve carried the work forward while Nehemiah looked to God for guidance and support.
Their shared effort, loyalty to God, and refusal to let adversaries hinder the work made it possible to carry out God's purpose. Opposition could not succeed unless the people opened the way to it, and each attack could instead lead them to rely more firmly on God and work with greater determination. Nehemiah's loyalty and love for God stirred the people to labor with fresh zeal and courage, so his efforts succeeded despite opposition. Serious hindrances nearly stopped the rebuilding, but the Lord heard Nehemiah's prayers and opened the way for it to continue, a setting comparable to the difficulties God's servants would face in moving the publishing work from Battle Creek.
The people working together with determined purpose is an example of holy energy, faith, and hope, with strength depending wholly on God and believers strengthening one another in a work entrusted to them. Building the wall illustrates building up God's cause, where each person should concentrate on the assigned part, workers should act in harmony, avoid hindering one another, and strengthen one another's hands. The people's readiness and willingness to join together in the work calls Christians to be aroused and devoted to organized, persevering efforts to save people, especially those who are perishing. A willing mind to work enables God's people to carry out their appointed task, so properly trained youth should come from college ready to work, while workers with clearer spiritual vision gain new light for their service.
The verse belongs to the mission to rebuild Jerusalem's wall, which met opposition from nearby leaders. In that setting Nehemiah prayed for help, God heard him and moved heathen kings to support the work, and God worked through those kings while enemies opposed him. The wall was joined together with its gaps filled and raised to half its intended height, even while opposition tried to distract and confuse the builders. The returned captives succeeded despite poverty, difficulty, and danger because the people were united and willing to work. Their shared resolve carried the work forward while Nehemiah looked to God for guidance and support.
Their shared effort, loyalty to God, and refusal to let adversaries hinder the work made it possible to carry out God's purpose. Opposition could not succeed unless the people opened the way to it, and each attack could instead lead them to rely more firmly on God and work with greater determination. Nehemiah's loyalty and love for God stirred the people to labor with fresh zeal and courage, so his efforts succeeded despite opposition. Serious hindrances nearly stopped the rebuilding, but the Lord heard Nehemiah's prayers and opened the way for it to continue, a setting comparable to the difficulties God's servants would face in moving the publishing work from Battle Creek.
The people working together with determined purpose is an example of holy energy, faith, and hope, with strength depending wholly on God and believers strengthening one another in a work entrusted to them. Building the wall illustrates building up God's cause, where each person should concentrate on the assigned part, workers should act in harmony, avoid hindering one another, and strengthen one another's hands. The people's readiness and willingness to join together in the work calls Christians to be aroused and devoted to organized, persevering efforts to save people, especially those who are perishing. A willing mind to work enables God's people to carry out their appointed task, so properly trained youth should come from college ready to work, while workers with clearer spiritual vision gain new light for their service.