Under Pressure

In Nehemiah 6:1-14 we see Nehemiah’s integrity and resolution, two qualities needed when standing in the gap. His enemies tried to get him to cower but he would not back down (v. 11). It reminded us of Uriah in 2 Samuel 11 who would not be persuaded to relax while the army was still at war. Both Nehemiah and Uriah knew what was right and abode by it even while under pressure to do otherwise.

He did not seek to justify himself when falsely accused even though there was potential harm to himself and the work. Instead he devoted his attention and energies to what God had given him to do. In the end, the miracle of accomplishing God’s work in a short time gave God glory and silenced their enemies: “So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. 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.”

Take a look into many cross-references to various phrases in v. 1-4. You’ll be encouraged as you do so.
“They thought to do me harm”—Psa. 12:2; 37:32; Ez. 33:30-33
“Sent messangers”—Prov. 14:15; Mt. 10:16
“Why should I leave and the work cease”—Ecc. 9:10; Luke 14:30; John 9:4; 1 Tim. 4:15-16