Scripture
7But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. 8They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. 9But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.10Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.”11Also our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.” 12Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” Nehemiah 4:10-12
Observation
Israel was surrounded by enemies who didn’t just want to discourage them but wanted to destroy them. Instead of seeing them restored as a nation they wanted them divided so they infiltrated their own ranks with spies and lies. If this sounds familiar it’s because we are seeing this same thing happen to Israel right now with the horrific terrorist attacks from Hamas within the walls and villages of Israel. Notice what Nehemiah does… he prays on his knees and posts warriors on his walls. He refuses to listen to the threats and lies of the enemy and boldly declares in the face of this attack: “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. 20Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!” Neh. 4:19-20
Application
I have been toggling back and forth between tears and anger as I’ve seen the footage coming in from the Hamas terrorist attacks since Saturday. The beheading of babies, the raping of women, the cold blooded murder of young people at a festival and of elderly ladies sitting at home has been an eye opening look at the face of evil. With over 1000 Israelis dead, hundreds kidnapped, and more to come this is the worst attack against the Jews since the Holocaust. I wanted to do more than just shake my head in disgust. I wanted to do something about it. Then, as God would have it, today’s reading showed me how to stand with Israel. Just like Nehemiah we need to pray on our knees and post warriors on the wall.
Pray:
"Why pray for Jerusalem? There is only one city in the entire world to which God has tied His very Name – the city of Jerusalem. As the geographical center for God’s Kingdom, the call to pray fervently for Jerusalem is declared throughout Scripture, until its completion when Jerusalem becomes a praise in the earth (Psalm 122:6, Isaiah 62:7)."
6Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May those who love you be secure.
7May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels.”
8For the sake of my family and friends,
I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your prosperity. Psalm 122:6-9
Nehemiah prays for God’s attention and mercy as a people “despised” by the world. We must pray that those who despise God’s chosen people will be silenced. We must also remember that when we pray it’s not about getting God’s attention, but Him getting our attention. We can keep watching the news or we can get on our knees as Nehemiah did. Nehemiah asks God to turn their own plans against them and to fight for them. The only way they are going to defeat their enemies is if God fight on their behalf. They are dependent on God. Finally, he lays those lies and threats and deaths at God’s feet and declares it’s God’s cause not his own. Therefore, it’s God’s battle to win. Here's a helpful resource to guide your prayers for Israel: https://centerforisrael.com/israel-prayer-guide/
Posts:
Nehemiah wisely went on the offensive in prayer and then in person. He posted warriors in front of the homes and we must stand with them as they fight for their very future as the nation of Israel. We can do this by giving to Eagles Wings International (https://eagleswings.org) who will take our financial gifts right to those hurting the most in Israel. Also, post your prayers and support for Israel on social media as much of what is being said right now is twisted and untrue.
Prayer
Jesus, I pray that what happened for Your people in Nehemiah’s day would happen for Your people now! Frustrate the plans of the enemy and set Your people free from this oppression. “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”15When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.” Neh. 4:14-15
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