Jerusalem’s wall and gates had been damaged and portions torn down. It was vital to maintain protection for the city’s inhabitants. Nehemiah’s burden for its repair elevated him to oversee the process with the blessing and assistance of Artexerxes, king of Persia. Although great resistance was provided by Sanballot and Tobiah, the task was completed.

Why was there resistance to an obvious necessity for the well-being of the Jews? Those providing the resistance clearly did not have the welfare of the city at heart. God prevailed and the wall was completed.

READ/HEAR: Nehemiah 1-3