April 23, 2023 - Nehemiah 3-4

“Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate (3:1) . . . The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate (3:3) . . . And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah . . . And next to them Meshullam the son of Berchiah . . . And next to them Zadok the son of Baana . . .” And so the story continues, one section of the wall after another; everybody pitching in and playing a part.

When Sanballat heard how well the work was progressing, “he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews” (4:1). In response, Nehemiah encouraged the people just to keep on keeping on, and he prayed to God for his help. But Nehemiah also put into place practical measures to address the threat: half the people worked, while half the people held weapons, ready to repel any encroachment from their enemies. As the work progressed, it seems as if problems piled up upon problems. But what could the people do but just keep on keeping on? If they were to live in Jerusalem, the work must completed. Jesus taught, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4). Annie Louisa Coghill wrote, and we sing:

Work, for the night is coming:

Work through the morning hours;

Work while the dew is sparkling:

Work mid springing flowers;

Work when the day grows brighter;

Work in the glowing sun;

Work, for the night is coming,

When man's work is done. --Annie Louisa Coghill (1860)