Four months passed during which Nehemiah waited for God’s time to approach the king. “Whoever believes will not act hastily, says Isa. 28:16 (NKJV). Indeed, faith and patience go together (Heb. 6:12). But Nehemiah had a plan in his mind, given to him by the Lord, and he knew just what to do when the right hour arrived. How like the Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:5–6).

Nehemiah did not believe in a one-man ministry; he challenged the leaders of the remnant to work with him (not for him) in repairing the walls. The motive? “That we may no longer be a reproach.” He was concerned with the glory of God as well as the good of the nation. Nehemiah showed them the need, outlined the task, and assured them of God’s blessing. Immediately the opposition was aroused (as it always is), but Nehemiah knew that God’s hand was upon him and his work.

When Nehemiah had considered the matter, he told the Jews that God had put it into his heart to build the wall of Jerusalem. He does not undertake to do it without them. By stirring up ourselves and one another to that which is good, we strengthen ourselves and one another for it. We are weak in our duty, when we are cold and careless.

11–18: INSPECTION AND INSPIRATION Nehemiah makes a clandestine and personal three-day inspection of Jerusalem, unknown to anyone except God. Knowing God’s good hand upon him, and encouraged by the words of the king spoken to him, Nehemiah urges the priests, nobles, officials, and others, to join him in rebuilding the wall, in order that the reproach will no longer be upon God’s people and God’s city. They are inspired by this and readily say, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ They start to work.