Opposition, Inspection and Teamwork Nehemiah 2:9 – 3:32

Opposition When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites. Nehemiah 2:10

RELIGION Sanballat Governor of Samaria Sanballat means: “bramble bush” (any rough, tangled, prickly shrub) “enemy in secret” RELIGION

Tobiah Governor of Ammon Tobiah means “The Lord is Good” POLITICAL

POLITICAL + RELIGIOUS Geshem Politics Religion Politics Arabian tribal chief Geshem means “rain, shower” May have been from the lineage of Ishmael Religion POLITICAL + RELIGIOUS

Mark 8:15 And he charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.”

Notice Nehemiah’s response: I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. Nehemiah 2:11,12 He continued as planned.

Inspection: vs. 11-16 I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire.

Inspection: vs. 11-16 Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.

“I set out during the night with a few others “I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem.” vs. 12 Let the Lord settle in your heart the vision, actions, dreams and plans first before posting on Facebook! Survey, inspect, examine that which God has called you to do. Know who the Lord wants you to share this with – “said nothing to the Jews, priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.” vs. 16

Teamwork: Nehemiah 2:17 – 3:32 There is a time to cast vision. Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire.” Come (he extends an invitation into the vision – Jesus said to his disciples “Come, come follow me”), let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.

Teamwork: Nehemiah 2:17 – 3:32 He had a testimony of the gracious hand of God upon him. Notice: they replied, “Let us start rebuilding.”

Teamwork: Nehemiah 2:17 – 3:32 In the middle of Teamwork, Opposition returns. Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem – they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

Teamwork: Nehemiah 2:17 – 3:32 Nehemiah’s response: I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.” He understood his identity.

Nehemiah 3:1-32 Leaders: Lead and serve first Vs. 1: Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the sheep gate. Leaders: Lead and serve first

Nehemiah 3:1-32 We are family Vs. 5: And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve the Lord. “next to them” – priests, men, sons, goldsmiths, perfumers, Rephaiah ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, daughters, Levites (spiritual leaders), brothers, merchants We are family

Nehemiah 3:1-32 Vs. 10: Jedaiah repaired opposite of his house Vs. 28: The priests repaired opposite their houses. Vs. 13: Hanun, built the Valley Gate and another 1,000 cubits of the wall as far as the Dung Gate Vs. 15: Shallun – Fountain Gate and Pool of Shelah