Nehemiah 4:16 - Meaning and Application

When the builders had reason to think the enemy’s plan was broken, they went back to their work. Even so, they did not feel safe enough to put down their weapons, because they knew their enemies were restless and never gave up. If one plan failed, the enemy would simply make another. In the same way, we must stay alert against our spiritual enemies and not expect our fight to be over before our work is done.

Nehemiah took steps so the people would be ready if an attack came. While one half of the workers built, the other half stood guard with spears, shields, and bows. They were ready not only to protect themselves, but also the workers, who would stop at once and reach for their weapons if danger was announced (Nehemiah 4:16). It is likely that they changed roles at set times, which would ease the burden on both groups, especially the burden carriers whose strength had worn down (Nehemiah 4:10). In this way they divided their time between the trowel and the spear, or, as the text says, they worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other (Nehemiah 4:17). That does not mean this was always done literally that way, but it shows they gave equal attention to both tasks. So we too must keep working while we hold the weapons of our spiritual warfare, because every duty brings some opposition, and we must keep fighting the good fight of faith.

Each builder also had a sword at his side (Nehemiah 4:18), where he could carry it without slowing his work. In a similar way, God’s word is the sword of the Spirit, and we should keep it close at hand at all times, both in our labor and in our struggles as Christians. Nehemiah also made sure there would be early warning if the enemy tried to surprise them. He kept a trumpeter near him to sound the alarm at the first sign of danger. Since the work was spread out and the builders were scattered around the wall, he could not watch every place at once. But he moved about to oversee the work and encourage the workers, so he could quickly learn if an attack began, and then call everyone to gather around him, trusting that their God would fight for them (Nehemiah 4:18-20). When they were working, they needed to be spread out where the building was needed. When they were fighting, they needed to come together in one body. The workers in Christ’s building should also be ready to unite against a common enemy.

The people living in the villages were told to stay inside Jerusalem with their servants (Nehemiah 4:22). This was not only so they would be closer to their work in the morning, but also so they could help if an attack came at night. A city is stronger when its people are secure and ready to act than when it relies only on its walls. If those people are guarded, and God’s blessing rests on them, they are safe enough.

Nehemiah himself, along with all his men, stayed closely at their task. The spears were kept visible to scare the enemy from sunrise to sunset, and even from twilight to twilight each day (Nehemiah 4:21). So we too should stay on guard against our spiritual enemies, not only in the daylight, but also in the dark, since they rule the darkness of this world. Nehemiah was so focused on the work, and so strict with his servants, that during the busiest time neither he nor they went to bed in proper clothes. Instead, they slept in their clothes, changing them only now and then for cleanliness or because of ceremonial uncleanness (Nehemiah 4:23). This showed how fully their hearts were set on the work. They were so committed that they would not waste time dressing and undressing, but stayed ready for service at any moment. Good work is likely to succeed when those who do it treat it as serious business.