The story of the taunting of the Samaritans toward Nehemiah is a great lesson for us today for standing firm in the faith, even in the midst of ridicule and insult.  It is also a lesson for us in praying about the ridicule and insults that may be hurled our way. 

The people of Israel then were building up walls of defense.  Israel today is also building up "walls" of defense.  Then and now, many people oppose the people of Israel.  Later on in chapter 6, there is a veiled threat to Nehemiah.  But Nehemiah prayed, "Now strengthen my hands." 

As we stand firm in the faith, praying about the ridicule and insults aimed at us, we can also add this same prayer of Nehemiah.  We should pray that the Lord would strengthen our hands and our bodies to DO the work of the Lord, even in the midst of threats against us.

When we read about Nehemiah’s plan in chapter 4, we couldn’t help but think about missionaries and front line workers and their supporters. The rebuilders of the wall needed support personnel with swords, spears, and bows. Missionaries and front line workers need others as support in the way of financial support, prayer support, and encouragement.

Neh 4:19
Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall.

Do you know of a missionary or a front line worker who could benefit from a word of encouragement from you…or extra financial support…or most especially prayer intercession for them? Something to seriously think about!

The rebuilding of the wall was completed in an amazingly short amount of time - fifty-two days.  Could it be that the timing was orchestrated by God so that they would complete the wall in time to celebrate Feast of Tabernacles?  Of course we know that God's timing is perfect!