THREATS, ANGER, AND MOCKERY. Nehemiah 4:1-3 There are many ways opposition to a work of God is mounted. From the enemy without, as in the time of Nehemiah, there is grief, laughter, wrath, mockery, conflict, and subtlety directed at those engaged in the work. Sadly, there are times when discouragement and selfishness among the people of God themselves cause division and defeat in a work. Opposition to the work of God being done through His people is to be expected. In fact, if there were none, there is likely something wrong.
The god of this world will not oppose when nothing is being done that affects his control over people. He will not bother those who have no impact on the ungodliness of his system. He will seek, as best he can, to have God's people assimilate into the world's lifestyle and occupation, to the point that they blend in with everyone else. When that happens, there is no impact of holy living on the part of believers, and they look and act as if they were not even Christians.
How would you recognize a believer in a restaurant, on the job, or in an airport? If they drink the same wine, beer, or liquor as the unsaved, laugh at the same jokes as ungodly sinners, or dress the same as those who expose themselves in the same way as everyone else, there is no testimony to the grace of God at all. There will likely be only derisive comments because one claims to be a child of God, yet there is no visible evidence.
Sanballat’s open derision, anger, and mockery increased as the rebuilding of Jerusalem progressed from the temple and the Jews living in the city to the walls. Because of the proximity of his jurisdiction to Jerusalem and Judea, he may have wanted to be governor of the whole area. Disputes between rival Persian governors had been historically common.
When Nehemiah arrived on the scene, it became clear to Sanballat and Tobiah that the Jews were no easy pushover. So, he connected with the Samaritans, and together they tried to intimidate Nehemiah and the Jews with scorn, mockery, threats, and bluffs – none of which worked.
It is a fact that limestone that has been burned by fire loses its strength and becomes chalky and useless for building because of the inherent weakness that results. The Israelites would have had to select suitable stones to use for rebuilding. This may be the reason the wall they were building didn’t encompass as much area as the one they were replacing. The present-day wall of Jerusalem surrounds a much different area than the one Nehemiah built, except for the Temple Mount.
Open opposition in a new work is a sign that God is working, because Satan is always determined to stop any interference with his domination over people. The life-changing Gospel is a work of God, and opposition is a reason to be encouraged rather than a serious hindrance, because it means something is happening that the enemy fears. Opposition may be a testing time for believers, and when faced boldly, supported by earnest prayer to God and faith in Him, we are strengthened. "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world." It is in times of opposition that spiritual leadership is required to give guidance and confidence to those who look to a leader for inspiration and enthusiasm.