NOTES for Neh 4:1-23
The enemies' opposition begins, or so it may seem, with frivolity: disbelief that the Jews can rebuild what was destroyed and contemptuous jokes about a fox. Yet behind this outward frivolity lies real preparation for an attack on Jerusalem aimed at destroying it once again. The forces of evil have no trifles: the “small” sinful temptations to which we so often and easily yield may prove, and usually do prove, to be a prelude to even more serious temptations.
If we work for God, we must be ready to repel the attacks of the unseen enemy. Like the builders of the wall of Jerusalem, we have to combine work with keeping watch, and the Lord has already armed us with the shield of faith and the sword of truth. If only we would constantly remember this and hold fast to Him.