Fifty-two days. That was how long it took Nehemiah to complete the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s wall (Nehemiah 6:15). This astounding accomplishment was unimaginable in the mind of Nehemiah at first, particularly because “the survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach” (Nehemiah 1:3). The discouragement that plagued the Jews who had survived, as reported by his brother Hanani, was immediately confirmed by Nehemiah himself when he arrived to Jerusalem. Holy Writ describes the wistful ruin Jerusalem was left in by her Babylonian conqueror (Jeremiah 39:8-10). This mournful sight their eyes beheld, was the reason their hearts were ruled by pessimism and sorrow. It was a constant reminder that Jehovah God had allowed a pagan king to utterly defeat His chosen people. The Jews knew very well that their idolatrous nature had provoked God’s presence to leave His holy city. Their belief that they had been completely abandoned by Jehovah heavily influenced their negligence of restoring the burned and fallen walls of Jerusalem. Yet, a determined Nehemiah returned to his people with news that God was still with them. Scripture notes that as he revealed to them of how God blessed him with King Artaxerxes’ permission to rebuild the walls of the city, their spirits were lifted and “then they set their hands to this good work” (Nehemiah 2:18). However, as is always the case in any divine task, there were strong opponents to the reconstruction. The strongest opposition came from a man named Sanballat who “was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews” for trying to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 4:1). Although Sanballat and his associates sought to discourage, mock, and intimidate the Jews so that they would cease the labor, Nehemiah and his people constantly prayed to God and remained focused on their duties; they did not cease to work on the wall. Realizing that their adversaries were now plotting an attack against them to stop them from completing their mission, Nehemiah immediately fortifies his defenses and encourages them to be “not afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses” (Nehemiah 4:14). With this amazing speech, the people not only continued to work on the wall, but they did so in a way where “with one hand they worked construction, and with the other held a weapon” (Nehemiah 4:17). It is undoubtedly fascinating to know that in spite of finding a city in ruins, its people plagued by pessimism, and enemies who were staunch in ceasing the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s walls, Nehemiah was somehow able to complete his task in fifty-two days. Additionally, to read that the people did so with a sword in one hand and a hammer in the other is certainly spectacular. The imagery presented in this passage by God’s inspired writer serves as the exemplary pattern to be followed by every member of Christ’s body; individually and collectively. There are many wonderful lessons that must be learned from this reconstruction. Perhaps the one lesson that stands out the most is their triumphant perseverance that united all of them in finishing the wall. Nehemiah in particular never allowed his heart to be led astray from what he had determined to do. Instead, we are able to learn from Holy Scripture that in every moment of defiance Nehemiah first prayed and then encouraged his people. In a metaphorical way, he too wielded both hammer and sword. He would build his courage up by turning to God in prayer asking for His aid, then he would turn to his people and remove any doubt or menacing fear that threatened to cease their labor. Hence the model every Christian would be wise to follow in order to rebuild what sin has destroyed. First, we too must be wary not to fall into spiritual despair if our “walls” are burned by our enemy. Our God has never hidden from us that our enemy is formidable, but not invincible. The manner in which sin is rapidly burning humanity’s walls of faith and morality can be daunting at times. However, we must grab hold of our hammer and sword to rebuild man’s faith in God and to cut them loose from sin’s frigid grip. The significance of Nehemiah’s account that the Jews were builders and soldiers simultaneously is that they were well equipped whatever the situation could be. They would not be caught unprepared by the enemy or by the next stage of their construction. This must also be true of every disciple of Christ. The inspired apostle counseled the young Timothy that it was through the proper use of the Scriptures “that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2nd Timothy 3:16-17). Paul’s revelation of what makes a man of God complete is an echo of the Preacher’s “conclusion of the whole matter” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Both inspired writer’s conclude that obeying God’s word is what makes man whole, but also what fully prepares him for whatever need may arise. Truly, it is with God’s word that man can both build and destroy. Jehovah God asks His prophet, “Is not My word like a fire? says the Lord and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces” (Jeremiah 23:29)? The apostle Paul also states that “the sword of the Spirit…is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). Therefore, we are able to see how our God continuously presents His inspired word as a tool to build, but also as a weapon to destroy. God’s word must be used by His people to rebuild man’s faith and destroy his sin. It is unwise to assume, however, that all one needs is either sword or hammer in hand and he will magically know how to use it. Like any tool or weapon, one must learn the proper technique of using a hammer or sword through training and practice. Having a hammer in hand does not establish a person as an expert builder; the objects built with the hammer does so. The same is true for a Christian who does not diligently study God’s word. His lack of spiritual knowledge proves that his hammer has yet to be unwrapped. Observe that during the reconstruction “every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built” (Nehemiah 4:18). This is synonymous of a Christian who never leaves God’s word behind. Wherever he may be, his sword and hammer are always in his hands ready for good use. Sadly, there are those builders who arrive to the construction site with no hammer to build and soldiers who run to battle, without a sword to fight. Arriving unprepared in this way undoubtedly, is foolish.
