From the Pulpit...

The people of Israel faced opposition when rebuilding the walls with threats of war on top of the difficult construction of the walls themselves. Israel responded to the opposition by praying to God for help as they continued to strengthen the city walls. Great difficulty resulted from simultaneous work and defense as every man welded a sword, while constructing the wall or keeping watch. The obstacles of greedy oppression from Israel on her own people was taxing and Nehemiah confronts the leaders of the community by ordering a return of the property and some of the money and food to the people of Israel.