A Show isn’t Necessary(Nehemiah 2: 11 - 18)

After I had arrived in Jerusalem and had been there three days, I set out at night with a few men. I did not tell anyone what my God had laid on my heart to do for Jerusalem. The only animal with me was the one on which I was riding.

So I went out at night through the Valley Gate toward the Well of the Serpent and the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down and the gates that had been destroyed by fire.

Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was no room for the animal under me to get through; so I went up the valley by night and inspected the wall. Then I headed back and reentered through the Valley Gate.

The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews or priests or nobles or officials or any other workers. Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned down. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.”

I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me.

“Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work.

Verse of the day: The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews or priests or nobles or officials or any other workers.

Commentary:

We talk way too much...like way too much. I do wonder if it's always been this way or if it is a function of our social media society to tell everyone what we are doing. Nehemiah 'set out at night'. Under the cover of darkness, he inspected the place he told to build. Since he believed he had God's blessing so why didn't he tell everyone the good news of what was to come.

Was it because of the enemies at the end of chapter 1?

And he appeared modestly, he was cupbearer to the king, but he took only one animal with him for his inspection. There was no extravagance or making a big show of his presence.  

During his investigation, he made notes of what destroyed the wall. From the damage type and the amount of damage, He was thorough. Was this thoroughness standard practice or because he worked for God? 

No one could stop the start of his work because he told no one. In truth, I wonder if he knew anyone there personally. He may not have known who was trustworthy. 

But he does end up telling everything in verse 16. Notice how he tells them:  

1. He appeals to the facts. 
2. He appeals to their pride He didn't start with God. Is it because he knew that they weren't following the religious practices? Or is it because emotional appeals work? 

Then he: 

1. Mentions his calling from God. 
2. Mentions his authority from the King. People rarely remember anything but the last thing that was said. Next the people agree to rebuild, so are their actions for God, pride, or authority? Does it matter? 

Nehemiah covers each basis of what could cause people to act.  

Daily Practice: Remember a time you chose to share what you were doing. Did you show off? Where you sabotaged before you started? What might you do now?

Download Printable Study Materials (Paid Members Only)

P.S. What is one other thing you see in this section of the text? Want to share a testimony? Have a prayer request?

We share them with the readers in Friday's newsletter. Complete the form to have yours shared