Why was Nehemiah successful in convincing the people this time?
I.e. what 3 points does Nehemiah make publicly to rally the troops to rebuild (Nehemaih 2:11-20)?
Nehemiah 2:9 - 20
ESV - 9 Then I came to the governors of the province Beyond the River and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen. 10 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant heard this, it displeased them greatly that someone had come to seek the welfare of the people of Israel.
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Donna Williams
Supporter
The three points to answer your question are found in verses 17-18 of Nehemiah chapter 2. Nehemiah begins to explain to the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the others who did the work in the verses mentioned above. He first tells them that they see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies in waste, or desolation, and it's gates have been burned with fire. Secondly, he encourages them with these words, "Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach." And thirdly, he tells them of the hand of God which had been good upon him, in other words, Nehemiah found favor with God and with man, or the king who granted his request. The thing that I admire about Nehemiah is that, even though he served the King of Persia as cupbearer, he continued to identify with his brothers the Jews. In these verses, we see him saying, the distress that "we are in", come and "let us", and that "we may no longer be a reproach". Ultimately, Nehemiah was successful because of his faith in God, and he knew that it was the will of God for him to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. And, the people were willing to do the work because God had put it in their hearts to do so. I believe that when God puts us in places where we have been called to serve people in high positions, He still expects us to remain humble and to remember that we are one in the body of Christ, and that He is glorified, as a result of our unity.
Shirley H
Supporter
I would guess that Nehemiah saw the destruction and had only a few men with him. He kept quiet about what his God had revealed to him. Lastly, he went under the cover of darkness. So he was extremely cautious. Nehemiah was obedient. God, most importantly, was with him. And the officials didn't know where or what he was doing. Add to that, success became reality because the people, "we," were included, and it then was teamwork!
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
I have chosen the from the ESV because a favorite song of mine uses it to bring out these 3 good leadership techniques. The lyrics are these: 17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” 18 And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. 1. He states the problem clearly (Nehemiah 2:17a): “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned.” Nehemiah confronts the harsh reality—no one can deny the broken walls and burned gates that leave the city vulnerable and in shame. 2. He issues a direct call to action (Nehemiah 2:17b): “Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” This is an inclusive invitation (“let us”) that ties the rebuilding directly to ending their collective reproach and restoring dignity. 3. He provides motivation and encouragement (Nehemiah 2:18a): “And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me.” Nehemiah shares two powerful assurances: (a) God’s favor has been evident throughout the process (from his burden in Susa [Nehemiah 1:4-11] through the journey [Nehemiah 2:9-10]), and (b) King Artaxerxes has granted official permission, resources, and letters of safe passage [Nehemiah 2:4-8]. The people respond immediately (Nehemiah 2:18b): “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. Nehemiah then answers the mockers (Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem) in verse 20 by reaffirming God’s success and the people’s exclusive right to the project. This concise, three-part appeal—problem → solution → divine + human support—shifts the people from discouragement to committed action and is a classic example of biblical leadership in rallying a community. Assisted by Grok.com and Nehemiah 2:17-18 (ESV) - song and lyrics by Stan Blair, and the Quest Study Bible
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