Neh 4:16-20 ESV

15 When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. 16 From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, 17 who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. 18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me. 19 And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another. 20 In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”

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16 Mula nang araw na iyon, kalahati sa aking mga lingkod ay gumawa sa pagtatayo, at ang kalahati ay humawak ng mga sibat, mga kalasag, mga pana, at mga baluti; at ang mga pinuno ay nasa likuran ng buong sambahayan ng Juda, 17 na gumagawa sa pader. Yaong mga nagpapasan ay pinagpapasan sa paraang ang bawat isa'y gumagawa sa pamamagitan ng isang kamay habang ang isa nama'y may hawak na sandata. 18 Bawat isa sa mga manggagawa ay may kanyang tabak na nakasukbit sa kanyang tagiliran habang gumagawa. Ang lalaking nagpapatunog ng trumpeta ay katabi ko. 19 Sinabi ko sa mga maharlika at sa mga pinuno, at sa iba pang taong-bayan, “Ang gawain ay malaki at malawak ang nasasaklaw, at tayo'y hiwa-hiwalay sa pader, malayo sa isa't-isa. 20 Sa lugar na inyong marinig ang tunog ng trumpeta, magsama-sama tayo roon. Ang Diyos natin ang lalaban para sa atin.”


THE SWORD AND TROWEL

Were they victorious because the enemy shrunk back? [v.15] Definitely no! Their getting on with the work and finishing it was the victory. They would not be at peace and secured until the wall was rebuilt, would they? It is easy to feel that just enduring trials is the victory, isn’t it? An attack may prevent us to progress and work for the LORD. Thus, victory is enduring the attack while continuing the progress and work for the LORD.

Nehemiah devised a strategy adapted now as the ‘sword and the trowel.’ While some did the work of rebuilding, the others did the defending. All the workers had been working with trowels in their hands with ready sword at their side, until the work is done. In the same perspective, God’s kingdom is built with both a sword and a trowel. A ‘sword work’ to ward off against every spiritual force of wickedness in the high places. And, ‘trowel work’ in building up the people of God. As in winning basketball, the team should take care both offense and defense. Moreover, Nehemiah did ensure their readiness by setting up watchmen to blow trumpet alarms to rally everyone.

All of what Nehemiah did demonstrated that he did not minimize the gigantic task. Although, they put themselves 100% ready for the crucible to happen, they didn’t trust in themselves alone. Nehemiah has highlighted the true source of their strength, saying, “Our God will fight for us.” As Solomon warned us, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”[Prov 16:9]

In our fight for the advancement of God’s kingdom, we hold the sword and trowel on both of our hands while our hearts are pointing to God.

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