Sanballat and his friends sought to have Nehemiah meet them outside the city as construction was nearing completion. The meeting was a trap entirely. God opened Nehemiah’s eyes to the motives of the evil men. When we are close to God, He helps protect us and keeps our eyes aware of evils to come. Since Nehemiah could not be persuaded in this manner, they attempted to have him break God’s wishes by going into the temple. Nehemiah refused and found a false prophet! When those who profess that things are to come and it does not come true, we must recognize their falseness and disband from them. Using the Word to prophecies falsely is a great sin. We must call to account those whose prophecies are not true. Do as Nehemiah does here and reach out to God for guidance and allow Him to place our feet on our journey.
The walls are finished and more and more Israelites side with Sanballat and Tobiah and the powerful leaders in Jerusalem. Be cautious about where we throw our lots. Our lot should be thrown into the Word and the Work of God. Not into the work of man. Spare ourselves of the distress by working for man. Work for His Glory and it will come also for you. Heed the words and the lessons from God. They will apply to our lives forever.