Esther 7

Esther 7:1

Nehemiah Encourages the People

Nehemiah sees it all clearly. He comes into action. Full of courage and determined, he rises up and speaks to the people. The nobles and the officials, the middle management so to speak, are mentioned separately. They must certainly take his message to heart, for they in turn must encourage the people. But the rest of the people are also among his listeners.

Nehemiah holds his umpteenth ‘pep talk’. He sees that the enemy’s message has done its work through his representatives among the people. The people threaten to stop building. But he encourages them to continue (cf. Hebrews 12:12), convinced that God is with him (Nehemiah 2:20). In opposition to the enemy, he presents “the Lord who is great and awesome” (cf. Nehemiah 1:5). Compared to Him, the enemy disappears into nothingness! They do not have to fear that enemy. “The fear of man [m]brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted” (Proverbs 29:25).

He calls them to turn their minds to the LORD (cf. 2 Timothy 2:8). They must think of Him, Who He is and what He has done. If we think about what we all owe to Him, we will be filled with confidence that He will continue in making it well. We will confidently place the consequences of the work in His hands.

It is also a task for us to consciously focus our thinking on Him to Whom all powers are subject. The enemy wants us to think of him and be impressed by who he is. The Lord wants us to think of Him and be impressed by Who He is. It is our responsibility to focus on whom we think (Colossians 3:2; Philippians 4:8). Seeing the Lord Jesus gives us strength to fight for what is dear to us.

After grouping them together into their families, Nehemiah now appeals to the family feeling. He emphasizes its value to bring them to full commitment in the battle. They must fight for 1. all their brothers, 2. their children, to give them their future, 3. their wives whom they have received as help, and with whom they are one, to enjoy the land of God with them, 4. their homes, their home area.

Let us remember that our struggle Isaiah 1. for all God’s children, 2. for all those who are entrusted to our care and who will soon have to continue God’s testimony on earth, 3. for all who have a caring task in the church of God, 4. for their living environment, the atmosphere in which their family is formed.

If we want a passable way for our (natural or spiritual) children, we have to go this way ahead of them. If we leave that way because it takes too much effort, our children will not learn to go that way.

Esther 7:2

All Go Back to Work

The enemy slinks away. He ran his propaganda machine, but without result. God has His own way of making His work known. He lets the enemy know that their plan no longer has a chance of success. Nehemiah attributes all this to God and not to his own clever actions.

He has an eye for the fact that God has paved the way so that they can all return to the wall, each to his own work. Here we see that beautiful balance again: on the one hand, building together on the wall, that one common project; on the other hand, each has his own place in that work that cannot be taken by another (Mark 13:34; 1 Corinthians 12:11). It is a work that is not done by just one or two, but by all together.

Esther 7:3

Working and Watching

The danger is gone, but Nehemiah does not slacken. He knows the enemy will not give up. The tasks are redistributed. Half the men are working on the wall. That means the work continues at half strength. It progresses slower, but no less certain. The other half of the men are supplied with weapons and assigned to ensure safety. The safety measures are being tightened.

In yet another way, work continues at half strength. Those who help with the building as burden bearers, who bring stones to the builders, also become fighters. In one hand they carry the stone, in the other the spear. So they only have one hand available for the actual work. As a result, progress is even slower, because in addition to the building work, they also have to defend themselves.

Those who build on the wall can use both hands. However, they have the sword within reach, at the hip. In his daily life, a believer must pay attention to his separation and must always be able to use the sword of the Word against attacks. True servants of God have had to spend a considerable portion of their time and energy defending the truth. From the beginning, the apostles have not only preached the gospel and taught the truth, the letters teach that they have also had to defend themselves against the attacks of the enemy. The truth is worth fighting for. If we lose the truth, we lose everything.

The Word is brought to our attention in yet another way, like a horn or trumpet. The trumpeter is with Nehemiah. The blowing of the trumpet, i.e. the ministry of the Word, must be done under the authority of the Lord. If God’s Word is to be spoken, it may only be done at His command.

Esther 7:4

Working and Watching

The danger is gone, but Nehemiah does not slacken. He knows the enemy will not give up. The tasks are redistributed. Half the men are working on the wall. That means the work continues at half strength. It progresses slower, but no less certain. The other half of the men are supplied with weapons and assigned to ensure safety. The safety measures are being tightened.

In yet another way, work continues at half strength. Those who help with the building as burden bearers, who bring stones to the builders, also become fighters. In one hand they carry the stone, in the other the spear. So they only have one hand available for the actual work. As a result, progress is even slower, because in addition to the building work, they also have to defend themselves.

Those who build on the wall can use both hands. However, they have the sword within reach, at the hip. In his daily life, a believer must pay attention to his separation and must always be able to use the sword of the Word against attacks. True servants of God have had to spend a considerable portion of their time and energy defending the truth. From the beginning, the apostles have not only preached the gospel and taught the truth, the letters teach that they have also had to defend themselves against the attacks of the enemy. The truth is worth fighting for. If we lose the truth, we lose everything.

The Word is brought to our attention in yet another way, like a horn or trumpet. The trumpeter is with Nehemiah. The blowing of the trumpet, i.e. the ministry of the Word, must be done under the authority of the Lord. If God’s Word is to be spoken, it may only be done at His command.

Esther 7:5

Working and Watching

The danger is gone, but Nehemiah does not slacken. He knows the enemy will not give up. The tasks are redistributed. Half the men are working on the wall. That means the work continues at half strength. It progresses slower, but no less certain. The other half of the men are supplied with weapons and assigned to ensure safety. The safety measures are being tightened.

In yet another way, work continues at half strength. Those who help with the building as burden bearers, who bring stones to the builders, also become fighters. In one hand they carry the stone, in the other the spear. So they only have one hand available for the actual work. As a result, progress is even slower, because in addition to the building work, they also have to defend themselves.

Those who build on the wall can use both hands. However, they have the sword within reach, at the hip. In his daily life, a believer must pay attention to his separation and must always be able to use the sword of the Word against attacks. True servants of God have had to spend a considerable portion of their time and energy defending the truth. From the beginning, the apostles have not only preached the gospel and taught the truth, the letters teach that they have also had to defend themselves against the attacks of the enemy. The truth is worth fighting for. If we lose the truth, we lose everything.

The Word is brought to our attention in yet another way, like a horn or trumpet. The trumpeter is with Nehemiah. The blowing of the trumpet, i.e. the ministry of the Word, must be done under the authority of the Lord. If God’s Word is to be spoken, it may only be done at His command.

Esther 7:6

The Signal to Rally

Besides sword and trowel there is also the trumpet. The workers do work far away from one another, but they do not work as individuals who are not linked with one another. The danger for one means the danger for all the others. Unity in the work must be preserved. This is done with the help of the trumpet, the Word of God that calls together. Workers engaged in obedience to the Word are linked in a powerful way and able to withstand the enemy.

The work is done by each in his or her own workplace. In case of battle, they must gather together and form a closed front. Both aspects are also important in the life of the church. Everyone has his or her own task in the church, his or her own work in his or her own place. But in the spiritual battle it is important to keep the ranks closed. By fighting in our prayers we can stand shoulder to shoulder while we are far away from each other in a service for the Lord.

The trumpet speaks both of the word God addressed to us and of the prayer in which we turn to God. In Numbers 10 the trumpets are blown to call the people together (Numbers 10:7) and to come to God’s remembrance when faced with the enemy (Numbers 10:9).

When the enemy threatens us, we gather to pray at the sound of the trumpet. This gathering has no power in itself. Though there are thousands of us together, the enemy is much more powerful. However, if we are together in the awareness of Who God is as the Help in distress, we may pray in the confidence that He will fight for us (Exodus 14:14). In Acts 4 we have a beautiful example of such a prayer in distress that is done in confidence (Acts 4:23-31).

Nehemiah again speaks of “our God. God is the God of His people, the God who stands up for His people.

Esther 7:7

The Signal to Rally

Besides sword and trowel there is also the trumpet. The workers do work far away from one another, but they do not work as individuals who are not linked with one another. The danger for one means the danger for all the others. Unity in the work must be preserved. This is done with the help of the trumpet, the Word of God that calls together. Workers engaged in obedience to the Word are linked in a powerful way and able to withstand the enemy.

The work is done by each in his or her own workplace. In case of battle, they must gather together and form a closed front. Both aspects are also important in the life of the church. Everyone has his or her own task in the church, his or her own work in his or her own place. But in the spiritual battle it is important to keep the ranks closed. By fighting in our prayers we can stand shoulder to shoulder while we are far away from each other in a service for the Lord.

The trumpet speaks both of the word God addressed to us and of the prayer in which we turn to God. In Numbers 10 the trumpets are blown to call the people together (Numbers 10:7) and to come to God’s remembrance when faced with the enemy (Numbers 10:9).

When the enemy threatens us, we gather to pray at the sound of the trumpet. This gathering has no power in itself. Though there are thousands of us together, the enemy is much more powerful. However, if we are together in the awareness of Who God is as the Help in distress, we may pray in the confidence that He will fight for us (Exodus 14:14). In Acts 4 we have a beautiful example of such a prayer in distress that is done in confidence (Acts 4:23-31).

Nehemiah again speaks of “our God. God is the God of His people, the God who stands up for His people.

Esther 7:8

Always in the Work of the Lord

During the day work is done, and in the night watching is done. Anyone who takes the service for the Lord seriously is constantly doing so. This does not mean that we must not sleep, or never have to wash ourselves, or put on clean clothes. Nor does Nehemiah mean to say that. What it says is that the work must go on and that vigilance must not slacken.

Someone who is engaged in a work for the Lord can therefore be so preoccupied that he forgets to be vigilant. A worker for the Lord must remain attentive to the actions of the enemy. The enemy does not sleep, which is why the worker is not allowed to sleep. The spear must be held in the right hand, ready for use.

It is necessary to have the whole armor of God on at all times to “be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). We must be aware that God has given us His armor. Therefore, it says: “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13). In practice, this means taking up the posture of someone who is fully equipped with weapons. Then there is no reason to be frightened by the enemy. Whoever has the whole armor on is untouchable.

Nehemiah knows that victory does not mean the enemy is eliminated. He is for the moment, but he will come back with new tricks. It is a deadly danger for the Christian to believe that he has definitively conquered a certain evil. It may be a certain slavery, or something in which he is weak. You may have arranged your separation well, but never think that you no longer have a weak spot.

In the world it’s night. Christians live in the night. The world can occupy us with nothing but the “unfruitful deeds of darkness”. Scripture calls us to not participate in them (Ephesians 5:11). We must denounce these works, reveal them in their true nature, expose them, and thus eliminate the effectiveness of the enemy.

In addition to a spear, everyone has water. Water is also a picture of the Word of God. Water serves to refresh and purify. We need both to be able to fight the battle well.

Esther 7:9

Always in the Work of the Lord

During the day work is done, and in the night watching is done. Anyone who takes the service for the Lord seriously is constantly doing so. This does not mean that we must not sleep, or never have to wash ourselves, or put on clean clothes. Nor does Nehemiah mean to say that. What it says is that the work must go on and that vigilance must not slacken.

Someone who is engaged in a work for the Lord can therefore be so preoccupied that he forgets to be vigilant. A worker for the Lord must remain attentive to the actions of the enemy. The enemy does not sleep, which is why the worker is not allowed to sleep. The spear must be held in the right hand, ready for use.

It is necessary to have the whole armor of God on at all times to “be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). We must be aware that God has given us His armor. Therefore, it says: “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13). In practice, this means taking up the posture of someone who is fully equipped with weapons. Then there is no reason to be frightened by the enemy. Whoever has the whole armor on is untouchable.

Nehemiah knows that victory does not mean the enemy is eliminated. He is for the moment, but he will come back with new tricks. It is a deadly danger for the Christian to believe that he has definitively conquered a certain evil. It may be a certain slavery, or something in which he is weak. You may have arranged your separation well, but never think that you no longer have a weak spot.

In the world it’s night. Christians live in the night. The world can occupy us with nothing but the “unfruitful deeds of darkness”. Scripture calls us to not participate in them (Ephesians 5:11). We must denounce these works, reveal them in their true nature, expose them, and thus eliminate the effectiveness of the enemy.

In addition to a spear, everyone has water. Water is also a picture of the Word of God. Water serves to refresh and purify. We need both to be able to fight the battle well.

Esther 7:10

Always in the Work of the Lord

During the day work is done, and in the night watching is done. Anyone who takes the service for the Lord seriously is constantly doing so. This does not mean that we must not sleep, or never have to wash ourselves, or put on clean clothes. Nor does Nehemiah mean to say that. What it says is that the work must go on and that vigilance must not slacken.

Someone who is engaged in a work for the Lord can therefore be so preoccupied that he forgets to be vigilant. A worker for the Lord must remain attentive to the actions of the enemy. The enemy does not sleep, which is why the worker is not allowed to sleep. The spear must be held in the right hand, ready for use.

It is necessary to have the whole armor of God on at all times to “be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). We must be aware that God has given us His armor. Therefore, it says: “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13). In practice, this means taking up the posture of someone who is fully equipped with weapons. Then there is no reason to be frightened by the enemy. Whoever has the whole armor on is untouchable.

Nehemiah knows that victory does not mean the enemy is eliminated. He is for the moment, but he will come back with new tricks. It is a deadly danger for the Christian to believe that he has definitively conquered a certain evil. It may be a certain slavery, or something in which he is weak. You may have arranged your separation well, but never think that you no longer have a weak spot.

In the world it’s night. Christians live in the night. The world can occupy us with nothing but the “unfruitful deeds of darkness”. Scripture calls us to not participate in them (Ephesians 5:11). We must denounce these works, reveal them in their true nature, expose them, and thus eliminate the effectiveness of the enemy.

In addition to a spear, everyone has water. Water is also a picture of the Word of God. Water serves to refresh and purify. We need both to be able to fight the battle well.