Nehemiah stands as a profound example of an afflicted saint in the biblical narrative. His account is primarily found in the Book of Nehemiah, which details his leadership in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah's life and mission were marked by significant challenges and afflictions, yet his faith and determination provide a model of perseverance and reliance on God.

Background and Context

Nehemiah was a Jewish exile serving as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. His position was one of trust and influence, yet his heart remained with his people and their plight in Jerusalem. Upon hearing of the desolation of Jerusalem and the distress of its inhabitants, Nehemiah was deeply moved. The Bible records his initial reaction: "When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven" (Nehemiah 1:4).

Afflictions Faced by Nehemiah

1. Emotional and Spiritual Burden: Nehemiah's affliction began with a profound emotional and spiritual burden for his people. His mourning and fasting reflect a deep sense of responsibility and compassion for the suffering of the Jewish remnant in Jerusalem.

2. Opposition and Ridicule: Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, Nehemiah faced significant opposition from local leaders such as Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. They mocked and ridiculed the efforts to rebuild the wall, questioning the feasibility and intent of the project. Nehemiah records their scorn: "What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall for themselves?" (Nehemiah 4:2).

3. Threats and Conspiracies: The opposition escalated to threats of violence and conspiracies to harm Nehemiah and halt the work. Despite these dangers, Nehemiah remained steadfast, organizing the people to work with one hand and hold a weapon with the other (Nehemiah 4:17-18).

4. Internal Strife and Injustice: Nehemiah also dealt with internal issues among the Jewish people, including economic injustice and exploitation. He confronted the nobles and officials who were charging usurious interest and enslaving their fellow Jews, demanding that they cease these practices and restore what they had taken (Nehemiah 5:6-13).

Nehemiah's Response to Affliction

Nehemiah's response to affliction was characterized by prayer, action, and reliance on God. He consistently turned to prayer, seeking God's guidance and strength. His prayers are recorded throughout the book, reflecting a deep dependence on divine intervention (Nehemiah 1:5-11, 4:4-5, 6:9).

In the face of external threats, Nehemiah demonstrated strategic leadership and courage. He encouraged the people to remember the Lord and fight for their families and homes (Nehemiah 4:14). His leadership inspired the people to complete the wall in just 52 days, a testament to his effective management and God's favor (Nehemiah 6:15-16).

Nehemiah's handling of internal strife showed his commitment to justice and righteousness. He led by example, refusing to exploit his position for personal gain and instead providing for others out of his own resources (Nehemiah 5:14-19).

Legacy of Nehemiah

Nehemiah's life and work left a lasting legacy of faithfulness and dedication to God's purposes. His account is a powerful reminder of how God can use individuals to accomplish His will, even in the face of significant adversity. Nehemiah's example encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's provision and protection amidst trials and afflictions.Nehemiah 1:4
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... Moreover, 'the dogs came and licked his sores.' Here again you may see, not only
the afflicted state of the saints of God in this world, but also that even ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

Of Immediate Revelation.
... makes all the worthies of old examples to us. ... not only the faith of the saints and
church ... horrible bloodshed, wherewith Europe hath been afflicted these divers ...
/.../proposition ii of immediate revelation.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... thy judgments," (Dan.9:5). Other examples every where ... When afflicted, they acknowledge
it is good for them ... as we everywhere read that the saints received their ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... Liberality to the poor saints, to the poor ... goat-skins, being destitute, afflicted,
tormented' (Hebrews ... Thou hast had patterns, examples, citations, provocations ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... of those that are truly righteous, as children, young men, fathers, or saints that
fear ... to fear him better, saying, 'I desire to fear thy name' (Nehemiah 1:11 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... Clark, in his Looking-Glass for Saints and Sinners, 1657, published the
narrative:"'Not long ... and told to each other by which they had been afflicted, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... as by the mass, by our lady, by saints, beasts, birds ... God, that he doth not make
some examples to others ... was somewhat abashed, the man greatly afflicted, and I ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... been the fruitful source of the miseries and wretchedness that has afflicted mankind. ...
worldly people (Psalm 69:1,2), and particularly the saints (Revelation 19 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... and hard-hearted tyrant, how much more shall the poor, afflicted, distressed, and ...
This is therefore a very comfortable parable to such of the saints as are ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... and hard-hearted tyrant; how much more shall the poor, afflicted, distressed, and ...
This is therefore a very comfortable parable to such of the saints, that are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

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