Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionHoly boldness is a term often used to describe the courage and confidence that believers exhibit when they are empowered by their faith to undertake daunting tasks or confront challenges. Nehemiah, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, exemplifies this concept through his leadership and determination in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. His account is primarily found in the Book of Nehemiah, which provides a detailed account of his mission, challenges, and unwavering faith in God. Background Nehemiah was a Jewish exile serving as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. Despite his comfortable position, Nehemiah was deeply concerned about the plight of his people and the desolation of Jerusalem. Upon hearing the distressing news about the state of the city and its walls, Nehemiah was moved to action. His response was characterized by prayer, fasting, and a bold request to the king for permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls. Nehemiah's Boldness in Action 1. Prayerful Dependence on God Nehemiah's boldness was rooted in his deep reliance on God. Before taking any action, he sought divine guidance through prayer. Nehemiah 1:4-11 records his heartfelt prayer, where he confessed the sins of Israel, acknowledged God's promises, and requested favor before the king. This prayerful foundation set the stage for his bold actions. 2. Courage to Approach the King Approaching King Artaxerxes with a request to leave his post and rebuild Jerusalem was a risky endeavor. Nehemiah's position as cupbearer was one of trust, and any sign of discontent could have been dangerous. Nevertheless, Nehemiah boldly presented his request, as recorded in Nehemiah 2:4-5: "Then the king asked me, 'What is your request?' So I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, 'If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in your sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.'" 3. Leadership in the Face of Opposition Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah faced significant opposition from local leaders such as Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. Despite their attempts to intimidate and discourage him, Nehemiah remained resolute. His boldness is evident in Nehemiah 4:14, where he encouraged the people, saying, "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and daughters, your wives and your homes." 4. Perseverance in Adversity Nehemiah's holy boldness was not just a momentary display but a sustained effort throughout the rebuilding process. He organized the people, set guards against potential attacks, and addressed internal issues such as economic exploitation among the Jews. His determination is highlighted in Nehemiah 6:3, where he responded to his adversaries' attempts to distract him: "So I sent messengers to them, saying, 'I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?'" 5. Completion of the Wall Through Nehemiah's leadership and the people's collective effort, the wall was completed in just 52 days, a testament to his effective leadership and the divine assistance he relied upon. Nehemiah 6:16 states, "When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God." Conclusion Nehemiah's account is a powerful example of holy boldness in action. His unwavering faith, strategic leadership, and courage in the face of adversity serve as an enduring model for believers seeking to undertake God's work in challenging circumstances. Through prayer, reliance on God, and steadfast determination, Nehemiah accomplished what seemed impossible, demonstrating that true boldness is rooted in a deep trust in the Almighty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 6:11And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Two Guards, Praying and Watching The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ... Constant, Instant, Expectant A Reformer's Schooling The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: The Holy War, Its Effects. How Christ is to be Made Use Of, in Reference to Growing in Grace. Justification by an Imputed Righteousness; Resources What does the Bible say about boldness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Friend in Need (Persistent Neighbor)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about passivity / being passive? | GotQuestions.org Boldness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Boldness: Instances of, in Prayer: Abraham Boldness: Instances of, in Prayer: Moses Holy Boldness is Through Faith in Christ Holy Boldness: A Characteristic of Saints Holy Boldness: Christ Set an Example of Holy Boldness: Exhortations To Holy Boldness: Express Your Trust in God With Holy Boldness: Have, in Prayer Holy Boldness: Joseph of Arimathaea Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in Faithfulness to Their People Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in Preaching Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in Reproving Sin Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in The Face of Opposition Holy Boldness: Produced by Faithfulness to God Holy Boldness: Produced by The Fear of God Holy Boldness: Produced by Trust in God Holy Boldness: Saints Shall Have, in Judgment Related Terms |
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