Nehemiah 2:20 – “I answered them by saying, ‘The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Nehemiah 2:20, Nehemiah responds to the opposition he faces from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem (mentioned in the previous verse). They had mocked and accused Nehemiah and the Jews of rebelling against the king by attempting to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. In response, Nehemiah boldly declares that it is God who will grant them success. He emphasizes that the Jewish people are God’s servants, and it is by God’s authority and power that they will rebuild the walls. Nehemiah then tells his opponents that they have no part in this work and no right to claim any authority over Jerusalem.
This response shows Nehemiah’s confidence in God’s plan and his refusal to be intimidated by the opposition. He makes it clear that this rebuilding effort is not just a personal project or a political maneuver—it is part of God’s divine plan for His people.
Historical Context
At the time of Nehemiah, Jerusalem had been in ruins for many years following its destruction by the Babylonians. Though the temple had been rebuilt, the walls of the city were still broken down, leaving it vulnerable to attack and disgrace. Nehemiah had been given permission by King Artaxerxes of Persia to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls. However, local leaders like Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem opposed the rebuilding, as they saw it as a threat to their own influence in the region.
These men had political power over the areas surrounding Jerusalem, and they did not want to see the city rise to prominence again. By questioning Nehemiah’s authority and mocking the work, they hoped to discourage the people and stop the project before it even began. However, Nehemiah’s response shows that he trusted in God’s plan and did not let their opposition shake his resolve.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the sovereignty of God in accomplishing His purposes. Nehemiah makes it clear that the success of the rebuilding project will come from God alone. This teaches us that when we are doing God’s work, we can trust in His power and provision, even in the face of opposition. Nehemiah’s confidence wasn’t based on human authority or resources; it was based on his faith that God would make the work successful.
The verse also emphasizes the idea of belonging to God. Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem were “His servants,” meaning they were fulfilling a mission given by God. On the other hand, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were told they had “no share in Jerusalem.” This distinction shows that God’s people have a special relationship with Him and a specific role in His plans, while those who oppose God’s work have no claim to the blessings that come from it.
Literary Analysis
Nehemiah’s response in this verse is firm and direct. He doesn’t waste time arguing with his opponents; instead, he points to the authority of God as the foundation for their success. The phrase “The God of heaven will give us success” is a bold declaration of faith, showing that Nehemiah is fully relying on God’s power to complete the task.
The structure of the verse is also significant. Nehemiah first affirms God’s role in their success, then identifies the Jewish people as God’s servants who will rebuild, and finally excludes the opposition from having any part in Jerusalem’s future. This progression reflects Nehemiah’s clear understanding of who holds true authority and who is entitled to participate in God’s work.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 127:1 – “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Nehemiah’s confidence that God would give them success reflects this truth: God is the one who ultimately brings success to any endeavor.
- Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Nehemiah’s response to his enemies reflects this same confidence—knowing that if God is on their side, the opposition cannot prevail.
- Matthew 16:18 – “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Just as Nehemiah was confident that God’s plan for rebuilding Jerusalem could not be stopped, Jesus affirms that the church He is building will prevail over all opposition.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Nehemiah 2:20 serves as a powerful reminder that when we are doing God’s work, we can trust Him to give us success. Opposition is inevitable, but our confidence should not be in our own strength or resources—it should be in God’s power. Nehemiah’s response shows that when we face challenges or criticism, we don’t need to be discouraged. Instead, we can stand firm in our faith, knowing that God is with us and will accomplish His purposes.
This verse also encourages us to understand our identity as God’s servants. Just as Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem were fulfilling a mission from God, we are called to be part of God’s work in the world. Our efforts to share the gospel, build the church, and serve others are part of God’s larger plan, and He will bless those efforts according to His will.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Nehemiah’s confidence in God’s provision reflects God’s deep love for His people. God wasn’t just a distant deity; He was actively involved in the lives of His servants, providing them with everything they needed to accomplish their mission. Nehemiah’s assurance that “the God of heaven will give us success” is a reflection of God’s loving care for His people, as He equips them to do His will.
God’s love is also evident in how He protects and defends His people from their enemies. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem may have mocked and ridiculed the Jews, but Nehemiah knew that God’s love and faithfulness would protect them and ensure the success of the rebuilding effort. God’s love empowers His people to stand firm in the face of opposition, knowing that He is on their side.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Nehemiah’s confidence that God would give success to His servants foreshadows the ultimate victory that Jesus Christ secured for His followers. Just as Nehemiah trusted in God’s power to overcome opposition and rebuild Jerusalem, Jesus overcame all opposition through His death and resurrection. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus faced mockery, accusations, and rejection, just as Nehemiah did, but He trusted in God’s plan and fulfilled His mission. Through His victory, Jesus offers us the assurance that we, too, can face opposition with confidence, knowing that He has already won the battle. Nehemiah’s declaration that “the God of heaven will give us success” points to the ultimate success we have in Christ, who gives us the strength to overcome all obstacles in our faith journey.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Nehemiah’s confidence in God’s provision inspire you to trust God in your own life, especially when facing opposition or challenges?
- Have you ever experienced opposition when trying to do something you felt God had called you to do? How did you respond, and what can you learn from Nehemiah’s response?
- In what ways can you remind yourself that you are God’s servant, called to participate in His work, just as Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem were?
- How does this verse encourage you to stand firm in your faith, knowing that God is in control and will accomplish His purposes?
- How does Nehemiah’s confidence in God’s success reflect the ultimate victory we have through Jesus Christ?
Nehemiah 2:20 teaches us that when we are doing God’s work, we can trust in His power to give us success, no matter the opposition we face. Nehemiah’s faith, boldness, and reliance on God’s provision serve as an example for all believers to stand firm in their calling, knowing that God’s purposes will prevail. Just as Nehemiah trusted God to rebuild Jerusalem, we can trust in Jesus Christ, who has secured the ultimate victory for us, allowing us to confidently carry out God’s work in the world.