Neh 4:4 | MHM | STEP | v. 4–5 : Nehemiah did not argue with the mockers. Instead, he prayed to God, saying, “Hear, O our God! for we are despised” (Nehemiah 4:4 ). He asked God to notice the insults and to turn the shame back on their enemies. Nehemiah’s prayer was strong, asking God not to forgive their sin because they had deeply offended Him, not just the people. He was more upset that God was dishonored than that he was insulted (Psalm 74:18,22 ). As Christians, we are taught by Jesus to pray for our enemies, but Nehemiah’s words also show how serious it is to oppose God’s work.

‏ Nehemiah 4:4

v. 4–5: Nehemiah did not argue with the mockers. Instead, he prayed to God, saying, “Hear, O our God! for we are despised” (Nehemiah 4:4 ^a). He asked God to notice the insults and to turn the shame back on their enemies. Nehemiah’s prayer was strong, asking God not to forgive their sin because they had deeply offended Him, not just the people. He was more upset that God was dishonored than that he was insulted (Psalm 74:18,22 ^b). As Christians, we are taught by Jesus to pray for our enemies, but Nehemiah’s words also show how serious it is to oppose God’s work.