在重建城牆的過程中，尼希米的對手改變戰略，從最先的正面攻擊轉為暗中策動，參巴拉與基善一再企圖離間上帝和尼希米──想讓尼希米放棄上帝委派的任務。甚至讓假先知設法誤導尼希米墬入陷阱──幸而都被尼希米一一識破。利誘、欺騙和暗殺陰謀都不能使尼希米與他忠貞的同工退縮，他們在兩個月之內，奮力完成築牆的工程──這樣神速、精良的技藝，連以色列的敵人都要讚嘆：「這工作完成，是出乎我們的上帝。」（6：16）城牆完工後，尼希米又有新的任務，身為省長，他「派定」（7：1），「派」（7：2），「吩咐」（7：3）百姓各司其職，如此在新建城裡就有了新的領袖。

        你在那些事上最容易受騙？別人告訴你什麼，你就照單全收完全採信？耶穌教導門徒要「馴良像鴿子」，卻也警告他們要「靈巧像蛇」（太10：16），你覺得如何？
        示瑪雅原寄望尼希米容易欺哄，以致自投羅網，而使築牆計劃粉碎破滅（6：10-14），你可知道示瑪雅的建議與上帝的旨意完全不符合嗎？尼希米知道，因為他研讀聖經。請看民數記十八章七節，就會發現乍看之下要做決定十分困難，但對尼希米卻是那樣容易，原因是他想起上帝對這個問題已有明確教導！
        熟悉聖經的教導並不只是一個理想；重要的是聖經會使你的決定有智慧，能夠榮耀上帝。大聲恭讀彼得後書三章十八節，願這段經文使你的個人成長計劃更上層樓！

工作的時候吹口哨自娛（7：1-3）
        當城牆完工，尼希米為各城門安上城門時，發現人手不足，那些原在聖殿供職的人（如「詩班與利未人」7：1）就都加入站崗的行列，守衛城門。

魔鬼的技倆之一就是阻止信徒研讀聖經。

English

        With progress continuing on the rebuilding of the walls, Nehemiah's opponents shift their attacks from direct, confrontation to subtle conspiracy. Sanballat and Geshem repeatedly try to sidetrack Nehemiah from his God-given assignment. Even a false prophet arises to lead Nehemiah into a potentially fatal trap—only to have his plan foiled by Nehemiah's keen discernment. In spite of "loan sharks," espionage, deceit, and attempted assassination, Nehemiah and his dedicated band of bricklayers complete the city walls in less than two months—a feat even Israel's enemies perceive is "wrought of... God" (6:16). And now come new responsibilities for Nehemiah. As governor, he appoints (7:1), delegates (7:2), organizes (7:3), and utilizes the new leadership in the newly built city.

        How much of what others tell you do you believe without question? Jesus told His disciples to be "harmless as doves," but He also cautioned them to be "wise as serpents" (Matthew 10:16). How are you doing?
        Shemaiah was hoping Nehemiah would be gullible enough to ensnare himself and thereby ruin the building project (6:10-14). Nehemiah realized that Shemaiah's suggestion was out of harmony with God's will because he knew the Scriptures. Look up Numbers 18:7 and you'll see that what at first appeared to be a difficult decision for Nehemiah was actually quite simple ... when he recalled what God had already said on the matter!
        Mastering your Bible is not just a good idea; it is essential if you are to make wise, God-honoring decisions. Read 2 Peter 3:18 out loud, and make it your personal growth project for today.

Whistle While You Work (7:1-3)
        When the walls were finished, Nehemiah set up doors in the different gales. But because of the sparse population, those who usually worked in the temple ("the singers and Levites," 7:1) joined the "porters" (gatekeepers) in standing guard.

One of the devil's tricks is to stop folks from digging into the Bible.