The Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 4:14

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Courage in the Christian war.

"Be not ye afraid of them," etc. A stirring battle-cry. Suitable in the Christian warfare.

I. THE CHURCH'S WARFARE. Each for himself and his family; all for the common good. Against the world, the flesh, and the devil, in all the forms they assume: infidelity, heresy, ungodliness, wickedness of all kinds. The war is—

1. Defensive. To preserve themselves, and their households and Churches, from spiritual and moral evil.

2. Offensive. To subdue the world to Christ. Destroying the errors and sins which prevail in it, and rescuing their victims.

II. THE CHURCH'S LIABILITY TO FEAR. On account of the number, and power, and subtlety of her enemies, and the hardships and perils of the war. There is a fear which is good. "Happy is the man that feareth alway." But not the craven fear which shuns the fight.

III. THE CHURCH'S REMEDY AGAINST FEAR.

1. Remembrance of God.

"Fear him, ye saints, and you will then

Have nothing else to fear."

2. Thought of the interests involved. As here, of brothers, sons, daughters, wives, and houses.

3. Mutual encouragement. "Be not afraid," etc.

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