So we prayed to our God and stationed a guard to protect against them both day and night.
Nehemiah 4:9 NET
As believers in the Lord Jesus, should we lock our doors at night, have insurance, and get vaccinated? Or should we trust the Lord to protect us from harm and provide for all our needs? Nehemiah seemed to believe that we should do both, trusting the Lord and taking reasonable precautions.
Nehemiah had come to Jerusalem to lead in rebuilding the city walls–walls that would provide physical security against outlaws and unfriendly neighbors. But those unfriendly neighbors conspired together to attack and stop the rebuilding effort.
When Nehemiah found out about their plot, he did two things. He started by praying. We do not have his words recorded, but it is reasonable to assume that he prayed for God’s protection from those opposing the construction.
He also stationed a guard for protection against those same people. And he instructed the workers to keep weapons at hand in case of an attack (Neh. 4:21).
Did Nehemiah’s action in posting a guard and arming the workers reflect a lack of faith in God’s ability and willingness to defend them? Indeed, God can provide physical security for his people. Ezra’s trip to Jerusalem with the temple treasures without an armed guard is an example (Ezra 8:22-23). And Jehoshaphat provides another example of God intervening on behalf of his people (2 Chron. 20:1-30).
But more often, God involves his people in providing for their protection and provision. He gave Israel a homeland, but expected them to fight to obtain and keep it. He promised them abundance, but expected them to till the fields and shepherd their flocks. And Nehemiah’s actions here are in line with that. He prayed to God for his help. And then he did what he could, trusting that God would use that.
I keep the doors of my house and vehicles locked. I have insurance. And I get all the recommended vaccinations. Not because I don’t trust God or believe he cannot protect me. But for the same reason, Nehemiah prayed and then posted a guard. He took reasonable precautions to defend Jerusalem and those working on the walls. And he trusted that God would bless and use his efforts. He was a willing participant in God’s provision and protection.
