Nehemiah 4:14—“Be not ye afraid of them: remember the LORD, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”

As the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall advanced, opposition intensified. Sanballat, Tobiah, and their allies mocked, threatened, and conspired to hinder the work (Neh. 4:7–8). Their hostility produced fear among the labourers, especially as reports of an approaching attack multiplied. Nehemiah did not ignore the danger. He stationed families in strategic places, armed them for defence, and addressed the nobles, rulers, and people with a word of faith.

His first command was, “Be not ye afraid of them”. This was not an exhortation to rash fearlessness, but a summons to steadfast trust and confidence in God. Fear magnifies the enemy and weakens the hands; faith remembers that the Lord is infinitely greater than every adversary. Hence, Nehemiah said, “remember the LORD, which is great and terrible.” The Lord is great in sovereign power, covenant faithfulness, and saving mercy. He is terrible, awesome and dreadful in His holy judgment against all who oppose His purposes and afflict His people. As Moses declared, “The LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible” (Deut. 10:17).

Remembering God gave the people courage to stand. They were also to fight for their brethren and households. Their defence was not motivated by personal ambition, but by love, duty, and the preservation of the covenant community. God’s people were to protect one another and labour together for the welfare of Jerusalem.

The church’s warfare today is chiefly spiritual: “we wrestle not against flesh and blood” (Eph. 6:12). Believers must not yield to fear when truth is opposed or when Christ’s church faces pressure. We must remember the Lord, put on the whole armour of God, pray earnestly, and stand together for the faith. The greatness of our God remains the sure ground of courage, perseverance, and holy service.