Mutual encouragement.
"And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for the good work." Narrates the effect produced on all classes at Jerusalem by Nehemiah's address.
I. WHAT MOVED THEM.
1. There was a plain need for energetic and united action.
2. They had a good leader. Competent, resolute, courageous, generous, devoted, self-denying; and withal having authority.
3. There were many encouragements and helps.
4. In all, the will and favourable providence of God seemed manifest.
II. TO WHAT IT LED THEM.
1. Ardent enthusiasm.
2. Resolute determination.
3. Mutual exhortation. "Let us rise up and build."
4. Confidence and courage.
5. All combining to impart vigour for the work.
"They strengthened their hands," braced themselves "for the good work." Note throughout that Christians have similar incentives to their work, and should be similarly affected by them. There is sadder and more wide-spread ruin to move our hearts; we have a Divine leader; the word, the grace, and the providence of God combine to urge and encourage us. Let us "provoke" one another "to love and good works," and give ourselves to them with unanimous zeal, resolution, and confidence; thus "strengthening our hands for the good work."