For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
The wall is going up — but not everyone is happy about it. Some unkind men try to stop the work with mean words.
Today's Story
As the wall grew taller, some unkind men got grumpy. Their names were Sanballat and Tobiah, and they did not want Jerusalem to be strong.
So they started making fun of the builders. “Look at these weak people!” they laughed. “Do they think they can really build a wall? A little fox could knock it over!”
That kind of teasing can make your hands feel tired and your heart feel small. But Nehemiah knew just what to do. He prayed: “God, You hear them. Please help us.” And the people kept right on building.
When the bullies tried to scare them even more, Nehemiah was wise. He told the workers to keep a building tool in one hand and stay ready with the other. He said something brave: “Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great!”
The people did not quit. They worked from sunrise until the stars came out, and the wall kept climbing higher. The mean words could not stop them, because God was with them.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Has anyone ever teased you or made fun of you for trying hard? How did it feel?
- The builders prayed AND kept working. Why do you think they didn't just give up?
- Nehemiah said, “Remember the Lord, who is great.” How can remembering that God is big help you feel brave?