Back in the 5th century B.C., the walls of Jerusalem lay in disrepair, so broken down that they were absolutely no protection for the city. But under the leadership of Nehemiah, the people were challenged to do something about the problem.

The work required a large number of people to participate—not just the residents of Jerusalem, but citizens from surrounding cities such as Jericho, Tekoa, Gibeon and MIzpah—and don’t forget Zanoah, whose residents repaired 500 yards of the wall.

What an interesting group of workers!  Some were priests, some merchants, others were Levites. Two of the most unlikely candidates doing manual labor were Uzziel, who was a goldsmith, and Hananiah, a perfume-maker. And men were not the only ones rebuilding. Scripture tells us Shallum repaired a section with the help of his daughters.

Sorry to say, not everyone was so willing. The men from Tekoah volunteered, but, the Bible says “their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors” (Nehemiah 3:5. What a contrast to Baruch, who “zealously” repaired his section.

In just 52 days, the work was completed–in spite of criticism, ridicule, and even a death threat on Nehemiah. Nehemiah gave credit both to God for His help and to the workers, for, as Nehemiah put it, “the people had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6).

I don’t know what job needs to be done where you live, but for a training manual how to do it, read the book of Nehemiah.