Relevant Verses: Ezra 4 - 5; Nehemiah 4 - 6; Haggai

Leading Question: If Nehemiah armed his workers in the face of opposition, what does that mean for the followers of Jesus?

Opposition seems to be an almost constant theme in the narratives presented in Ezra and Nehemiah. Sometimes the opposition seems to have been successful. At other times, God clearly over-ruled to save his people.

The value of opposition to personal development is suggested by this Ellen White quotation:

Man can shape circumstances, but circumstances should not be allowed to shape the man. We should seize upon circumstances as instruments by which ...