Fight for your brethren. —Neh. 4:14.

Cyrus the Persian, in his first year, let the captive Jews return to the site of Jerusalem and rebuild Jehovah's temple. They did not have to fight for their liberation by force of military arms, but Almighty God restored them for his name's sake and because they repented and devoted themselves to his worship. But even after their restoration to their homeland the Jews did not become pacifists. This fact is noteworthy in the case of Nehemiah! He was made governor of the Jewish province in Palestine and was sent to build good walls for the restored city of Jerusalem. The pagan enemies accused him of trying to secede from the empire. What action did he take? God's cause was involved and the liberty of his people to worship him freely. That was why the Israelites chose to fight. It was not for the glory and power of the Persian empire that they fought. They fought for their brothers who belonged to God's organization and who worshiped him. W 2/1