Biblical examples of God thwarting foes?
What other biblical examples show God thwarting enemy plans against His people?

God Exposes and Undoes Plots – Nehemiah 4:15

“When our enemies heard that we were aware of their scheme and that God had frustrated it, all of us returned to the wall, each to his own work.” (Nehemiah 4:15)

The wallbuilders in Jerusalem experienced something every believer eventually sees: the Lord steps in, turns the tide, and enemy schemes simply fall apart. Scripture is filled with parallel moments that reinforce this pattern.


Earlier Instances in Israel’s History

Pharaoh’s chariots at the Red SeaExodus 14:13-31

‑ Israel looks trapped, but “the LORD drove the sea back” (v. 21), then released the waters, drowning the pursuers.

Balaam’s curses reversed to blessingNumbers 22–24

‑ Hired to curse Israel, Balaam confesses, “I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it.” (23:20)

Midianite confusion in Gideon’s dayJudges 7:19-22

‑ Just 300 men blow trumpets and smash jars; the Midianite army “turned on one another with their swords.” (v. 22)

Jehoshaphat’s choir-led victory2 Chronicles 20:17-24

‑ Judah worships, God ambushes the coalition armies; they destroy each other before Judah reaches the battlefield.


Personal Deliverances

David and Saul’s traps1 Samuel 19 & 23

‑ Saul surrounds David at Keilah, yet “God delivered them into David’s hand” (23:14); repeated escapes highlight divine intervention.

Daniel in the lions’ denDaniel 6:22

‑ “My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions.” The plotters who demanded Daniel’s execution became lunch for the same lions.

The three Hebrew men and the furnaceDaniel 3:24-27

‑ Flames kill the executioners, not the faithful. The king confesses, “no other god can deliver like this.”


National Preservation in Exile

Haman’s gallowsEsther 6-7

‑ Haman builds a gallows for Mordecai; within 24 hours Haman hangs on it himself. “The plot Haman devised against the Jews came back on his own head.” (Esther 9:25)


New-Testament Echoes

Herod’s slaughter plan failsMatthew 2:13-15

‑ An angel warns Joseph; Jesus is safely in Egypt while Herod’s rage destroys only his own legacy.

The Sanhedrin’s threats and the early churchActs 4:23-31

‑ Leaders forbid preaching; believers pray, receive fresh boldness, and the gospel spreads even faster.

Paul’s shipwreck plotActs 27:42-44

‑ Soldiers plan to kill prisoners; God promises Paul every life will be spared. “So everyone survived.”


Key Threads Running Through These Stories

- God often allows enemy plans to develop just far enough to showcase His power.

- His people rarely win by their own strength; they obey, worship, or simply stand still while He acts.

- The very weapon prepared against the righteous is regularly turned back on the wicked (Psalm 7:15-16; Proverbs 26:27).

- These accounts foreshadow the ultimate reversal at the cross: human and demonic schemes crucify Jesus, yet His resurrection shatters their strategy (1 Corinthians 2:8).


Living Out Nehemiah 4:15 Today

- Expect plots; don’t be paralyzed by them.

- Stay alert, pray, keep working as the wallbuilders did.

- Remember each past deliverance and let it fuel courage for the present battle.

How does Nehemiah 4:15 demonstrate God's faithfulness in protecting His people?
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