There are few passages you can find in the Old Testament that rival these chapters in Nehemiah for applicational matters for the church. Old Path is a ministry which tries to be very careful to apply historical matters and accounts to Israel, if it is Israel being directly addressed. It is Judah who is in mind here, and this their history, post captivity.

There are wonderful lessons here that can be understood, as far as the church is concerned, without pulling a quote or passage and directing it at the church, as though they are the intended audience.

These truths work well in the history of Israel and the church. Both groups have covenants that are made with them, and which are still in force.

Here is what they faced, and here are lessons to be learned.

1. God had a work for them to do.
2. The devil hates the people and the work.
3. The devil looks for every possible way to stop the work.
4. God exposes the plans to harm His people and tells them of the plans.
5. The people depend on God and take all necessary precautions.
6. The people are encouraged and instructed to complete the work, with reliance upon their God, and to see to the wellbeing of their families and their people.

That massage would preach in the church, as the saying goes. But only when it is understood through their history, and proper application is made.