This report distressed and concerned Nehemiah on various levels. A city without walls was open to attack. This put the inhabitants in a constant state of vulnerability. But this wasn’t just any city—this was Jerusalem, the city where the Lord had chosen to make His name known! The disrepair sent a message to neighboring nations and enemy groups that the Lord Himself was weak and vulnerable. Nehemiah knew this was not true, and he was grieved deeply in his soul. Thus, Nehemiah knew something had to be done. That’s step two: Care.