army = force. What . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 . fortify. Hebrew. Homonym, 'azab. See note on Exodus 23:5 . Margin note of Authorized Version and Revised Version neither needed nor correct. will they sacrifice? Showing that no altar was as yet built or sacrificial worship being carried on. read more
Nehemiah 4:2. What do these feeble Jews, &c.— Mr. Peters observes upon this passage, which is remarkable for its phraseology, that it seems to give no obscure intimation, that the doctrine of the resurrection was the popular belief of the Jews in these days. "Reviving of stones," says he, "is a very easy metaphor to those who are acquainted with the doctrine of the resurrection; but, otherwise, not so easy or obvious." The word היחיו hayechaiiu, vivisicabunt, is the very same that is used... read more
2. The opposition to the workers ch. 4Any attempt to fulfill God’s desires will almost certainly draw opposition from God’s enemies."The real test of a leader is how he or she faces crises and reacts to opposition. This chapter recounts several forms of opposition and how Nehemiah confronted them." [Note: Breneman, p. 193.] The Jews’ enemies used ridicule (Nehemiah 4:1-6), as well as armed resistance (Nehemiah 4:8), to oppose the work. A better translation of the Hebrew word rendered "wealthy"... read more
The Machinations of the Enemies of the Jews1. Sanballat] His irritation at Nehemiah’s arrival (Nehemiah 2:10) was increased by the work accomplished by the latter. 2. Fortify themselves] The same word as that used in Nehemiah 3:8, with a like uncertainty of meaning. Some render ’will they (the Persian authorities) let them alone?’ Will they sacrifice?] i.e. in the hope of obtaining supernatural assistance. 4. In the land of captivity] Nehemiah’s desire for the confusion of his enemies not... read more
(2) His brethren and the army of Samaria.—The counsellors and body-guard of Sanballat.Will they fortify themselves?—Rather, will they leave them to themselves? The nations are referred to; but contempt is not scrupulous or precise.Will they sacrifice?—This is the provocation of God mentioned in Nehemiah 4:5. read more
Enfeebled Burden-bearers Nehemiah 4:10 How often this happens! We frequently have to receive the disquieting intimation which was made to Nehemiah. Not seldom we have to make this announcement to ourselves, 'The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed'. We have not travelled far from the workers upon the walls of Jerusalem. Geographically we are remote from them, but sympathetically we are near by. There are many points of affinity between us and them. Observe some of the links which... read more
elete_me Nehemiah 2:19ON GUARDNehemiah 2:10; Nehemiah 2:19; Nehemiah 4:1-23ALL his arrangements for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem show that Nehemiah was awake to the dangers with which he was surrounded. The secrecy of his night ride was evidently intended to prevent a premature revelation of his plans. The thorough organisation, the mapping out of the whole line of the wall, and the dividing of the building operations among forty-two bands of workpeople secured equal and rapid progress on... read more
CHAPTER 4 1. The indignation and sneers of the enemies (Nehemiah 4:1-3 ) 2. Nehemiah’s ejaculatory prayer (Nehemiah 4:4-6 ) 3. Conspiracy, and more prayer (Nehemiah 4:7-9 ) 4. Nehemiah’s precautions and confidence (Nehemiah 4:10-23 ) Nehemiah 4:1-3 . Sanballat (hate in disguise) having heard of the successful building of the wall, became very angry and mocked the Jews. And Tobiah the Ammonite used sarcasm. He said that which they build will be so weak that one of the foxes, which... read more
4:2 And he spake before his {a} brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these {b} feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?(a) Of his companions who dwelt in Samaria.(b) Thus the wicked who do not consider that God’s power is always ready to defend his, mock them as thought they were weak and feeble. read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 4:1-23
Early opposition (4:1-23)Since the Jews had the Persian king’s approval for their building program, their opponents, being also under the government of Persia, hesitated to attack Jerusalem openly. However, they were still able to mock and ridicule, hoping that this would dishearten the people from building (4:1-5).But the Jews were not easily discouraged and the work continued (6). The enemies therefore planned to create confusion and uncertainty among the Jews by carrying out surprise... read more