Nehemiah 4:16

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Nehemiah 4:16

servants = young men. habergeons = corselets or coats of mail. rulers = princes. Hebrew sar. behind. To encourage, and help if needed. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Nehemiah 4:1-23

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

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Nehemiah 4:1-23

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

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Nehemiah 4:16

(16) My servants.—The building was resumed with special precautions, very minutely described. “Nehemiah’s own servants” are distinguished from “all the house of Judah.” The former were divided into two parties, one of which wrought on the work still unfinished and the other held their weapons.Habergeons are coats of mail or corselets, thin plates of metal sewn upon leather.The rulers were behind—Ready to lead the defence, if necessary. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Nehemiah 4:1-23

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

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 4:1-23

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

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Nehemiah 4:1-23

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

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Nehemiah 4:16

4:16 And it came to pass from that time forth, [that] the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers [were] {i} behind all the house of Judah.(i) To overcome them and encourage them in their work. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Nehemiah 4:1-23

DECISION IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION (vv. 1-23) The diligent labor of the Jews drew out more bitter anger on the part of the enemy. Sanballat was furious and resorted to the moral weakness of mockery, speaking contemptuously of "these feeble Jews" (vv. 1-2). "Will they fortify themselves?" he asked. His very attitude showed that it was necessary for them to fortify themselves against him! Also, "Will they offer sacrifices?" In other words, he did not want them to honor God by sacrificing to... read more

Group of Brands