lodge = pass the night. Few, or no houses yet. See Nehemiah 7:4 ; Nehemiah 13:21 . Compare Hebrew. lun. First occurrence Genesis 19:2 ; Genesis 24:23 , Genesis 24:25 , Genesis 24:54 , &c. See note on Nehemiah 7:4 . 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
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
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
BUILDING THE WALLS PRAYER AND ITS ANSWER (Nehemiah 1-2:8) In this book it is to be kept in mind that the previous commissions to Zembbabel and Ezra concerned only the repair of the temple at Jerusalem, and certain internal arrangements for the moral and material well-being of the people in their home towns. The walls and gates of the city, however, were still in the ruined condition in which they were left by Nebuchadnezzar after the siege. The consequences were detrimental to the people’s... read more
Nehemiah 4:0 "But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews" ( Neh 4:1 ). How Nehemiah Built the Wall WE have heard of Sanballat before. We heard of him in the second chapter, where we read the following words: "When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel." The word in... 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