In some one of the villages . The Hebrew has "in the villages," which seems too vague. Bertheau therefore suggests, "in Hakkiphirim," taking the word as the name of a particular village, which is probably right. Ono was near Lydda, in the plain country bordering on Philistia . They thought to do me mischief. A euphemism for "they thought to murder me." read more
Hindrances repelled. "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down." This reply of Nehemiah to his subtle enemies is worthy of adoption by us in relation to all that would hinder us in Christ's service. In giving them this turn, we may employ the words "come down," used here of locality, in the sense of descending to a lower mental or moral level. I. WHO MAY WELL ADOPT THESE WORDS . 1. All Christians. 2. Those who occupy positions of peculiar responsibility.... read more
The choice made of Ono, on the skirts of Benjamin, 25 or 30 miles from Jerusalem, as the meeting-place, was, no doubt, in order to draw Nehemiah to a distance from his supporters, that so an attack might be made on him with a better chance of success. read more
Nehemiah 6:1-2. I had not set up the doors Not all of them. Come, let us meet together To consult about the common service of our master the king of Persia, or to make a friendly accommodation. In one of the villages in the plain of Ono A city in the tribe of Benjamin, of which see Nehemiah 11:35; 1 Chronicles 8:12. But they thought to do me mischief It is likely they intended to kill him, of which, perhaps, he had received some private intelligence. read more
Nehemiah 6:3. I am doing a great work He acquainted them that he thought the business which they might have with him could not be of such importance as that which he had in hand; and therefore he would not put a stop to it to come and confer with them. Thus he tells them one, but not the only, nor the principal reason of his refusal; for he properly judged that it would answer no good end to intimate to them his suspicions of their design to compass his death. read more
Nehemiah 6:4. Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort We must never be overcome by the greatest importunity to do any thing ill or imprudent: but when we are attacked with the same temptation, still resist it with the same reason and resolution. read more
The wall completed (6:1-7:73)With the wall nearing completion, the enemies saw that their only hope lay in getting rid of Nehemiah himself. They tried to draw him out into the country where they could murder him, but Nehemiah was aware of their tricks (6:1-4). They then spread rumours, by means of an open letter, that Nehemiah was planning a revolt against Persia, but their efforts came to nothing (5-9).The enemies thought of yet another plan. They tried to make Nehemiah act in a way that would... read more
some one of the villages = in Cepherim (Nehemiah 7:29 . Ezra 2:25 ); now Kefr 'Ana, twenty-five miles from Jerusalem; eight miles east of Jaffa; six miles north of Lydda. plain = valley, or combe. Ono. Now Kefr 'Ana, five miles north of Lydda (Ezra 2:33 ). Compare Ch. Nehemiah 11:31 . mischief: to kill or capture Nehemiah. Compare Proverbs 26:24 . read more
why . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 . read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 6:1-19
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