The existence of a party among the Jews who sided with Sanballat and lent themselves to his schemes, is here for the first time indicated. Compare Nehemiah 6:14, Nehemiah 6:17-19; Nehemiah 13:4-5, Nehemiah 13:28. read more
Noadiah is not elsewhere mentioned. The examples of Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, and Anna, show that the prophetical gift was occasionally bestowed upon women (2 Kings 22:14 note). read more
Elul - The sixth month, corresponding to the latter part of August and the beginning of September.In fifty and two days - Josephus states that the repairs of the wall occupied two years and four months. But Nehemiah’s narrative is thoroughly consistent with itself, and contains in it nothing that is improbable. The walls everywhere existed at the time that he commenced his task, and only needed repairs. The work was partitioned among at least 37 working parties, who labored simultaneously, with... read more
Though Tobiah is called “the servant” or “slave” Nehemiah 2:10, Nehemiah 2:19, and was perhaps a bought slave of Sanballat’s, yet he was in such a position that Jewish nobles readily contracted affinity with him. This is quite in harmony with the practice of the East, where slaves often fill high positions and make great marriages. read more
A.M. 3559. B.C. 445. Nehemiah’s answer to his enemies, courting him to an interview, Nehemiah 6:1-4 . To their charge of rebellion, Nehemiah 6:5-9 . To Shemaiah’s false prophecy, Nehemiah 6:10-14 . Nothwithstanding the treachery of some of the nobles, the work is finished, Neh 6:15-19 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
Nehemiah 6:5-6. With an open letter in his hand Before, the message was delivered by word of mouth, but now by letter; yet open, as speaking of a thing commonly known, or in order that every one might see of what he was accused. It is reported among the heathen The neighbouring people, whom you proudly and disdainfully call heathen. And Gashmu saith it Probably the same as Geshem, mentioned Nehemiah 6:1. That thou and the Jews think to rebel Thus he endeavours to possess Nehemiah... read more
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Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Nehemiah 6:11
Would go into the temple to save his life - Rather “could go into the temple and live.” For a layman to enter the sanctuary was a capital offence (see Numbers 18:7). read more