Nehemiah 4:13
Nehemiah 4:13 in Multiple Translations
So I stationed men behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows.
¶ Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.
Therefore set I in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in the open places, I set there the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.
So in the lowest part of the space at the back of the walls, in the open places, I put the people by families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows.
So I positioned defenders behind the lowest, most vulnerable sections, of the wall. I had them take their positions by families, armed with their swords, spears, and bows.
Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall vpon the toppes of the stones, and placed the people by their families, with their swordes, their speares and their bowes.
And I appoint at the lowest of the places, at the back of the wall, in the clear places, yea, I appoint the people, by their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows.
Therefore I set guards in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in the open places. I set the people by family groups with their swords, their spears, and their bows.
Therefore I set in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.
I set the people in the place behind the wall round about in order, with their swords, and spears, and bows.
So I put guards at the places where the wall was not very high yet and at places where there were gaps in the wall. I put guards to protect each of their family groups. I gave the guards daggers, spears, and bows and arrows.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 4:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Nehemiah 4:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֹמַ֞ר
אֶל
הַ/חֹרִ֤ים
וְ/אֶל
הַ/סְּגָנִים֙
וְ/אֶל
יֶ֣תֶר
הָ/עָ֔ם
הַ/מְּלָאכָ֥ה
הַרְבֵּ֖ה
וּ/רְחָבָ֑ה
וַ/אֲנַ֗חְנוּ
נִפְרָדִים֙
עַל
הַ֣/חוֹמָ֔ה
רְחוֹקִ֖ים
אִ֥ישׁ
מֵ/אָחִֽי/ו
וָ/אֹמַ֞ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/חֹרִ֤ים
chôr
H2715
noble
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
הַ/סְּגָנִים֙
çâgân
H5461
ruler
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
יֶ֣תֶר
yether
H3499
remainder
N-ms
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
הַ/מְּלָאכָ֥ה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
work
Art | N-fs
הַרְבֵּ֖ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil-Ptc
וּ/רְחָבָ֑ה
râchâb
H7342
broad
Conj | Adj
וַ/אֲנַ֗חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Conj | Pron
נִפְרָדִים֙
pârad
H6504
to separate
V-Niphal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ֣/חוֹמָ֔ה
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
Art | N-fs
רְחוֹקִ֖ים
râchôwq
H7350
distant
Adj
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מֵ/אָחִֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 4:13
וָ/אֹמַ֞ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/חֹרִ֤ים
chôr
H2715
"noble"
Art | N-mp
In the original Hebrew, this word means noble or pure, like something made clean by fire. It describes someone of high rank or birth, like a freeborn person. It appears in various Bible translations as 'noble'.
Definition: a noble, freeborn one
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: noble. See also: 1 Kings 21:8; Nehemiah 6:17; Isaiah 34:12.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/סְּגָנִים֙
çâgân
H5461
"ruler"
Art | N-mp
A ruler is a person with authority and power, like a prince or governor. In the Bible, this word is used to describe leaders in Assyria and Babylon, who had control over provinces and people.
Definition: 1) ruler, prefect, governor, a subordinate ruler 1a) prefects (of Assyria and Babylon) 1b) petty rulers or officials Aramaic equivalent: se.gan (סְגַן "prefect" H5460)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: prince, ruler. See also: Ezra 9:2; Nehemiah 13:11; Isaiah 41:25.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יֶ֣תֶר
yether
H3499
"remainder"
N-ms
A cord or rope, also meaning excess or remainder, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of leftovers or abundant resources.
Definition: 1) remainder, excess, rest, remnant, excellence 1a) remainder, remnant 1b) remainder, rest, other part 1c) excess 1d) abundantly (adv) 1e) abundance, affluence 1f) superiority, excellency
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundant, cord, exceeding, excellancy(-ent), what they leave, that hath left, plentifully, remnant, residue, rest, string, with. See also: Genesis 49:3; 2 Kings 15:26; Psalms 11:2.
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הַ/מְּלָאכָ֥ה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
"work"
Art | N-fs
Means work or employment, like a job or business, and is used to describe someone's occupation or the result of their labor, as seen in the Bible's description of various professions and industries.
Definition: 1) occupation, work, business 1a) occupation, business 1b) property 1c) work (something done or made) 1d) workmanship 1e) service, use 1f) public business 1f1) political 1f2) religious
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship). See also: Genesis 2:2; 1 Chronicles 9:13; Psalms 73:28.
הַרְבֵּ֖ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
וּ/רְחָבָ֑ה
râchâb
H7342
"broad"
Conj | Adj
This word means broad or wide, describing something that is roomy or spacious. It can also mean proud or arrogant, and is used to describe a person's attitude. In the KJV, it is translated as broad or large.
Definition: broad, wide Also means: ra.chav (רָחָב ": arrogant" H7342I)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: broad, large, at liberty, proud, wide. See also: Genesis 34:21; Job 30:14; Psalms 101:5.
וַ/אֲנַ֗חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Conj | Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
נִפְרָדִים֙
pârad
H6504
"to separate"
V-Niphal
To separate or divide, as seen in Exodus when God parted the Red Sea. It can also mean to scatter or disperse, like when the Israelites were sent out of Egypt. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to separate, divide 1a) (Qal) to divide 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide, separate 1b2) to be divided, be separated 1c) (Piel) to be separated 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to divide, separate 1e2) to make a division, make a separation 1f) (Hithpael) to be divided, be separated, get separated Aramaic equivalent: be.dar (בְּדַר "to scatter" H0921)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: disperse, divide, be out of joint, part, scatter (abroad), separate (self), sever self, stretch, sunder. See also: Genesis 2:10; Nehemiah 4:13; Psalms 22:15.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ֣/חוֹמָ֔ה
chôwmâh
H2346
"wall"
Art | N-fs
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
רְחוֹקִ֖ים
râchôwq
H7350
"distant"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מֵ/אָחִֽי/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 4:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 4:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 4:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 4:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:13
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 4:13
- Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 4:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:13
- Sermons on Nehemiah 4:13
Context — Discouragement Overcome
11And our enemies said, “Before they know or see a thing, we will come into their midst, kill them, and put an end to the work.”
12At that time the Jews who lived nearby came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.”
13So I stationed men behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows.
14After I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” 15When our enemies heard that we were aware of their scheme and that God had frustrated it, each of us returned to his own work on the wall.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 4:17–18 | who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other. And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side. But the trumpeter stayed beside me. |
| 2 | Ephesians 6:11–20 | Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should. |
| 3 | Song of Solomon 3:7–8 | Behold, it is Solomon’s carriage, escorted by sixty of the mightiest men of Israel. All are skilled with the sword, experienced in warfare. Each has his sword at his side prepared for the terror of the night. |
| 4 | Psalms 112:5 | It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. |
| 5 | Matthew 10:16 | Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 32:2–8 | When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come to make war against Jerusalem, he consulted with his leaders and commanders about stopping up the waters of the springs outside the city, and they helped him carry it out. Many people assembled and stopped up all the springs and the stream that flowed through the land. “Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?” they said. Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise up towers on it. He also built an outer wall and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David, and he produced an abundance of weapons and shields. Hezekiah appointed military commanders over the people and gathered the people in the square of the city gate. Then he encouraged them, saying, “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 14:20 | Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. |
| 8 | Genesis 32:13–20 | Jacob spent the night there, and from what he had brought with him, he selected a gift for his brother Esau: 200 female goats, 20 male goats, 200 ewes, 20 rams, 30 milk camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, 20 female donkeys, and 10 male donkeys. He entrusted them to his servants in separate herds and told them, “Go on ahead of me, and keep some distance between the herds.” He instructed the one in the lead, “When my brother Esau meets you and asks, ‘To whom do you belong, where are you going, and whose animals are these before you?’ then you are to say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a gift, sent to my lord Esau. And behold, Jacob is behind us.’” He also instructed the second, the third, and all those following behind the herds: “When you meet Esau, you are to say the same thing to him. You are also to say, ‘Look, your servant Jacob is right behind us.’” For he thought, “I will appease Esau with the gift that is going before me. After that I can face him, and perhaps he will accept me. ” |
Nehemiah 4:13 Summary
[Nehemiah 4:13 shows us that when we face challenges or attacks, we need to be prepared and trust in God's power to protect us, just like Nehemiah did when he stationed men behind the wall to defend against the enemies, as we also see in Psalms 91:1-2. We can apply this to our own lives by being aware of our weaknesses and vulnerabilities, and seeking God's strength and guidance to overcome them. By trusting in God and working together with others, we can build a strong defense against the enemy, as seen in Matthew 18:20 and Acts 2:42-47.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Nehemiah station men behind the lowest sections of the wall?
Nehemiah stationed men behind the lowest sections of the wall to protect the vulnerable areas from enemy attack, as the enemies had planned to attack them, as seen in Nehemiah 4:11 and also in similar situations like in Exodus 14:13-14 where God protected the Israelites from the Egyptians.
What does it mean to station men by families with their swords, spears, and bows?
Stationing men by families with their swords, spears, and bows means that Nehemiah organized the defense in a way that utilized the strengths of each family unit, providing a sense of unity and cooperation in the face of adversity, similar to how God instructed the Israelites to fight together in Deuteronomy 20:1-4.
How does this verse relate to spiritual warfare?
This verse can be seen as a physical illustration of spiritual warfare, where believers are called to stand guard against the attacks of the enemy, as taught in Ephesians 6:10-18, and to trust in God's power and protection to overcome them, as seen in Psalms 20:7-8.
What can we learn from Nehemiah's example of leadership in this verse?
Nehemiah's example teaches us the importance of wise leadership, strategic planning, and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 24:6 and 1 Timothy 2:1-4, which are essential qualities for effective leaders in the face of adversity.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'lowest sections of the wall' in my life that need protection and strengthening?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, trust in God's power and provision to overcome the challenges I face?
- What are some ways I can 'station' myself and my family to be prepared for spiritual battles, and what role does prayer and scripture play in this preparation?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of organizing by 'families' to my own life and community, to build stronger relationships and a more unified defense against the enemy?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 4:13
Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall,.... Where the wall was lowest, and the enemy could more easily break it down, or get over it: and on the higher places; where the wall was higher;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 4:13
Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:13
In the lower places behind the wall; to stand by and within the walls where they were lowest, and not yet raised to their due height, and therefore most liable to the enemy’ s assault. On the higher places; upon the tops of the walls where they were finished, and the towers which were built here and there upon the wall; whence they might shoot arrows or throw stones against their enemies, when they made their approaches.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:13
Nehemiah 4:13 Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, [and] on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.Ver. 13. Therefore set I in the lower places] I took them off their work, and appointed them to stand upon their guard; appointing them their stations, and giving them orders. I even set the people after their families] Or, according to their kindreds; for he knew that nature will move one kinsman to be truer to another in all dangers than a stranger; and that one kinsman will open his grief to his friend and take comfort at his hand, rather than to him whom he knoweth not. Hence Nehemiah in policy sorted his soldiers after this sort. With their swords, their spears, and their bows] These were the ancient weapons of war; neither had death yet learned to cut his way through a wood of men out of the mouth of a murdering piece. Whether the Emperor Wenceslaus did well or ill in executing Barthold Swartz for inventing gunpowder, A. D. 1378, I determine not.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:13
(13) After their families.—In allusion to the ambushes of Neh 4:11, Nehemiah set families together—besides the appointed guards—“ in the lower places,” where the wall was not raised to the due height, that is, really, “on the higher places,” or rather, the bare places, whence enemies might be better seen. The “lower” were the “bare” places.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 4:13
13. Therefore set I, &c.] Nehemiah’s action recorded in this verse was intended to meet the needs of the situation generally. ‘Therefore’ must not be limited in application to Nehemiah 4:12. The difficulties which beset him on so many sides compelled him to suspend part of the building operations, and to employ some of his available men for purposes of defence. in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places] R.V. In the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, In the open places. The original in this passage is very obscure. The true meaning seems to be given by the R.V. Nehemiah stationed armed detachments under the cover of the wall, in the open spaces, where houses and buildings would not interfere with their movement. The difficulties of the clause are occasioned by (1) the verb ‘I set’ without an object, although repeated with an object in the next clause: (2) the word rendered ‘the space’ (lit. ‘the place’); (3) the words ‘in the open places.’ The LXX. ἐντοῖςσκεπεινοῖς seems to have understood ‘sheltered places.’ Others explain of ‘places where the sun shone,’ i.e. where the glint of the soldiers’ armour would betray their presence and deter attack. According to one bold conjecture we should render, ‘And I set the engines (or catapults) in the space behind the wall in well-protected positions.’ after their families] Probably defending the portion of the wall upon which they were at work. This distribution of the defence among families guaranteed the discipline and organization and energy resulting from the strong clan feeling of the Semitic races.
Many would thus be required merely to defend their own homes: cf. Nehemiah 3:28. swords … spears … bows] the chief offensive weapons: swords for the hand-to-hand melιe, spears as the enemy drew near, the bow and arrow for attack from the distance.
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 4:13
The lower places - The places where those within the walls had the least advantage of elevation, the naturally weak places, where an enemy was likely to make his attack.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:13
13. Set I — Or, then I stationed, to wit, people, as is seen further on. In the lower places — Better, as the margin, from, or at, the lower parts of the place.
Sermons on Nehemiah 4:13
| Sermon | Description | |
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From the First Year of Cyrus to the Death of Alexander the Great by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the story of Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes queen to King Artaxerxes after the removal of Queen Vashti. Esther, under the care of her uncle Mordecai, |
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Rebuilding Jerusalem by F.G. Allen | F.G. Allen preaches about the importance of remaining steadfast in the work of God, drawing parallels between Nehemiah's dedication to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and the nee |
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Heart to Heart Talk on Marriage by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker starts by sharing a personal anecdote about watching a nature channel and being disturbed by the aggressive behavior of wild dogs in South Africa. He th |
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Victory Over the Flesh by J. Sidlow Baxter | J. Sidlow Baxter emphasizes the necessity of living in victory over the flesh by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and avoiding provisions for sinful desires. He explains that the ' |
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Resist the Devil by Mark Greening | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on James 4:7, which instructs believers to submit to God and resist the devil. The sermon emphasizes that although we are in a spiritual battle |
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The Whole Armour of God - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses various aspects of the Christian life, including witnessing, worship, and warfare. He emphasizes the importance of fathers in the household, h |
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The Snake Story by Otto Koning | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of feeling overwhelmed and defeated in his ministry. He confesses to complaining to the Lord and questioning why he was fac |