Nehemiah 4:6
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the people had a mind to work - The original is very emphatic: ויהי לב לעם לעשות vayehi leb leam laasoth, "For the people had a heart to work." Their hearts were engaged in it; and where the heart is engaged, the work of God goes on well. The whole of this 6th verse is omitted by the Septuagint.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The Jews continued to build without heeding the ridicule of their enemies, "and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof," i.e., the wall was so far repaired throughout its whole circumference, that no breach or gap was left up to half its height; "and the people had a heart to work," i.e., the restoration went on so quickly because the people had a mind to work. The attempts of the enemies to hinder the work by force, and Nehemiah's precautions against them. - When the enemies learnt that the restoration of the wall was evidently getting on, they conspired together to fight against Jerusalem (Neh 4:1 and Neh 4:2). The Jews then prayed to God, and set a watch (Neh 4:3). When the courage of the people began to fail, and their enemies spread a report of sudden attack being imminent, Nehemiah furnished the people on the wall with weapons, and encouraged the nobles and rulers to fight boldly for their brethren, their children, and their possessions (vv. 4-8). The Arabians, Ammonites, and Ashdodites are here enumerated as enemies, besides Sanballat and Tobiah (vv. 2, 10, 19). The Arabians were incited to hostilities against the Jews by Geshem (vv. 11, 19), and the Ammonites by Tobiah; the Ashdodites, the inhabitants of the city and territory of Ashdod, in the coast district of Philistia, were perhaps encouraged to renew their old hatred of Judah by Sanballat the Horonite. When these enemies heard that the walls of Jerusalem were bandaged, i.e., that the breaches and damages in the wall were repaired, they were filled with wrath. The biblical expression, to lay on a bandage, here and Ch2 24:13; Jer 8:22; Jer 30:17; Jer 33:6, is derived from the healing of wounds by means of a bandage, and is explained by the sentence following: that the breaches began to be closed or stopped. The enemies conspired together to march against Jerusalem and injure it. לו, because the people of the town are meant. תּועה occurs but once more, viz., in Isa 32:6, in the sense of error; here it signifies calamities, for, as Aben Ezra well remarks, qui in angustiis constitutus est, est velut errans, qui nescit quid agat quove se vertat.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof--The whole circuit of the wall had been distributed in sections to various companies of the people, and was completed to the half of the intended height.
John Gill Bible Commentary
So built we the wall,.... Went on in building it, notwithstanding their scoffs and threats: and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof; it was carried all round the city to half the height of it: for the people had a mind to work; their heart was in it, they had a good will to it, and they made haste to finish it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:6 half its height: Perhaps 10–12 feet (3.0–3.7 meters) tall, since some scholars speculate that the original wall was 20–24 feet (6.0–7.3 meters) high.
Nehemiah 4:6
The Work Ridiculed
5Do not cover up their iniquity or let their sin be blotted out from Your sight, for they have provoked the builders.6So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Nehemiah, Esther
By Zac Poonen2.8K56:21EstherNEH 2:19NEH 4:1NEH 4:6NEH 5:14NEH 13:15NEH 13:21In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Nehemiah and the importance of having a burden for God's work. He emphasizes the need for one person who is not discouraged by opposition and can motivate others to build the body of Jesus Christ. The speaker also highlights the significance of worship and praise in God's movement. Nehemiah is praised for his organization and his ability to gather people with a genuine burden for God's work. The sermon concludes with a warning about the lowering of standards in the church and the importance of maintaining a separation from the world.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.3 & 4
By Zac Poonen2.4K1:00:29From Babylon To JerusalemNEH 2:13NEH 3:15NEH 3:27NEH 4:6MAT 6:33HEB 3:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against the enemy while remaining committed to God's work. The people in the story were wholeheartedly serving the Lord, even though they were scattered and faced opposition. The enemy tried to hinder their work through mocking and making fun of them. The speaker also highlights the danger of murmuring and complaining, urging listeners to instead give thanks and avoid negativity. The sermon draws from the book of Nehemiah and encourages believers to stay focused on God's work despite challenges.
What Makes a Man of God
By George Verwer1.3K43:38Man Of GodNEH 1:4NEH 2:4NEH 4:3NEH 4:6NEH 4:15NEH 6:16HEB 4:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the dedication and hard work of mechanics who work tirelessly for a meager wage, contrasting it with the lack of commitment shown by some Christians towards serving Jesus. The speaker highlights the challenges faced by Nehemiah and his team as they faced opposition and mockery while rebuilding the wall. Despite the mocking, Nehemiah responds by praying to God for strength and guidance. The sermon concludes by reminding listeners of the power and sufficiency of Christ in their lives, encouraging them to trust in God's ability to fight for them and overcome any obstacles they may face.
Nehemiah 6 - Part 6
By Joshua Daniel1.0K08:33NEH 4:6PRO 16:31CO 3:9EPH 4:3COL 3:23This sermon emphasizes the importance of unity and dedication in building the walls of Jerusalem, drawing parallels to the fragmented efforts of individuals versus the unified work of a community. It challenges preachers and leaders to focus on building God's kingdom together in harmony, rather than seeking personal glory or superficial enhancements. The ultimate goal is to have the work recognized as God's doing, bringing humility and awe to all who witness it.
Nehemiah #2: Chapter 2-6
By Stephen Kaung9801:03:58NEH 2:9NEH 4:1NEH 4:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of vision and discernment among the people regarding the state of the city walls. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's purpose while also being aware of the real situation on earth. The speaker then shares the story of Nehemiah, who secretly inspects the ruined walls of Jerusalem at night. Despite facing opposition from unexpected sources, including their own brethren, Nehemiah remains committed to rebuilding the walls and restoring the city. The sermon highlights the challenges and conflicts that arise when pursuing God's work, but also emphasizes the importance of perseverance and staying focused on God's purpose.
We Travel an Appointed Way
By A.W. Tozer0Divine CallingPerseverance in FaithNEH 2:5NEH 4:6NEH 6:3NEH 6:9PSA 37:5ISA 41:101CO 15:58EPH 2:10PHP 3:14HEB 12:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God's calling, as exemplified by Nehemiah, who rose from his sorrow to rebuild Jerusalem despite ridicule and opposition. Nehemiah's unwavering faith in God's providence allowed him to continue his work, responding to distractions with determination and purpose. He recognized the significance of his mission and refused to be sidetracked by the enemy's schemes, famously declaring that he could not abandon his great project. Tozer encourages believers to adopt a similar mindset, prioritizing their divine assignments over lesser pursuits. The sermon calls for a deep commitment to God's work, urging us to reject distractions and remain steadfast in our mission.
The Work and the Workers
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Testimony of ChristDivine MovementsNEH 3:5NEH 4:6JHN 3:8ACT 2:11CO 3:2EPH 4:16HEB 8:1HEB 11:10REV 3:2REV 21:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the dynamic nature of God's work through history, illustrating how divine movements are often marked by both intrinsic fullness and progressive recovery. He draws parallels between the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall in Nehemiah and the early church's testimony in the Book of Acts, highlighting the importance of being instruments of God's vision and passion. Sparks points out that God's chosen vessels often face unique challenges and must be guided by the Holy Spirit, leading to a corporate unity among believers. The sermon calls for a renewed commitment to the testimony of Christ, urging the church to recognize their role in the ongoing work of God.
Being About the Lord's Business
By A.W. Tozer0Commitment to God's WorkOvercoming OppositionNEH 2:5NEH 4:6NEH 6:3NEH 6:16MAT 6:331CO 15:58EPH 2:10PHP 3:14COL 3:23HEB 12:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of being dedicated to the Lord's work, using Nehemiah as an example of unwavering commitment despite ridicule and opposition. Nehemiah, driven by a vision from God, returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city, facing mockery from adversaries like Sanballat and Tobiah. He remained resolute, declaring that God would prosper their efforts and refusing to be distracted by attempts to divert him from his mission. Tozer encourages believers to adopt Nehemiah's determination, prioritizing God's calling above all else and rejecting any distractions from the enemy. The message calls for a renewed focus on our divine tasks, echoing Nehemiah's declaration of commitment.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the people had a mind to work - The original is very emphatic: ויהי לב לעם לעשות vayehi leb leam laasoth, "For the people had a heart to work." Their hearts were engaged in it; and where the heart is engaged, the work of God goes on well. The whole of this 6th verse is omitted by the Septuagint.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The Jews continued to build without heeding the ridicule of their enemies, "and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof," i.e., the wall was so far repaired throughout its whole circumference, that no breach or gap was left up to half its height; "and the people had a heart to work," i.e., the restoration went on so quickly because the people had a mind to work. The attempts of the enemies to hinder the work by force, and Nehemiah's precautions against them. - When the enemies learnt that the restoration of the wall was evidently getting on, they conspired together to fight against Jerusalem (Neh 4:1 and Neh 4:2). The Jews then prayed to God, and set a watch (Neh 4:3). When the courage of the people began to fail, and their enemies spread a report of sudden attack being imminent, Nehemiah furnished the people on the wall with weapons, and encouraged the nobles and rulers to fight boldly for their brethren, their children, and their possessions (vv. 4-8). The Arabians, Ammonites, and Ashdodites are here enumerated as enemies, besides Sanballat and Tobiah (vv. 2, 10, 19). The Arabians were incited to hostilities against the Jews by Geshem (vv. 11, 19), and the Ammonites by Tobiah; the Ashdodites, the inhabitants of the city and territory of Ashdod, in the coast district of Philistia, were perhaps encouraged to renew their old hatred of Judah by Sanballat the Horonite. When these enemies heard that the walls of Jerusalem were bandaged, i.e., that the breaches and damages in the wall were repaired, they were filled with wrath. The biblical expression, to lay on a bandage, here and Ch2 24:13; Jer 8:22; Jer 30:17; Jer 33:6, is derived from the healing of wounds by means of a bandage, and is explained by the sentence following: that the breaches began to be closed or stopped. The enemies conspired together to march against Jerusalem and injure it. לו, because the people of the town are meant. תּועה occurs but once more, viz., in Isa 32:6, in the sense of error; here it signifies calamities, for, as Aben Ezra well remarks, qui in angustiis constitutus est, est velut errans, qui nescit quid agat quove se vertat.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof--The whole circuit of the wall had been distributed in sections to various companies of the people, and was completed to the half of the intended height.
John Gill Bible Commentary
So built we the wall,.... Went on in building it, notwithstanding their scoffs and threats: and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof; it was carried all round the city to half the height of it: for the people had a mind to work; their heart was in it, they had a good will to it, and they made haste to finish it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:6 half its height: Perhaps 10–12 feet (3.0–3.7 meters) tall, since some scholars speculate that the original wall was 20–24 feet (6.0–7.3 meters) high.