Nehemiah 4:9

← Nehemiah 4:8 Nehemiah 4:10 →

Nehemiah 4:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night.

King James Version KJV

Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.

American Standard Version ASV

But we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But we made our prayer to God, and had men on watch against them day and night because of them.

Free Bible Version FBV

So we prayed to our God, and we had guards ready to defend against them day and night.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

The we prayed vnto our God, and set watchmen by them, day and night, because of them.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And we pray unto our God, and appoint a watch against them, by day and by night, because of them.

World English Bible WEB

But we made our prayer to our God, and set a watch against them day and night because of them.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And we prayed to our God, and set watchmen upon the wall day and night against them.

Translation for Translators T4T

But we prayed to our God to protect us, and we put men around the walls to guard the city day and night.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 4:9

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 4:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְהִ֞י כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁר שָׁמְע֤וּ אוֹיְבֵ֨י/נוּ֙ כִּי נ֣וֹדַֽע לָ֔/נוּ וַ/יָּ֥פֶר הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת עֲצָתָ֑/ם ו/נשוב וַ/נָּ֤שָׁב כֻּלָּ֨/נוּ֙ אֶל הַ֣/חוֹמָ֔ה אִ֖ישׁ אֶל מְלַאכְתּֽ/וֹ

וַ/יְהִ֞י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

שָׁמְע֤וּ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Perf-3cp

אוֹיְבֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʼôyêb H341 enemy V-Qal | Suff

כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj

נ֣וֹדַֽע yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

לָ֔/נוּ Prep | Suff

וַ/יָּ֥פֶר pârar H6565 to break Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עֲצָתָ֑/ם ʻêtsâh H6098 counsel N-fs | Suff

ו/נשוב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp

וַ/נָּ֤שָׁב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp

כֻּלָּ֨/נוּ֙ kôl H3605 all N-ms | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ֣/חוֹמָ֔ה chôwmâh H2346 wall Art | N-fs

אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

מְלַאכְתּֽ/וֹ mᵉlâʼkâh H4399 work N-fs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 4:9

וַ/יְהִ֞י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

שָׁמְע֤וּ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

אוֹיְבֵ֨י/נוּ֙ ʼôyêb H341 "enemy" V-Qal | Suff

This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.

Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national

Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.

כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

נ֣וֹדַֽע yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

לָ֔/נוּ "" Prep | Suff

וַ/יָּ֥פֶר pârar H6565 "to break" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

To split or break something apart is the meaning of this word, often used figuratively to mean frustrate or violate. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) to break, frustrate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to break, violate 1a2) to frustrate, make ineffectual 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be frustrated 1b2) to be broken 1b3) to break 1c) (Pilpel) to break to bits, shatter Also means: pur (פּוּר "to break" H6331)

Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any ways, break (asunder), cast off, cause to cease, [idiom] clean, defeat, disannul, disappoint, dissolve, divide, make of none effect, fail, frustrate, bring (come) to nought, [idiom] utterly, make void. See also: Genesis 17:14; Psalms 85:5; Psalms 74:13.

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

עֲצָתָ֑/ם ʻêtsâh H6098 "counsel" N-fs | Suff

This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.

Definition: counsel, advice, purpose

Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.

ו/נשוב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

וַ/נָּ֤שָׁב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp

כֻּלָּ֨/נוּ֙ kôl H3605 "all" N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

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.

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.

אִ֖ישׁ 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.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

מְלַאכְתּֽ/וֹ mᵉlâʼkâh H4399 "work" N-fs | Suff

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.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 4:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Nehemiah 4:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 4:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 4:9
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:9
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:9
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:9
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 4:9
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 4:9
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:9
Sermons on Nehemiah 4:9

Context — Discouragement Overcome

7When Sanballat and Tobiah, together with the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were furious, 8and all of them conspired to come and fight against Jerusalem and create a hindrance.

9So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night.

10Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: “The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.” 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.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Peter 5:8	Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
2	Acts 4:24–30	When the believers heard this, they lifted up their voices to God with one accord. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “You made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen. And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”
3	Psalms 50:15	Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”
4	Luke 21:36	So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
5	Luke 6:11–12	But the scribes and Pharisees were filled with rage and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus. In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God.
6	Matthew 26:41	“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
7	2 Kings 19:14–19	So Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers, read it, and went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD: “O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see. Listen to the words that Sennacherib has sent to defy the living God. Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste these nations and their lands. They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands. And now, O LORD our God, please save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O LORD, are God.”
8	Genesis 32:28	Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.”
9	Nehemiah 4:11	And 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.”
10	Psalms 55:16–22	But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Morning, noon, and night, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice. He redeems my soul in peace from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. God will hear and humiliate them— the One enthroned for the ages— Selah because they do not change and they have no fear of God. My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.

Nehemiah 4:9 Summary

This verse shows that when the people of Judah faced threats from their enemies, they prayed to God and took action to protect themselves. They trusted in God's power and protection, but also did what they could to be safe, which is similar to what is taught in Psalm 127:1-2, where unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. By praying and posting a guard, they demonstrated a balance between faith and action, recognizing that God is the one who ultimately protects and provides for us, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 where God commands the people to be strong and courageous because He will never leave or forsake them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary action the people took in response to the threat from their enemies?

The people prayed to God and posted a guard against their enemies day and night, as seen in Nehemiah 4:9, demonstrating their trust in God's protection and provision, similar to the example in Psalm 121:4 where God is described as the one who watches over Israel.

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?

This verse illustrates the importance of prayer in spiritual warfare, as the people prayed to God for protection against their enemies, which is in line with the teachings of Ephesians 6:18 to pray in the Spirit on all occasions.

What can we learn from the people's decision to post a guard day and night?

The decision to post a guard day and night shows the people's awareness of their vulnerability and their reliance on God's protection, echoing the sentiment in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.

How does this verse demonstrate the balance between faith and action?

Nehemiah 4:9 demonstrates that faith and action are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary, as the people both prayed to God and took practical action to protect themselves, similar to the example in James 2:26 where faith without works is described as dead.

Reflection Questions

What are the areas in my life where I need to pray and take action to protect myself from spiritual or physical harm?
How can I balance my trust in God's sovereignty with the need to take practical steps to address challenges and threats?
What can I learn from the example of the people in Nehemiah 4:9 about the importance of persistent prayer and vigilance in the face of adversity?
In what ways can I apply the principle of posting a 'guard' in my own life, whether it be through prayer, accountability, or other means?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 4:9

Nevertheless, we made our prayer unto our God,.... Spread their case before him in prayer, entreating direction and help from him: and set a watch against them day and night, because of them; to give

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 4:9

And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:9

Nehemiah 4:9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.Ver. 9. Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God] Who is the saints’ sanctuary of safety, their present help in time of trouble. Prayer to him is an anchor in all storms and a salve for all sores; yea, it healeth not only body and soul, but even hard stony walls, Nehemiah 4:7, provided that we judge ourselves in prayer, and commit our cause to God to be judged by him, as the Hebrew word ðçôìì here importeth. Thus did the children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, when to fight against the Hagarenes. Thus did Jabiz, and Jehoshaphat, and Constantine, and Theodosius, and that late victorious king of Sweden, of whom it is storied in his Life (Mr Clark), that he would pray ashipboard, ashore, in the field, in the midst of a battle; as if prayer alone were the surest piece of his whole armour. And set a watch] According to that of our Saviour, "Watch and pray," Luke 21:36, and that of the heathen, Admota manu invocanda est Minerva. Ora et labora, pray, and then use best policy; first conquer heaven, and then presume of earth’ s conquest. Against them] Or, beside them, at the workmen’ s elbows, and in the face of the enemies.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:9

(9) Because of them.—Rather, over against them: opposite to each point of their encampment. The setting watch was accompanied by solemn and united prayer.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:9

Verse 9. We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch] The strongest confidence in the protection and favour of God does not preclude the use of all or any of the means of self-preservation and defence which his providence has put in our power. While God works in us to will and to do, we should proceed to willing, through the power he has given us to will; and we should proceed to action, through the power he has given us to act. We cannot will, but through God's power; we cannot act, but through God's strength. The power, and the use of it, are two distinct things. We may have the power to will, and not will; and we may have the power to do, and not act: therefore, says the apostle, seeing God has wrought in you these powers, see that YOU WORK OUT YOUR OWN salvation, with fear and trembling.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 4:9

9. Nevertheless] R.V. But. The simple copula in the original introduces the contrast between the plan of the enemy and the defensive measures adopted by the Jews. ‘Nevertheless’ is too strong an adversative. The thought is merely ‘and on our side, we made our prayer.’ On the prominence of prayer in these books see Ezra 8:23; Ezra 9:5; Ezra 10:1; Nehemiah 1:4; Nehemiah 2:4. Nehemiah mentions the spiritual source of aid first. and set a watch] i.e. posted sentinels. The human means of defence are not neglected although the confidence rests in a higher protection. day and night] i.e. while the builders were at work on the wall, the city was almost as defenceless against a surprise as in the dead of night. against them … because of them] ‘against them,’ i.e. ‘to repel their attack:’ ‘because of them,’ literally ‘from before their face,’ i.e. in consequence of their hostility and the fear which they had excited. Others render ‘over against’, i.e. so as to watch and observe the movements of the foe. The rendering ‘over against’ introduces the idea of a definite mustering of defenders upon some particular quarter of the city, and some have suggested that the reference is to the north side as the most open for assault and nearest to the Samaritan forces. This gives too precise and limited a meaning. The character of the verse is indefinite and general. The recourse to prayer is mentioned in the first clause, and the posting of sentinels in the second. In both cases the action is due to the movement of the enemy, ‘because of them.’ After the words ‘against them’ it seems at first sight a weak conclusion to the sentence. But the words ‘against them’ belong to ‘set a watch’ and are the antithesis to ‘unto our God.’ The words ‘because of them’ refer to both clauses of the Nehemiah 4:10-12. Nehemiah’s trials do not come upon him singly. He is confronted with (Nehemiah 4:10) the murmurs of the Jews, (Nehemiah 4:11) the openly expressed confidence of his foes, (Nehemiah 4:12) the fears of the Jews in the rural districts.

Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 4:9

Because of them - Or, “over against them,” i. e. opposite to the place where they were encamped, probably on the north side of the city.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:9

9. Made our prayer… and set a watch — Here watching and prayer were strikingly exemplified.

Sermons on Nehemiah 4:9

	Sermon	Description
	Prayer Is a Warfare by B.H. Clendennen	B.H. Clendennen emphasizes that prayer is a form of spiritual warfare, drawing parallels between the distinctiveness of prayer and the evening sacrifice in the Old Testament. He re
	Prayer as Warfare by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the Christian life is a spiritual warfare, which only becomes apparent after one is saved and aligned with Christ. He explains that this battle is
	Nehemiah 4 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith discusses the various forms of opposition that arise when undertaking God's work, as illustrated in Nehemiah 4. He emphasizes that ridicule, anger, discouragement, lure
	Nehemiah 4:9 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes the vital role of prayer in the life of a believer, using Nehemiah's return to Jerusalem as a backdrop. He highlights that great leaders in the Bible were me
	Nehemiah 6:9 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes that the believer's strength comes from God, highlighting the necessity of relying on divine power rather than personal strength. He illustrates this through
	The Message of Nehemiah by G. Campbell Morgan	G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the enduring values found in the book of Nehemiah, illustrating how Nehemiah's faith was characterized by concern, confidence, and cooperation. He hig
	"Where Are the Praying People?" by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the speaker's strong desire to remain separate from the sinful influences of the world, committing to prayer, Bible reading, and standing against immorality.