Nehemiah 5:9
Nehemiah 5:9 in Multiple Translations
So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our foreign enemies?
Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?
Also I said, The thing that ye do is not good: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies?
And I said, What you are doing is not good: is it not the more necessary for you to go in the fear of our God, because of the shame which the nations may put on us?
“What you're doing isn't right,” I told them. “Don't you think you should respect our God so that enemy nations don't criticize us?
I said also, That which ye do, is not good. Ought ye not to walke in the feare of our God, for the reproche of the heathen our enemies?
And I say, 'Not good [is] the thing that ye are doing; in the fear of our God do ye not walk, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies?
Also I said, “The thing that you do is not good. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies?
Also I said, That is not good which ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?
And I said to them: The thing you do is not good: why walk you not in the fear of our God, that we be not exposed to the reproaches of the Gentiles our enemies?
Then I said to them, “What you are doing is terrible [EUP]! You certainly ought to [RHQ] obey God and do what is right! If you did that, our enemies who do not revere Yahweh would see that we are doing what is right and would not ridicule us.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 5:9
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 5:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ו/יאמר
וָ/אוֹמַ֕ר
לֹא
ט֥וֹב
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
אֲשֶׁר
אַתֶּ֣ם
עֹשִׂ֑ים
הֲ/ל֞וֹא
בְּ/יִרְאַ֤ת
אֱלֹהֵ֨י/נוּ֙
תֵּלֵ֔כוּ
מֵ/חֶרְפַּ֖ת
הַ/גּוֹיִ֥ם
אוֹיְבֵֽי/נוּ
ו/יאמר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וָ/אוֹמַ֕ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
ט֥וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
עֹשִׂ֑ים
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal
הֲ/ל֞וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
בְּ/יִרְאַ֤ת
yirʼâh
H3374
fear
Prep | N-fs
אֱלֹהֵ֨י/נוּ֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
תֵּלֵ֔כוּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
מֵ/חֶרְפַּ֖ת
cherpâh
H2781
reproach
Prep | N-fs
הַ/גּוֹיִ֥ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Art | N-mp
אוֹיְבֵֽי/נוּ
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 5:9
ו/יאמר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
וָ/אוֹמַ֕ר
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.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
ט֥וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
הַ/דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
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.
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
עֹשִׂ֑ים
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
הֲ/ל֞וֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בְּ/יִרְאַ֤ת
yirʼâh
H3374
"fear"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word for fear can also mean reverence or respect, especially when it comes to God. It's used to describe a feeling of awe or terror, and is often translated as 'fear' or 'dreadful' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) fear, terror, fearing 1a) fear, terror 1b) awesome or terrifying thing (object causing fear) 1c) fear (of God), respect, reverence, piety 1d) revered
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] dreadful, [idiom] exceedingly, fear(-fulness). See also: Genesis 20:11; Proverbs 1:29; Psalms 2:11.
אֱלֹהֵ֨י/נוּ֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
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.
תֵּלֵ֔כוּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
מֵ/חֶרְפַּ֖ת
cherpâh
H2781
"reproach"
Prep | N-fs
Cherpah means reproach or shame, often used to describe scorn or disgrace. In the Bible, it is used to express strong feelings of shame or humiliation.
Definition: 1) reproach, scorn 1a) taunt, scorn (upon enemy) 1b) reproach (resting upon condition of shame, disgrace) 1c) a reproach (an object)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame. See also: Genesis 30:23; Isaiah 25:8; Psalms 15:3.
הַ/גּוֹיִ֥ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
אוֹיְבֵֽי/נוּ
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.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 5:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 5:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 5:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 5:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:9
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 5:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:9
- Sermons on Nehemiah 5:9
Context — Nehemiah Defends the Oppressed
7and after serious thought I rebuked the nobles and officials, saying, “You are exacting usury from your own brothers!” So I called a large assembly against them
8and said, “We have done our best to buy back our Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners, but now you are selling your own brothers, that they may be sold back to us!” But they remained silent, for they could find nothing to say.
9So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our foreign enemies?
10I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending the people money and grain. Please, let us stop this usury. 11Please restore to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses, along with the percentage of the money, grain, new wine, and oil that you have been assessing them.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 25:36 | Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 12:14 | Nevertheless, because by this deed you have shown utter contempt for the word of the LORD, the son born to you will surely die.” |
| 3 | Romans 2:24 | As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” |
| 4 | 1 Peter 2:12 | Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. |
| 5 | Proverbs 18:5 | Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. |
| 6 | Titus 2:5 | to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited. |
| 7 | Proverbs 17:26 | It is surely not good to punish the innocent or to flog a noble for his honesty. |
| 8 | Nehemiah 5:15 | The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people, but I did not do this because of my fear of God. |
| 9 | Genesis 42:18 | and on the third day he said to them, “I fear God. So do this and you will live: |
| 10 | 1 Timothy 5:14 | So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander. |
Nehemiah 5:9 Summary
[Nehemiah 5:9 is a call to live in a way that honors God, and to be mindful of how our actions affect others. This means being fair and just in our dealings with others, and being sensitive to how they may perceive God through us. As it says in Proverbs 22:1, 'A good name is more desirable than great riches', and our actions can either bring honor or shame to God's name. By living in the fear of God, we can bring joy and honor to Him, and be a positive influence on those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'walk in the fear of our God' in Nehemiah 5:9?
Walking in the fear of God means to live in reverence and respect for Him, being mindful of His presence and judgment, as seen in Psalm 111:10, where it says 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom'.
Why does Nehemiah mention 'foreign enemies' in this verse?
Nehemiah mentions foreign enemies to remind the Israelites that their actions are being watched by outsiders, and that they should strive to be a good witness for God, just as it is written in Matthew 5:16, 'Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven'.
Is Nehemiah saying that the only reason to do right is to avoid shame from others?
No, Nehemiah is not saying that the only reason to do right is to avoid shame, but rather that avoiding shame from others is a consequence of not doing right, and that our primary motivation should be to please and honor God, as seen in Colossians 1:10, 'that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him'.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences, not just for ourselves, but also for how others perceive God and His people, and that we should strive to live in a way that honors God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:20, 'We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can 'walk in the fear of God' in my daily life?
- How can I ensure that my actions are a good witness for God, especially in the eyes of those who do not know Him?
- In what ways can I be a positive influence on those around me, and help to bring honor to God's name?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be bringing shame or reproach to God's name, and how can I change those things?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 5:9
Also I said, it is not good that ye do,.... The meaning is, that it was very bad; it is a "meiosis", by which more is intended than is expressed: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God; in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 5:9
Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:9
It is not good, i. e. it is a very bad and wicked thing; as this same phrase is used, 17:26 18:5 19:2. A common figure, called meiosis, where more is understood than is expressed. Because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies; who are round about you, and observe all your actions, and will loath and reproach both you for such barbarous usage of your brethren, and religion for your sakes; which, if you have any love or respect either to God or to yourselves, you will prevent.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:9
Nehemiah 5:9 Also I said, It [is] not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies? Ver. 9. Also I said, It is not good that ye do No oratory is so powerful as that of mildness. The drops that fall easily upon the corn ripen and fill the ear; when hasty showers lay all flat to the earth, without hope of recovery. Gregory hath observed, that they that could not be cured with strong potions have been recovered with warm water. Reprovers of others must deal warily, as bone-setters; and as we take a mote out of one’ s eye. Ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God] Which would have reined you in, and restrained you from such exorbitancies. Genesis 42:18, You need not fear me, said Joseph to his brethren, for I fear God, and therefore dare do you no hurt. Ye shall not oppress one another; "but thou shalt fear thy God: for I am the Lord your God," Leviticus 25:17. And "will ye not tremble at my presence?" saith the Lord, Jeremiah 5:22.
"Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob," Psalms 114:7. Oppressors are called Canaanites, Hosea 12:7. He is Canaan that is a mere natural man, utterly void of God’ s holy fear, Ezekiel 16:3, the balances of deceit are in his hand; be loveth to oppress. To him that is afflicted pity should be showed from his friend (as it should have been to these poor Jews from their hard-hearted countrymen and kinsmen), but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty, and is therefore merciless. Because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?] Who watch for our halting more earnestly than a dog doth for a bone, and will be glad of any occasion to speak evil of us and of our religion, with, These are your professors, &c. You see what tyrants and tigers they are one to another. Hereby the banks of blasphemy will be broken down in them, to speak evil with open mouth of the name of God. And will ye trample upon that dear and dread name?
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:9
(9) Because of the reproach.—The text of another strong argument used in the assembly. We learn in Nehemiah 6 how watchful the heathen were: all matters were reported to them, and every act of oppression would become a reproach against the God of the Jews.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:9
Verse 9. Ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God] If ye wish to accredit that religion ye profess which comes from the God of justice and mercy; should you not, in the sight of the heathen, abstain from injustice and cruelty? Can they credit your profession, when they see such practices? The inconsistent conduct of some professors of religion does much harm in the Church of God.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 5:9
9. Also I said] ‘And I said.’ The C’thib in the Hebrew text (which is probably due to an error of transcription) gives the meaning ‘and it was said,’ i.e. by Nehemiah. The rendering ‘and I said’ follows the reading of the K’ri, LXX., Vulg. It is not good that ye do] R.V. The thing that ye do Is not good. The R.V. rendering is in itself preferable to that of the A.V. In addition it enables the English reader to recognize the exact correspondence of this clause with words in Exodus 18:17. The sentence is so simple that too much must not be made of the resemblance. But the supposition that Nehemiah’s words perhaps unconsciously repeated a familiar sentence from ‘the book of the law’ is not to be lightly dismissed. That the words of Jethro to Moses should be used by Nehemiah to the money-lenders indicates the courtesy of his expostulation.
Fiercer language would have only exasperated them. ought ye not, &c.] or ‘will ye, or should ye, not,’ &c. walk in the fear of our God] This precise phrase does not, apparently, occur elsewhere in the O. T. It condenses the thought of Deu 10:12, ‘And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways,’ (cf. Nehemiah 8:6). We find it in the N. T. in Acts 9:31, ‘The church … walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost was multiplied.’ ‘The fear of God,’ cf. Nehemiah 5:15. ‘The fear of the Lord’ is the usual expression, espec. in Pss. and Prov. ‘The fear of God,’ cf. Genesis 20:11; 2 Samuel 23:3; 2 Chronicles 26:5, R.V. Marg. The fear of God’s hatred of oppression should be before the eyes of all.
Cf. Proverbs 14:31, ‘He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker.’ because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies] Though the general sense is obvious, there is some uncertainty as to the exact shade of meaning to be attached to these words. (1) It may mean ‘on account of the reproach wherewith our enemies have reproached us; since, so long as we have not walked in the fear of our God, we have been feeble and weak and have deserved the reproach of our enemies. If we walk in His fear, He will bless us and remove the cause of their reproach.’ Cf. chap. Nehemiah 4:4. (2) It may mean ‘for fear of incurring the just reproach of our enemies,’ seeing that, if they hear of your cruel and ungenerous action to your brethren, they will have good cause to rebuke and ridicule our people. Cf. Nehemiah 6:13. ‘the heathen our enemies.’ On ‘the heathen’ see Nehemiah 5:8. The two words are only here combined in these books. For ‘our enemies’ cf.
Nehemiah 4:15, Nehemiah 6:1; Nehemiah 6:16. For the general meaning see 2 Samuel 12:14, ‘thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme.’ Cf. Isaiah 52:5.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 5:9
9. Walk in the fear of our God — Have all your conduct show reverence for God, and fear to break his laws.
Sermons on Nehemiah 5:9
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Avoiding Sin's Sudden Traps by Mack Tomlinson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Bathsheba from the Bible. David, while casually observing the sunset, sees Bathsheba and is immediately tempted by her |
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Two Men Kings of Israel Who Came Into Judgment by Svend Christensen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God sees and knows everything about us, including our thoughts and actions. Sin is taken very seriously by God, and it will always be d |
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The Reformed Pastor - the Oversight of Ourselves by Richard Baxter | Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of ministers taking heed to themselves, emphasizing the need for self-examination and personal holiness. He highlights the dangers of h |
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I Wish That You Were Cold or Hot by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of losing focus on God amidst worldly success and prosperity. He highlights the story of a wealthy city that had become self-suff |
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(A Heavenly Church) 1. Secure in God Our Father by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not causing harm to others through our attitudes and words. He highlights the prevalence of insecurity and jealousy among G |
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(Christian Leadership) Heaven on Earth by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the need for Christians to embody the principles of heaven on earth, arguing that many have rejected Christ due to the poor testimony of believers. He highlig |
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Gods Fire Marks His Presence by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being on fire for God, drawing parallels from the Old Testament where God's presence was manifested through fire. It highlights the need fo |