Nehemiah 6:3
Verse
Context
Sanballat’s Conspiracy
2Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me.3So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I am doing a great work - Though he knew their design, he does not think it prudent to mention it. Had he done so, they would probably have gone to extremities, finding that they were discovered; and perhaps in a formidable body attacked Jerusalem, when ill provided to sustain such a shock. They wished to effect their purpose rather by treachery than by open violence. I know not any language which a man who is employed on important labors can use more suitably, as an answer to the thousand invitations and provocations he may have to remit his work, enter into useless or trivial conferences, or notice weak, wicked, and malicious attacks on his work and his motives: "I am doing a great work, so I cannot stoop to your nonsense, or notice your malevolence. Why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to such as you?"
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I sent messengers unto them,.... He did not show any open contempt of them, nor did he even return answer by the messenger that came from them, but sent some of his own people to them: saying, I am doing a great work; was about an affair of great importance, very busy, and not at leisure to give them a meeting: so that I cannot come down; Jerusalem being built on an eminence, and the place proposed to meet at in a plain, going thither is expressed by coming down: why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to you? signifying that it would cease if he left it; and it being of greater consequence than anything they could have to converse about, he argues it would be wrong to relinquish it on such an account; this was the reason he thought fit to give, but was not the only, nor the principal reason, which is suggested in the preceding verse.
Nehemiah 6:3
Sanballat’s Conspiracy
2Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me.3So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What Distracts Us
By K.P. Yohannan1.0K24:57DistractionsNEH 6:3MAT 4:1MAT 6:33MAT 12:50EPH 5:27HEB 4:15REV 13:8In this sermon, Brother K.P. Ohanan discusses the power of focus and how easily we can lose sight of the most important thing in our lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who faced numerous distractions throughout his life on Earth, yet remained focused on his purpose. Brother K.P. also highlights the story of Nehemiah, who stayed on track despite threats and opposition. He emphasizes the importance of not allowing anything to distract us from our calling as disciples of Jesus and living with a sense of urgency in light of eternity.
Road to Reality - What Distracts Us
By K.P. Yohannan98924:57Road To RealityNEH 6:3MAT 6:33MAT 12:502TI 2:4HEB 4:151PE 1:17REV 13:8In this sermon, Brother K.P. Ohanan discusses the power of focus and how easily we can lose sight of the most important thing in our lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who faced numerous distractions throughout his life on Earth, yet remained focused on his purpose. Brother K.P. also highlights the story of Nehemiah, who stayed on track despite threats and opposition. He emphasizes the importance of not allowing anything to distract us from our calling as disciples of Jesus and living with a sense of urgency in light of eternity.
The Fundamental Matter of Worship
By T. Austin-Sparks0WorshipRedemptionNEH 6:3PSA 40:8PSA 137:3ISA 29:13JER 17:9MAT 22:37JHN 4:24ROM 12:1HEB 12:22REV 5:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the fundamental matter of worship as central to the work of God, illustrated through Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's wall, which symbolizes the restoration of true worship. He contrasts Jerusalem, the place of God's worship, with Babylon, the center of false worship, highlighting that worship is the essence of our relationship with God. Sparks explains that worship is not merely a religious act but a life lived for the Lord, driven by a motive of worthwhileness and a longing for Him. He warns against the deception of self-interest that leads to a divided heart, urging believers to commit wholly to God. Ultimately, worship is about bringing everything back to God, delighting His heart, and constituting a testimony of His glory.
Our Daily Homily - Nehemiah
By F.B. Meyer0Faith in ActionService to GodNEH 1:11NEH 2:4NEH 3:28NEH 4:14NEH 5:15NEH 6:3NEH 8:10NEH 9:12NEH 10:39NEH 13:14F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer, illustrating how God can use humble individuals for great purposes. Nehemiah's heartfelt prayers and tears for Jerusalem led him to take action, demonstrating that true faith is accompanied by a willingness to serve. Meyer encourages believers to remember the Lord in all circumstances and to begin their service in their own neighborhoods, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility in God's work. He also stresses the need for separation from worldly influences and the joy of the Lord as a source of strength. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a life fully surrendered to God, echoing Nehemiah's desire to be remembered for his faithful service.
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.
Lecture Xv. - Hindrances to Revivals.
By Charles Finney0RevivalChurch Engagement2CH 7:14NEH 6:3MAT 28:19ROM 12:1GAL 6:9EPH 4:301TH 5:19HEB 10:24JAS 5:161PE 5:8Charles Finney emphasizes the critical nature of revivals in the church, drawing parallels to Nehemiah's determination to rebuild Jerusalem despite opposition. He outlines various hindrances to revivals, including lack of faith, complacency among Christians, and distractions from worldly concerns. Finney argues that the church must actively engage in promoting revivals through prayer, repentance, and a commitment to God's work, warning against pride and self-indulgence that can quench the Spirit. He calls for a collective effort to address issues like slavery and temperance, asserting that the church's stance on these matters directly impacts the success of revivals.
I Am Doing a Great Work
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual PerseveranceCommitment to God's WorkNEH 6:3ISA 41:10ROM 12:111CO 15:58GAL 6:9EPH 2:10PHP 3:14COL 3:232TI 4:7HEB 12:1Watchman Nee emphasizes the unwavering commitment of Nehemiah to his divine mission, illustrating how he remained focused on the 'great work' of rebuilding Jerusalem despite facing significant opposition and personal risk. Nehemiah's steadfastness serves as a powerful example for believers today, reminding them that dedication to God's calling is essential for spiritual triumph. The sermon encourages listeners to prioritize their divine assignments and resist distractions that may hinder their progress.
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 First Movement
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual WarfareGod's WorkNEH 2:12NEH 6:3DAN 9:1MAL 3:16PHP 3:8T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of Nehemiah's mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, illustrating three essential elements for a full Christian life: recognizing God's worthy work, cooperating with Him, and understanding the inherent conflict and cost involved. He highlights Nehemiah's deep concern for God's people and the spiritual decline they faced, urging believers to engage in prayerful travail and action to fulfill God's purposes. Sparks draws parallels between Nehemiah's time and the present, calling for a commitment to God's work despite challenges, and encouraging a vision that leads to constructive action rather than mere criticism.
The Suburbs of Heaven
By Richard Baxter0NEH 6:3PSA 27:13JER 2:32MAT 4:8MAT 6:9MAT 6:21JHN 20:29COL 3:21JN 2:15Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of setting our hearts and minds on heavenly things, emphasizing the need to focus on eternity and the joy of dwelling with God. He urges believers to meditate on heaven's delights, resist temptations through heavenly-mindedness, and find comfort in afflictions by fixing their thoughts on the eternal rest promised by God. Baxter highlights that a heart set upon heaven is evidence of sincerity, a defense against sin, and a source of increased love and joy, ultimately leading to a more fruitful Christian life and honoring God.
Rebuilding Jerusalem
By F.G. Allen0NEH 4:17NEH 6:3PSA 127:11CO 3:11EPH 6:112TI 2:15JUD 1:3F.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 need for unwavering commitment to restoring New Testament Christianity. He emphasizes the history of Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts and the opposition he faced, highlighting the necessity of prayer, vigilance, and reliance on God's strength in the face of challenges. Allen stresses the significance of the Restoration movement in returning to the divine model of the early Church, promoting undenominational unity based on the Bible as the sole authority in religion, and resisting compromise with worldly influences.
I Am Doing a Great Work, So That I Cannot Come Down
By A.B. Simpson0Trusting GodFaith in AdversityNEH 6:3PHP 4:6A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of focusing on God's work amidst distractions and anxieties. He encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting God with the little things rather than succumbing to worry. Simpson illustrates this through Nehemiah's unwavering commitment to his mission despite repeated attempts to divert his attention. He warns that an excessive desire for change can lead to spiritual loss, urging Christians to embrace their circumstances while seeking God's glory. Ultimately, the sermon highlights that true faith involves recognizing and resisting fear as a sin.
I Am Doing a Great Work, So That
By F.B. Meyer0Divine CallingSpiritual CommitmentNEH 6:3COL 3:1F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of recognizing the significance of our divine calling and the great work we are engaged in, as exemplified by Nehemiah's refusal to be distracted by worldly temptations. He encourages believers to focus on their heavenly position and responsibilities, urging them to remain steadfast in their mission to build God's Temple. Meyer asserts that understanding our identity as heirs with Christ empowers us to resist worldly distractions and remain committed to our spiritual endeavors. He calls for prayer to grasp the grandeur of our calling and to rely on Christ's power to sustain us in our work.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I am doing a great work - Though he knew their design, he does not think it prudent to mention it. Had he done so, they would probably have gone to extremities, finding that they were discovered; and perhaps in a formidable body attacked Jerusalem, when ill provided to sustain such a shock. They wished to effect their purpose rather by treachery than by open violence. I know not any language which a man who is employed on important labors can use more suitably, as an answer to the thousand invitations and provocations he may have to remit his work, enter into useless or trivial conferences, or notice weak, wicked, and malicious attacks on his work and his motives: "I am doing a great work, so I cannot stoop to your nonsense, or notice your malevolence. Why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to such as you?"
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I sent messengers unto them,.... He did not show any open contempt of them, nor did he even return answer by the messenger that came from them, but sent some of his own people to them: saying, I am doing a great work; was about an affair of great importance, very busy, and not at leisure to give them a meeting: so that I cannot come down; Jerusalem being built on an eminence, and the place proposed to meet at in a plain, going thither is expressed by coming down: why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to you? signifying that it would cease if he left it; and it being of greater consequence than anything they could have to converse about, he argues it would be wrong to relinquish it on such an account; this was the reason he thought fit to give, but was not the only, nor the principal reason, which is suggested in the preceding verse.