Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:15
So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth [day] of [the month] Elul, in fifty and two days.
15 19. The Completion of the Wall (Neh 6:15); and the impression produced (Neh 6:16): treasonable correspondence (Neh 6:17-19)
15. Elul ] This month, which is the same as the Assyrian U-lu-lu, corresponds to the end of August and beginning of September. It is mentioned in 1Ma 14:27 . The 25th of Elul would be September 444. Elul, the 6th of the sacred year, was the last month of the civil year.
in fifty and two days ] Nehemiah is evidently calling attention to the remarkable rapidity with which the wall was built. But though a remarkable performance, there is nothing incredible in it; and the suggestion to append to the text ‘and two years’ (so Ewald) would give a period of time strangely at variance with the description of haste and urgency in chap. 5. It is true this would nearly agree with Josephus’ statement that the wall took two years and four months building; but Josephus’s chronology is not to be preferred to our text, when the LXX. and the Vulgate show no variation. We do not know the grounds which Josephus had for giving ‘two years and four months;’ but even this circumstantial statement disagrees with the proposed reading.
In order to account for the speed with which the wall was built, we must bear in mind, ( a) that large numbers of people were employed upon the work, and a thorough system of distribution facilitated its execution; ( b) the walls in many parts probably only required repairing, while the materials for the most part lay all ready to hand: ( c) Nehemiah and his companions constantly stimulated the people to persevere in the work: ( d) according to a very reasonable computation, the 40 lots into which the wall (cf. ch. 3) was distributed averaged about 80 yards apiece, and many lots were omitted in the list.
For another instance of the rapid erection of walls under patriotic stimulus, compare the action of Themistocles and the Athenians (see Grote’s Hist. of Greece, vol. IV. p. 333 f.).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Elul – The sixth month, corresponding to the latter part of August and the beginning of September.
In fifty and two days – Josephus states that the repairs of the wall occupied two years and four months. But Nehemiahs narrative is thoroughly consistent with itself, and contains in it nothing that is improbable. The walls everywhere existed at the time that he commenced his task, and only needed repairs. The work was partitioned among at least 37 working parties, who labored simultaneously, with material ready at hand; and, notwithstanding all menaces, uninterruptedly.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Neh 6:15
So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day . . . in fifty and two days.
Fifty-two days work
Let us make a parable of the story and use the text as a motto of a deeper theme. Fifty-two Sundays and their work.
I. How quickly they pass.
II. What opportunities they furnish.
1. Of rest.
2. Of spiritual friendship.
3. Of Divine instruction.
4. Of moral renewal.
III. What results they leave.
1. In memory.
2. In life.
3. For judgment.
Application:
1. Thank God for the day of days.
2. Use each day as it comes.
3. Determine upon a rounded result for each cycle of fifty-two. (Homiletic Commentary.)
Finished work
1. The work of human redemption. Yes, the work was done. The atoning sacrifice was offered and accepted, as was demonstrated when Jesus rose again from the dead.
2. And is there ground for hope that the great and blessed work of renewal, begun in the believers heart, will be perfected?
3. The progress of the Church at large is also assured. (T. Rowson.)
Success
There was great exultation when Lesseps completed the Suez Canal, by which the communication between Europe and the East has been materially expedited. There was great exultation when the favourite project of Count Cavour for a tunnel through Mont Cents was brought to a successful termination, by which Paris and Turin have been approximated within a few hours of each other. There was great exultation and loyal thankfulness when, in 1873, the Prince of Wales put the top stone to the Portland Breakwater. The foundation-stone of this work had been laid twenty-three years before, by his august father; and it was an interesting moment when the Prince completed the magnificent undertaking by adding to the words by which he formally announced the fact, These are imperial works, and worthy kings; and echoing shouts of joy went up, from two hundred thousand spectators. Similarly, it was a great day for Jerusalem when her walls and bulwarks were commended to the blessing of the Almighty. (J. M. Randall.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 15. The twenty and fifth – of – Elul] This Jewish month answers to a part of our August and September.
Fifty and two days.] I see no difficulty in supposing that several thousand workmen, each of whom was working as for God, should be able to complete this wall in fifty-two days. There is little doubt that several parts of the old wall were entire; in many places the foundations still remained; there were all the materials of the old wall still at hand; and though they had to clear and carry away much rubbish, yet they do not appear to have had any stones to quarry. The work mentioned here was little when compared to what Caesar did in Gaul and other places; and to what Titus did at Jerusalem, who built a wall round Jerusalem of five thousand paces in three days, besides, thirteen towers of ten stadia in circuit. And Quintus Curtius and Arrian inform us that Alexander the Great built the walls of Alexandria, on the Tanais, which were nearly eight miles in compass, in the space of between twenty and thirty days. Nehemiah therefore had time sufficient in fifty-two days to repair and restore the walls of Jerusalem. See Calmet on this place.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The month Elul; answering part to our August and part to September.
In fifty and two days; to be computed, either,
1. From the time of Sanballats sending this letter to him; or,
2. As most judge, from the beginning of the work; which though a great thing, yet it is not at all incredible, considering,
1. That the walls and gates were not wholly pulled down by the Chaldeans; for to what purpose should they make that waste of time and labour?
2. That where the walls were thrown down, yet the materials remained, which they now used.
3. That in the building of the walls they minded not curiosity, but only strength and safety.
4. The great numbers of the builders, and the prudent distribution of the work among them, and their admirable zeal and diligence in the work.
5. That there want not parallel instances even in heathen authors; for both Curtius and Arrian report, that Alexander the Great built the walls of new Alexandria, which contained above seven miles in length, within twenty days space.
6. That there was an eminent hand of God in carrying on this work, which their very enemies here acknowledge.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
So the wall was finished in the twenty fifth day of the month Elul,…. The sixth month, answering to part of August and part of September:
in fifty and two days; which Aben Ezra reckons from the time that Sanballat sent his letter to Nehemiah, when no more were wanting than to set the doors upon the gates, Ne 6:1, but rather these, with Jarchi, must be reckoned from the time the building was begun; which, reckoning back from the twenty fifth of Elul, it will appear it was begun the third day of the fifth month Ab; nor need this be thought incredible, considering the number of workmen, their ardour and diligence in building, and that the walls were not wholly built all around, only repaired, and breaches made up, and much of the old materials were made use of, which were at hand, and stone unhewed, and especially being attended with the blessing of God, which succeeded the undertaking: nor are there wanting examples similar to this; and as it is observed by many from Curtius x, the walls of new Alexandria, which were sixty furlongs in length, or more than seven miles, were finished in seventeen days; if Nicephorus y is to be credited, the high walls which surrounded Constantinople, and were twenty miles in circumference, were finished in two months time. Josephus is not to be regarded, who, contrary to the Scriptures says z, this wall of Jerusalem was two years and four months in building.
x Hist. l. 7. c. 6. Justin e Trogo, l. 12. c. 5. y Hist. l. 14. c. 1. z Antiqu. l. 11. c. 5. sect. 8.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The wall completed, and the impression made by this work upon the enemies of the Jews. – Neh 6:15 The wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, i.e., of the sixth month, in fifty-two days. According to this statement, it must have been begun on the third day of the fifth month (Ab). The year is not mentioned, the before-named (Neh 2:1) twentieth year of Artaxerxes being intended. This agrees with the other chronological statements of this book. For, according to Neh 2:1, it was in Nisan (the first month) of this year that Nehemiah entreated permission of the king to go to Jerusalem; and we learn from Neh 5:14 and Neh 13:6 that he was governor in Jerusalem from the twentieth year onwards, and must therefore have set out for that place immediately after receiving the royal permission. In this case, he might well arrive in Jerusalem before the expiration of the fourth month. He then surveyed the wall, and called a public assembly for the purpose of urging the whole community to enter heartily upon the work of restoration (Neh 2:11-17). All this might take place in the course of the fourth month, so that the work could be actually taken in hand in the fifth. Nor is there any reasonable ground, as Bertheau has already shown, for doubting the correctness of the statement, that the building was completed in fifty-two days, and (with Ewald) altering the fifty-two days into two years and four months.
(Note: Ewald, Gesch. iv. p. 178, thinks that traces of the correct reading of this verse are found in the statement of Josephus, Ant. xi. 5. 7f., that the wall of Jerusalem was finished in two years and four months, and that the word may have been omitted from Neh 6:15 by an ancient clerical error, though he is obliged to admit that Josephus in other instances gives no trustworthy dates concerning Nehemiah, whom he makes arrive at Jerusalem in the twenty-fifth, and complete the wall in the twenty-eight year of Xerxes. On the other hand, Bertheau has already remarked, that even if is supplied, no agreement with the statement of Josephus is obtained, since the question still remains how four months can be made out of fifty-two days, or vice versa, fifty-two days of four months. In fact, it is vain to seek for any common ground on which these two different statements can be harmonized; and hence the two years and four months of Josephus can scarcely be regarded as furnishing traces of another reading of the text.)
For we must in this case consider, 1 st, the necessity for hastening the work repeatedly pointed out by Nehemiah; 2 nd, the zeal and relatively very large number of builders – the whole community, both the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the men of Jericho, Tekoa, Gibeon, Mizpah, etc. having combined their efforts; 3 rd, that the kind of exertion demanded by such laborious work and unintermitted watchfulness as are described Neh 4, though it might be continued for fifty-two days, could scarcely endure during a longer period; and lastly, the amount of the work itself, which must not be regarded as the rebuilding of the whole wall, but only as the restoration of those portions that had been destroyed, the repair of the breaches (Neh 1:3; Neh 2:13; Neh 6:1), and of the ruined gates, – a large portion of wall and at least one gate having remained uninjured.). To this must be added that the material, so far as stone was concerned, was close at hand, stone needing for the most part to be merely brought out of the ruins; besides which, materials of all kind might have been collected and prepared beforehand. It is, moreover, incorrect to compute the extent of this fortified wall by the extent of the wall of modern Jerusalem.
Neh 6:16 The news that the wall was finished spread fear among the enemies, viz., among the nations in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem (comp. Neh 4:1; Neh 5:9); they were much cast down, and perceived “that this work was effected with the help of our God.” The expression occurs only here, and must be explained according to , his countenance fell (Gen 4:5), and , the heart fails (i.e., the courage) (1Sa 17:32): they sank in their own eyes, i.e., they felt themselves cast down, discouraged.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
| The Completion of the Wall. | B. C. 445. |
15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. 16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God. 17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. 18 For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah. 19 Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.
Nehemiah is here finishing the wall of Jerusalem, and yet still has trouble created him by his enemies.
I. Tobiah, and the other adversaries of the Jews, had the mortification to see the wall built up, notwithstanding all their attempts to hinder it. The wall was begun and finished in fifty-two days, and yet we have reason to believe they rested on the sabbaths, v. 15. Many were employed, and there was room for them; what they did they did cheerfully, and minded their business because they loved it. The threats of their enemies, which were intended to weaken them, it is likely, quickened them to go on with their work the more vigorously, that they might get it done before the enemy came. Thus out of the eater came forth meat. See what a great deal of work may be done in a little time if we would set about it in earnest and keep close to it.When the enemies heard that the wall was finished before they thought it was well begun, and, when they doubted not but to put a stop to it, they were much cast down in their own eyes, v. 16. 1. They were ashamed of their own confidence that they should cause the work to cease; they were crest-fallen upon the disappointment. 2. They envied the prosperity and success of the Jews, grieved to see the walls of Jerusalem built, while, it may be, the kings of Persia had not permitted them thus to fortify the cities of Samaria. When Cain envied his brother his countenance fell, Gen. iv. 5. 3. They despaired of ever doing them the mischief they designed them, of bringing them down and making a prey of them; and well they might, for they perceived, by the wonderful success, that the work was wrought of God. Even these heathens had so much sense as, [1.] To see a special providence of God conversant about the affairs of the church when they did remarkably prosper. They said among the heathen, The Lord has done great things for them; it is his doing, Ps. cxxvi. 2. God fighteth for Israel and worketh with them. [2.] To believe that God’s work would be perfect. When the perceived that the work was of God they expected no other than that it would go on and prosper. [3.] To conclude that, if it were of God, it was to no purpose to think of opposing it; it would certainly prevail and be victorious.
II. Nehemiah had the vexation, notwithstanding this, to see some of his own people treacherously corresponding with Tobiah and serving his interest; and a great grief and discouragement, no doubt, it was to him. 1. Even of the nobles of Judah there were those who had so little sense of honour and their country’s good as to communicate with Tobiah by letter, v. 17. They wrote with all the freedom and familiarity of friends to him, and welcomed his letters to them. Could nobles do a thing so mean? Nobles of Judah so wicked a thing? It seems great men are not always wise, not always honest. 2. Many in Judah were in a strict but secret confederacy with him to advance the interest of his country, though it would certainly be the ruin of their own. They were sworn unto him, not as their prince, but as their friend and ally, because both he and his son had married daughters of Israel, v. 18. See the mischief of marrying with strangers; for one heathen that was converted by it ten Jews were perverted. When once they became akin to Tobiah they soon became sworn to him. A sinful love leads to a sinful league. 3. They had the impudence to court Nehemiah himself into a friendship with him: “They reported his good deeds before me, represented him as an intelligent gentleman and well worthy my acquaintance, an honest gentleman and one that I might confide in.” We are indeed required to speak ill of no man, but never to speak well of bad men. Those that forsake the law praise the wicked, Prov. xxviii. 4. 4. They were so false as to betray Nehemiah’s counsels to him; they uttered Nehemiah’s words to him, perverting them, no doubt, and putting false constructions upon them, which furnished Tobiah with matter for letters to put him in fear and so drive him from his work and discourage him in it. Thus were all their thoughts against him for evil, yet God thought upon him for good.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
Finished Wall, Verses 15-19
The wall of Jerusalem was erected and completed in an astonishingly short time, only fifty-two days after it was commenced. It seemed beyond the ability of men to have done such a monumental job in so little time. Surely it was the hand of the Lord which enabled them. The twenty-fifth of Elul corresponds with late August in the modern calendar, so that the fifty-two days of the construction fell in the summer season of July and August, a prime time for such work. This is not sufficient however to discount the hand of God in its speedy erection. Not only did the Lord give them courage against the hindrances of enemies, but He also gave them the physical ability to perform it.
Even the heathen people who opposed the Jews and their building of the wall, when they heard it or saw it, as in the case of those living nearby, were astonished and could hardly believe it. Nehemiah saw they were much cast down in their own eyes, meaning that they were much embarrassed and chagrined that they were unable to succeed in preventing its completion. They had to admit that God had blessed the efforts of the Jews.
The position of Tobiah with reference to the Jews is somewhat claried here. He is referred to as Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite (Neh 2:19). The appellation “servant” indicates that he was an officer in the service of the Persian king, and he was of the nation of Ammon. Thus he was held in some esteem by some of the Jews and had been accepted by them. In fact he was the son-in-law of Shechaniah, who was one of the priests (Neh 12:3). Surely the rigid requirements of the priest’s family should have prevented Shechaniah from giving his daughter to this pagan Ammonite (Leviticus ch. 21). However, his son, probably a half-Jew, half-Ammonite, had also married the daughter of a leading family of the Jews. These friends of Tobiah had received his letters and used their contents in attempt to influence Nehemiah in Tobiah’s favor. Instead Nehemiah and Tobiah remained implacable enemies, because Nehemiah would not compromise God’s law (Neh 13:7-9). Again Nehemiah may have found support in God’s word, from Job, “The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger” (Job 17:9).
The lessons: 1) Christians may expect the Devil to raise falsehood against them; 2) the Lord’s work is greater than any man or human project; 3) it requires strong, spiritual faith to withstand the weakness of the flesh; 4) compromise may accomplish the Devil’s purpose in the end; 5) finally, the world must know that the Lord enables His people.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
4. Success is achieved in spite of some differences with Tobiah.
TEXT, Neh. 6:15-19
15
So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.
16
And it came about when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.
17
Also in those days many letters went from the nobles of Judah to Tobiah, and Tobiahs letters came to them.
18
For many in Judah were bound by oath to him because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.
19
Moreover, they were speaking about his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. Then Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.
COMMENT
Neh. 6:15 reports the completion of the wall; the date, in the month of Elul, would correspond with the middle of September. Total time required for the work was fifty-two days. This seems incredible to many; Josephus supposes it to have taken two years and four months.[61] This seems unnecessary.
[61] Antiquities of The Jews, Book XI, chap. 5, p. 274.
There is a childhood riddle that goes, If it takes a hen and a half a day and a half to lay an egg and a half, how long would it take for fifty hens to lay fifty eggs? It was always a delight to hear someone respond Fifty. But the correct answer is a day and a half; it takes no longer for fifty hens to lay fifty eggs than it takes for one hen to lay one egg (or 1 to lay 1 ). To come back to the wall, the work required no longer than it took for one crew to complete one unit, as long as each crew did its part, and there are at least 42 crews named in Nehemiah 3! That is the marvel of organization, and that may just be what Nehemiah is telling us.
Neh. 6:16 records the result. (1) Their enemies in the surrounding nations were humbled. (2) God was glorified.
Neh. 6:17-19 are parenthetical, giving more information on some of the intrigues, especially involving Tobiah, which went on and in spite of which the wall was completed promptly.
Neh. 6:17 reveals that Tobiah had much influence and much correspondence with government leaders in Judah.
Neh. 6:18 gives a reason for this, in the intermarriage of his family with Israels leading priests. Shecaniah is mentioned in Ezr. 2:5, and Meshullam in Neh. 3:4; Neh. 3:30.
Neh. 6:19 reflects Nehemiahs difficulties within his own ranks as a result of divided loyalties. Words (they . . . reported my words to him) may be translated goings forth; hence, his activities.
This ends the story of rebuilding the wall.
WORD STUDIES
REMEMBER (Neh. 6:14 : Zakar): from the idea of pricking or piercing comes the idea of penetrating or infixing; thus remembering, recalling, considering.
GESHEM (Neh. 6:1): violent storm, severe shower.
STRENGTHEN (Neh. 6:9 : Chazaq): the primary idea is to bind fast, to gird tight; then to cleave, or adhere firmly.
Things are strengthened by being bound together; a spear may be made stronger by winding it round with a cord. Ones strength seems greater when he has fastened a girdle about his loins.
A very free translation might be, Give my hands stick-to-it-iveness! Or, Link our hands together (with others, or Yours)! Or, Hitch up my belt! Or just Give me strength.
SUMMARY
As the wall neared completion, Sanballat and Geshem tried to lure Nehemiah into a trap, but he would not leave his work. They used rumors to try to frighten him, or bring him to them, or discourage the workers, but he was not fooled by their lies. Then Sanballat and Tobiah hired Shemaiah to trick him into violating a law of God, thus putting his life in jeopardy or destroying the faith which the people had in him, Again Nehemiah saw through their scheme. As a result the wall was finished fifty-two days after work began, to the glory of God and the embarrassment of their enemies. Meanwhile Tobiah, who had relatives among the leaders and priests, was in frequent communication with Jewish leaders, learning Nehemiahs moves; he even sent letters to Nehemiah himself to frighten him,
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(15) In fifty and two days.The twenty-fifth day of Elul answers to about our September 15th; and, dating back, the wall began in the latter part of July, soon after Nehemiahs arrival. If we bear in mind that the wall was only partially overthrown, that the materials for restoration were at hand, and that the utmost skill had been shown in organising the bands of workmen, the time will not appear too short. There is no need to adopt the suggestion of Josephus, that the rebuilding occupied two years and four months.
They perceived that this work was wrought of our God.Not miraculously, but under the Divine sanction and help. By this expression Nehemiah at once triumphs over his foes, and gives the glory where it was due. His own heroic part in the work is utterly forgotten.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
(15, 16) The finishing of the wall is recorded in the implest manner: first, with a formal specification of the date and time; then in its effect upon the enemies, and as redounding to the glory of God.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
15. Elul The sixth month of the Jewish ecclesiastical year, corresponding nearly to our September. Fifty and two days back from the twenty-fifth of Elul would bring us to the third of the preceding month, Ab. The building of the wall was accordingly finished in the remarkably short time of less than two months. That this was possible, notwithstanding all the opposition of enemies, may be seen from the following considerations:
“There is little doubt that several parts of the old wall were entire; in many places the foundations still remained; there were all the materials of the old wall still at hand; and though they had to clear off and carry away much rubbish, yet they do not appear to have had any stones to quarry. The work mentioned here was little when compared to what Cesar did in Gaul and other places; and to what Titus did at Jerusalem, when he built a wall round that city of five thousand paces in three days, besides thirteen towers of ten stadia in circuit. And Quintus Curtius and Arrian inform us that Alexander the Great built the walls of Alexandria, which were nearly eight miles in compass, in the space of between twenty and thirty days.” Clarke.
Neh 6:15
‘So the wall was finished in the twenty fifth (day) of (the month) Elul, in fifty two days.’
The wall was completed on the 25th day of Elul (in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes), fifty two days after the work commenced. It was a remarkable achievement, even granted that some part of the walls had only needed repairing. In consequence Jerusalem was once more a fortified city. The Jews could once again lift up their head in pride at what God had done. Their previous reproach had been removed.
Neh 6:16
‘And it came about, when all our enemies heard of it, that all the nations who were about us were afraid, and were much cast down in their own eyes, for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.’
And the consequence was that when the news reached the ears of their enemies as described in Neh 4:7, all the nations over whom their enemies ruled were awestruck and felt demeaned, for they recognised that the work had been wrought by God, the very God Whom they had been decrying (Neh 4:2). From Nehemiah’s viewpoint they were humbled to think that Judah had such a great God.
The Fraternisation Of Many of The Jewish Aristocracy With Tobiah (Neh 6:17-19).
It is quite clear from these verses that Tobiah must have had something to do with the Jewish aristocracy before the arrival of Nehemiah, (and we have already seen the influence that he had over some of the prophets) and the best explanation would be that he had previously been acting as deputy governor over Judah. This would explain his good relations with the Jewish aristocracy, and his hatred of Nehemiah who had made him redundant. It is the best explanation for the good feeling towards him among the aristocracy, and the fact that Meshullam had given his daughter to him as wife. Furthermore that good feeling must signify that he had not been a bad governor, at least as far as the Jewish aristocracy were concerned. As a syncretistic Yahwist, as his name shows, he had probably fallen in line with Jerusalem’s way of worship, at least when he was in Judah.
Thus the Jewish aristocracy remained in communication with him, and he with them. And they also tried to recommend him to Nehemiah because of the good deeds he had done while acting governor of Judah. They seemingly saw Nehemiah’s attitude towards him as unfortunate. They were probably unaware of things revealed to Nehemiah by his spy system, and by personal letters from Tobiah.
These same men had in the main worked assiduously on the wall. Meshullam the son of Berechiah, for example, is mentioned in Neh 3:4; Neh 3:30. He had possibly done a double stint. Thus they were apparently not antagonistic towards Nehemiah, although not agreeing with his strict attitude. They seemingly passed information both ways.
Neh 6:17
‘Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and (those) of Tobiah came to them.’
Here we learn that the nobles of Judah were in continual two way correspondence with Tobiah, presumably on a friendly basis.
Neh 6:18
‘For there were many in Judah sworn to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah to wife.’
And their friendliness was partly based on the fact that Tobiah had married into a respectable Jewish family, having become the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah, one of the ‘sons of Arah’ who had returned with Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel. Shecaniah must have been an important and influential man because Tobiah’s relationship to him had resulted, presumably because he had been brought into the family, in many in Judah becoming sworn to him (unless this relates to trading relationships, or even sworn friendships). Tobiah had also ingratiated himself with Eliashib the high priest (Neh 13:4). Furthermore Tobiah’s own son, Jehohanan (whose name also indicates a nominal Yahwist) had married into the family of the influential Meshullam, son of Berechiah, the wall builder (Neh 3:4 b, 30). He was thus well connected Jewishly speaking. It is possibly to his credit that, while he was not averse to making a fool of Nehemiah, he was not mentioned with respect to the attempt to do away with him (Neh 6:2). But he had certainly been antagonistic towards Nehemiah from the beginning (Neh 2:10). And strictly speaking, as an Ammonite, he was not acceptable as a true Yahwist (Neh 13:1; Deu 23:3-5).
Neh 6:19
‘Also they spoke of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.’
The Jewish aristocrats praised Tobiah to Nehemiah, no doubt hoping to win him round. They also reported Nehemiah’s words to Tobiah, which would certainly not win him round, and explains why Tobiah and Sanballat were so well informed about Jewish affairs. Tobiah, however, took a different attitude towards Nehemiah, sending him threatening letters. Nehemiah’s position was therefore very difficult, as he sought to maintain working relations with the aristocrats, while at the same time dealing with Tobiah.
The Wall Completed
v. 15. So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, v. 16. And it came to pass that, when all our enemies heard thereof and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God, v. 17. Moreover, in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, v. 18. For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son-in-law of Shechaniah, the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam, the son of Berechiah, v. 19. Also they reported his good deeds before me, Neh 6:15. The wall was finishedin fifty-and-two days How long Nehemiah was in finishing the walls of Jerusalem, interpreters are not agreed; because some of them, supposing the space of two-and-fifty days, here mentioned, to be too short for the perfecting of the whole, have begun their computation from the time that Nehemiah returned his answer to Sanballat’s first message; and other, from the time that the stone wall was finished; and so allowing the whole fifty-two days for the perfecting of the rest. But if we look into the compass of time, from Nehemiah’s being at Shushan, to the day of the month when these walls are said to have been finished, we shall find, that no more than fifty-two days could well be allowed for the perfecting of the whole. For it was in the first month (called Nisan, ch. 50) that Nehemiah was at Shushan, and obtained of the king leave to go to Jerusalem; and though we have no express account what time he spent in his journey, and when he came to Jerusalem; yet, if we may make a conjecture from the time that Ezra expended in the same journey, we can scarcely suppose that he arrived at Jerusalem before the end of the fourth month. Ezra set out on the first day of the first month. He made, indeed, a short stay at the river Ahava; but it was the first day of the fifth month before he reached Jerusalem. Nehemiah could not possibly set out so soon in the year, because his commission from the king, and instructions to the neighbouring governors, must have taken some time in passing through the several offices; and therefore we can hardly suppose that he reached Jerusalem sooner than the time specified; and from thence to the twenty-fifth day of the sixth month, including the three days of rest which he gave himself before he began, the space will be much about fifty-two days, wherein we suppose that the whole work was finished. And if Alexander the Great, as Arrian and Curtius relate, built the walls of Alexandria, which were seven miles in compass, in the space of twenty days, why should it be thought a thing incredible, that a great number, not of hired, but of voluntary men, full of zeal for the work themselves, animated by the example of their rulers, and ranged and distributed in a proper manner for dispatch, should in almost thrice that space of time, be able to finish a work of less compass, when they had long summer days for it, plenty of stones and other materials at hand, the foundation of the wall unrased, some parts of it standing entire, and here and there only breaches to be amended; and when their design in the whole was, not to study nicety but strength, and to provide themselves with such a fortification for the present as would secure them from any sudden invasion of their enemies? See Patrick and Poole.
REFLECTIONS.1st, The restless enemies of God’s people could not bear to see the work so prosperous, without attempts to hinder and obstruct it; and therefore they lay a snare to take off Nehemiah, the great promoter of the work, by inviting him to a friendly conference in one of the villages of Benjamin. But, suspecting some plot, or having received some intelligence of their design, he refused to go, pleading the urgency of his work as his excuse for not meeting them. Four several times this proposal was made, and as often rejected with the same answer. Note; (1.) The proposals of known enemies should be weighed with jealous caution. (2.) When we have business that requires our attention, visits of compliment and civility must be postponed. (3.) Repeated solicitations to do what is evil or imprudent should meet with repeated denials.
2nd, When one design miscarries, Sanballat contrives another: since he cannot seduce Nehemiah from the work, he seeks to terrify him. 2. Nehemiah easily saw that the design was to weaken his hands; and therefore, while he denies the accusation, and lays the invention at the door of his enemy, he looks to God to strengthen him, and then his foes may rage in vain. Note; (1.) No lies, or malevolent reports, should weaken our hand from the work of God. (2.) They who have almighty power engaged for them, may look up to God and be comforted; he will uphold them. (3.) The more the enemy rages, the more shall God’s strength be perfected in our weakness.
3rdly, Despairing of success by his own contrivances, Sanballat, by bribes, engages some of the Jews to betray Nehemiah. The plot laid was, under pretence of zeal for his safety, to induce him to take refuge in the temple. But Nehemiah with scorn rejected the cowardly step to which he was advised, as highly unbecoming a man of his station and character. Note; (1.) The treachery of pretended friends is more to be feared, than the opposition of professed foes. (2.) Satan’s ministers often wear the garb of God’s prophets. We must not believe every spirit; but try the spirits, whether they be of God. (3.) When God’s cause is at stake, our very life must not be dear to us. (4.) It is better to brave the greatest dangers than commit the least sin. (5.) The devil’s design, in tempting us to sin, is, not only to wound our own souls, but to bring reproach upon our holy profession. (6.) The deepest-laid schemes for his people’s hurt, God can disappoint, to his enemies’ confusion. (7.) Woe to that sinner whose iniquity is marked before God, and whose judgment lingereth not.
4thly, If God bless us, then shall we be blessed in spite of every enemy. We have here, 2. The treacherous correspondence carried on between Tobiah and some of the nobles, with many of the people of Judah; so ungrateful were they to Nehemiah, and so false to the interests of their own country. Note; (1.) Nobility is no proof against baseness and bribery. The greater men of a state are often the betrayers of it. (2.) Intimate familiarity and connection with the ungodly cannot but tend to corrupt our own souls. (3.) Though the enemy threaten never so violently, we need not fear while God is on our side.
DISCOURSE: 444 Neh 6:15. So the wall was finished in fifty and two days.
A MERE historic record of the time occupied in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem appears at first sight to be an uninteresting subject for a popular discourse: but it will be found replete with interest, when the circumstances connected with it are taken into the account. The extremely dilapidated and ruined state of the fortifications at that time, the weakness and poverty of those who undertook to rebuild them, and the opposition which they met with from numerous and potent enemies, combine to render the record in our text almost incredible. For the completion of such a work, two and fifty weeks would have been a very short time; but two and fifty days seem utterly insufficient for it: such expedition appears perfectly beyond the physical powers of the persons engaged in it: yet in that time the wall was finished: and it will be very profitable to inquire,
I.
How it was completed in so short a time
To enter fully into the subject, the six first chapters of this book should be carefully read. In them we shall find that the means whereby this great work was accomplished, were,
1.
The wisdom and energy of the governor
[In every step which Nehemiah took, we are struck with his consummate wisdom. When first he made known to the Persian monarch his desire to undertake the work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, he kept out of sight every consideration which might tend to create jealousy in the monarchs mind, and mentioned only such as were likely to produce in him a favourable impression. With this view he speaks of Jerusalem, not as the city of the great God, which had been so great and powerful in former times, and was yet ordained of God to become the capital of an independent nation, but simply, as the city of his fathers sepulchres [Note: Neh 2:5.].
Having obtained permission to execute his purpose, and come to Jerusalem for that end, he again shewed his wisdom in concealing from the people the reason of his journey, till he had personally himself inspected the walls, and was thereby qualified to obviate all objections which indifference or despondency might suggest [Note: Neh 2:12-18.].
The way in which he counteracted all the plots of his enemies, still further marked the depth and solidity of his judgment. He forbore to use any irritating expressions, notwithstanding the multiplied provocations which he met with: and whilst his enemies wasted their time in plotting how to arrest his progress, he occupied himself in the prosecution of his work, augmenting his exertions in proportion as they increased their efforts to impede him [Note: Neh 2:19-20; Neh 4:8-9; Neh 4:13-14.]. Yet it is worthy of particular observation, that he neither trusted to his own exertions, nor yet neglected them under an idea that he should be protected by his God: but he combined a dependence on God with a diligent use of all proper means of self-defence [Note: Neh 4:9.]; thereby setting us an example which we shall do well to follow in every difficulty which we may be called to encounter.
Nor was the energy of Nehemiah less admirable than his wisdom: we see throughout the whole of his conduct as much promptitude as consisted with sound discretion, and an invincible firmness in executing whatever his deliberate judgment had dictated. So intent was he on the prosecution of his purpose, that neither he, nor those under his immediate influence, ever put off their clothes for several weeks together, except for the purpose of their being washed [Note: Neh 4:23.]. And when a proposal was made to him to hold a conference with some adversaries in an adjacent village, his reply was, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you [Note: Neh 6:2-3.]? Yea, when the same message was sent four times, he repeated the same answer: and when at the fifth time it was accompanied with a letter containing many accusations against him, he contented himself with exposing the falsehood of them, and more determinately than ever besought the Lord to strengthen his hands for the work in which he was engaged [Note: Neh 6:5-9.].
On the failure of that device, his enemies sought to intimidate him by reports of a conspiracy against his life, and advised him to take refuge in the temple: but he, with a fortitude worthy of his high character, answered, Should such a man as I flee? And who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in [Note: Neh 6:10-11.]. It is in connexion with this anecdote that our text informs us, So the wall was built in fifty and two days: and certainly to this extraordinary combination of wisdom and energy in him we must ascribe it, that the wall was erected in so short a time.]
2.
The union and perseverance of the people
[An individual, however good and great, can do little, unless he is seconded by those who are under his direction: but in this case Nehemiah found instruments well fitted to his hands. No sooner did he make known to the rulers of Jerusalem the commission which he had received from the king of Persia, and call for their assistance in the execution of it, than they said, Let us rise up and build: and immediately they strengthened their hands for this good work [Note: Neh 2:17-19.].
It is true, there were some exceptions, some who were too proud and fond of ease to work [Note: Neh 3:5.]; and others, who yielded to despondency [Note: Neh 4:10.]; and others who actually carried on a treasonable correspondence with Nehemiahs most inveterate enemies [Note: Neh 6:17-19.]: but, on the other hand, there was such a zeal amongst the great mass of the people, that some performed double the work allotted them [Note: Neh 3:5; Neh 3:27.], and even ladies of the highest rank combined their utmost efforts to assist in building the wall, not accounting any service either derogatory to their honour, or unsuited to their sex, if they might but encourage their brethren, and advance the glory of their God [Note: Neh 3:12.]. And to this union is the success expressly ascribed: So built we the wall; for the people had a mind to work [Note: Neh 4:6.].
There was also among them astonishing perseverance: for when they were menaced with a sudden assault, and were told ten times over, that an armed host would come suddenly upon them to destroy them, they persisted resolutely in their work, arming themselves for their defence, setting alternate watches for their preservation, and working with a trowel, as it were, in the one hand, and a sword in the other, determining rather to sacrifice their lives, than be deterred from the service in which they had embarked [Note: Neh 4:11-13; Neh 4:16-18; Neh 4:21.]. Had they yielded to indolence or fear, the work could never have been carried forward: but by this zealous co-operation of all ranks and orders among them, all difficulties were overcome, and the wall was built with an expedition almost incredible.]
3.
The peculiar blessing of their God
[To this above all must the success be ultimately ascribed; for to this were owing the desire of Nehemiah to rebuild the wall [Note: Neh 2:12.], the consent of Artaxerxes to the plan proposed [Note: Neh 1:11. with 2:4, 8.], the wisdom and energy with which Nehemiah was inspired [Note: Neh 2:18.], the cordial co-operation of so many people, and the defeating of all the plots which were devised to retard the work [Note: Neh 4:15.]. Even the very enemies themselves were so convinced that the work exceeded all the power of man, that they were constrained to acknowledge God himself as the author of it [Note: Neh 4:1-3. with 6:16.], since none but God could have carried them through such labours, or delivered them from such perils, or given a successful issue to such hopeless exertions.
It is of infinite importance that we notice this; for otherwise we shall be ready to give to the creature the honour that is due to God only. Throughout the whole work, application was made to God for his direction and blessing: it was not undertaken without prayer [Note: Neh 1:4-11.], nor carried on without prayer [Note: Neh 2:4; Neh 4:4-5; Neh 4:9; Neh 6:9; Neh 6:11.]: but a reliance was placed on God as an all-sufficient Helper [Note: Neh 2:20.]; and he shewed himself worthy of the confidence reposed on him: he shewed that none who trust in Him shall ever be confounded.]
Having thus traced Nehemiahs success to its true cause, we proceed to set before you,
II.
The important lesson which we are to learn from it
We might with great propriety direct your attention to those wonderful events which occupy the attention of the public at the present hour [Note: June 23, 1814, a day or two after peace had been proclaimed.]: for certainly, whether we consider the union which has been produced amongst all the allied powers, or the wisdom and energy with which their efforts have been combined, or the rapid and complete success with which their labours have been crowned, there never was an occurrence which more strongly marked the hand of God, or more strictly corresponded with that which we have been considering, than that which we now commemorate, the reestablishment of peace amongst all the powers of Europe. We may almost literally say, in reference to it, The wall has been built in fifty and two days.
But we will direct your attention rather to that which will be of importance, not to the present age only, but to all people to the end of time. [To every man in the universe is a work assigned, namely, To erect an house that shall be an everlasting habitation for our God. The walls of Jerusalem reduced to heaps of rubbish do but faintly represent the desperate state of the world around us; whilst the number and malice of those who obstructed the rebuilding of that wall give us a very inadequate idea of the enemies with whom we have to contend whilst executing the work which God has given us to do. Every one indeed must begin at home, and work before his own door [Note: Neh 3:10; Neh 3:23; Neh 3:28; Neh 3:30.]; for it is by getting the work of God advanced in our own souls that we shall best contribute to the good of the Church around us. But in the whole of our work we must cultivate wisdom. It is lamentable to reflect how often men defeat their own purposes by not attending to the counsels of wisdom. Many give great advantage to their adversaries by not considering what is the peculiar line of conduct which the particular time and circumstances call for, and how they may best overcome the difficulties with which they are surrounded. We are told to walk in wisdom towards them that are without, and to unite the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessness of the dove: and it is of absolute and indispensable necessity that we attend to these directions, if we would walk honourably before God ourselves, or be instrumental to the advancing of his work in the souls of others
But to wisdom we must add energy. There is no time to be lost: Whatever our hand findeth to do, we must do it with all our might. We must be fervent in spirit whilst serving the Lord: and, if any one would divert us from our purpose, or tempt us to relax our diligence, we must make this our uniform and steady answer, I am doing a great work, and cannot come down
In this kind of conduct there should be an union amongst us all; ministers and people should all work together: yea, and women also should engage in the good work; for they, in their place and station, may be as helpful as any. Even the Apostles owed much to the labours of women [Note: Rom 16:1-4; Rom 16:12.]; and the most eminent ministers have been helped forward by their pious and well-regulated zeal [Note: Act 18:26.]. Let all of us then be of one heart and one mind in relation to this great matter; for it is surprising how much more rapidly the work of God advances in the souls of men, where many are engaged in strengthening each others hands, and in encouraging one anothers hearts. There are a thousand works which may be carried on in concert, which an insulated individual can never accomplish: and whoever engages in such works for the good of others, will find that he himself is the most profited by his own exertions: Whilst watering others, his own soul will be watered also
Nor must we draw back through fear or weariness. We must be men of fortitude and self-denial. We should scarcely find time, as it were, for relaxation, any further than absolute necessity requires: and if menaced with assaults, we should put on the panoply of God, and stand ready for the contest: and if by a temporary desertion of our post we may even preserve our lives, we should be willing rather to lay down our lives than dishonour our God by cowardice in his service Should such a man as I flee? must be our answer to every suggestion of our great adversary, and to every unbelieving fear that may arise in our own hearts
But above all, we must go forward in dependence on God. He must teach us, and guide us, and prosper us, in all our way. Without him we can do nothing: but, on the other hand, through Christ strengthening us we can do all things. We need not despond on account of the greatness of the work, nor be discouraged through the number and malignity of our enemies: if God be for us, none can effectually be against us: He will perfect that which concerneth us, and carry on to the end the work he has begun. If only we be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, he has pledged himself to us, that our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord ]
(15) So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.
See what a short work was made of it when the hand of the Lord was upon them, and with them. So is it in divine things. Oh! how often do we find a few days, nay sometimes a few hours, sufficient in the Lord’s hand for awakening, convincing, converting, and establishing a poor sinner in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, and redemption by him. When God works he works as God.
Neh 6:15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth [day] of [the month] Elul, in fifty and two days.
Ver. 15. So the wall was finished ] Though with much ado, and maugre the malice of all foreign and internal enemies. So shall the work of grace in men’s hearts: it is perfected there by opposition, and grows gradually, but constantly and infallibly.
In the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul
In fifty and two days NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Neh 6:15-19
15So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. 16When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. 17Also in those days many letters went from the nobles of Judah to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. 18For many in Judah were bound by oath to him because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah. 19Moreover, they were speaking about his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. Then Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.
Neh 6:15 the wall was completed This VERB (BDB 1022, KB 1532, Qal IMPERFECT) has two distinct meanings in Qal.
1. have satisfaction
2. be completed (cf. 1Ki 9:25)
This term is an Akkadian word for the act or state of well-being, of being intact, safe, or complete (cf. NIDOTTE, vol. 4, p. 130). This is the root slm from which the famous Hebrew greeting, shalom, is derived.
The wall was finished, complete, and it was good; it provided safety; it provided peace of mind.
Elul See Special Topic: Ancient Near Eastern Calendars at Ezr 3:1.
in fifty-two days Josephus tells us in his book, The Antiquities of the Jews 11.5.8, that it took two years and four months. It is possible from archaeological evidence and historical precedence that a city’s walls could be built in this short a time period in a functional way, but not with normal construction. We learn from Kathleen Kenyon’s archaeological discoveries in Jerusalem that the nine foot wall on the eastern side was done with rough construction as if it were done rapidly.
Neh 6:16 saw it This is italicized in the NASB (1970), but the textual problem is that the MT has a word that can be understood as yr’ (afraid, Analytical Key to the Old Testament, by John Joseph Owens, vol. 3, p. 69) or r’h (see The NIV Interlinear Hebrew-English Old Testament, edited by John R. Kohlenberger III, vol. 3, p. 231). The MT, the Septuagint, and the Vulgate have were afraid (BDB 431, Qal IMPERFECT). As Nehemiah prayed in Neh 4:4, the fear that they used to influence the Jews was now returned to them because they saw the hand of God helping the Jews in this amazingly rapid rebuilding of the walls.
NASBthey lost their confidence
NKJVthey were very disheartened
NRSVfell greatly in their own esteem
TEVthey lost face
NJBthey thought it a wonderful thing
The VERB (BDB 656, KB 709, Qal IMPERFECT) has such a wide semantic field. Notice the difference between the NASB, NKJV, and NJB. The NJB involved a textual emendation (i.e., replaces npl [to fall] with kl’ [to be wonderful]). The context demands a negative response.
The second part of the phrase is literally in eyes of them. Eyes here is an idiom of self perception. This is the Oriental concept of lost face (TEV).
Neh 6:17 Tobiah His name is Jewish and he is one of the major antagonists of Nehemiah. His technique was to infiltrate the Jewish wealthy class (nobles) through marriages (cf. Neh 6:8) so as to influence Nehemiah’s plans.
Neh 6:18 Arah He is mentioned in Ezr 2:5; Neh 7:10; and 1Es 5:10.
Meshullam This name refers to twenty different people in the OT. He is mentioned in Neh 3:4; Neh 3:30 as someone who worked on two sections of the wall. Here we are told his daughter marries Jehohanan, who was Tobiah’s son (IDB, vol. 2, p. 811).
Neh 6:19 then Tobiah sent letters to frighten me The Jewish leaders tried to make Tobiah look good in the eyes of Nehemiah, but his true self is seen in this verse. Even the high priest was involved in this conspiracy (cf. Neh 13:4). He (cf. Neh 6:18) was the son-in-law to Shechaniah, possibly the priest of Neh 3:29 or Neh 12:3, but uncertain because the name was so common during this period (cf. Ezr 8:3; Ezr 8:5).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. How did Sanballat try to discourage the rebuilding of the walls?
2. What was the prophet in Neh 6:10-14 trying to do?
fifty and two days. If finished on twenty-fifth Elul, and work took fifty-two days, it must have been commenced on third of Ab (fifth month). Work rapid, because all materials there: and God’s good hand was there upon them.
Neh 6:15-19
Neh 6:15-19
ALL ENEMIES FRUSTRATED; THE WALL FINISHED
“So the wall was finished in the twentieth and fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. And it came to pass, when all our enemies heard thereof, that all the nations that were about us feared, and were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God. Moreover in the days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son-in-law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullum the son of Berechiah to wife. Also, they spake of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.”
Here we have the explanation of the priesthood’s hatred of Nehemiah. Tobiah had married one of their daughters and was the son-in-law of Shechaniah. Many of them were sworn allies of Tobiah and cooperated with Israel’s enemies throughout the period of rebuilding the wall. Indeed, its completion was certainly wrought of God (Neh 6:16).
E.M. Zerr:
Neh 6:15. As this verse is so practical and literal, there is little that needs to be said by way of comment. However, the fact that such a vast project could be brought to completion in less than two months is a wonderful tribute to the unity of operations. What adds to the merit of the work is the fact that it was performed in spite of the constant opposition and attempts at discouragement. Perhaps the key to the success was in the expressions: “The people had a mind to work,” and “We made our prayer unto our God.” (Neh 4:6; Neh 4:9.) It reminds us of Paul’s language in Rom 8:31, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”
Neh 6:16. It would have been a wonderful feat to build such a wall in that length of time, had there been no opposition, and had everyone helped what he could. But it was a still more marvelous thing to accomplish it in spite of their activities in trying to make the whole project a failure. That was why the heathen hung their heads in shame and disappointment. They were forced to admit (to themselves) that these Jews had accomplished the work by the help of their God.
Neh 6:17-19. This paragraph is a reflective picture of what had been going on while the wall was in building. The writer had just recorded the successful completion of the work, notwithstanding the interference of the enemies, and he then wished to have a renewed picture of the opposition in direct connection with the final report. In that manner the immensity of the accomplishment could be the better realized. These nobles of Judah were influenced through some intermarriages with the heathen. In the heat of turmoil over Nehemiah’s work there was much gossiping back and forth, and some attempts at tattling to him. The object of it all was to put him in fear, but their expectation failed as we have seen.
Elul
sixth month i.e. September.
wall: Ezr 6:15, Psa 1:3, Dan 9:25
fifty: Neh 4:1, Neh 4:2
Reciprocal: Neh 4:6 – had a mind Neh 7:1 – the wall
Neh 6:15. The wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul Answering part to our August and part to September. In fifty and two days To be computed either from the time of Sanballats sending this letter to him, or, as most judge, from the beginning of the work, which, though a great thing, yet it is not at all incredible, considering, 1st, That the walls and gates were not wholly pulled down by the Chaldeans: for to what purpose should they make that waste of time and labour? 2d, That where the walls were thrown down, yet the materials remained, which they now used. 3d, That, in building the walls, they regarded not ornament, but only strength and safety. 4th, The great numbers of the builders, and the prudent distribution of the work among them, and their admirable zeal and diligence therein. 5th, That there want not parallel instances, even in heathen authors; for both Quintus Curtius and Arrian relate that Alexander the Great built the walls of new Alexandria, which were seven miles in compass, within twenty days space. 6th, That the hand of God was manifest in carrying on this work, which their very enemies here acknowledge.
Neh 6:15-19. The Rebuilding of the Wall is Completed. Tobiahs Friends in Judah.
Neh 6:15. Elul: = August approximately. The rebuilding of the walls was completed in 444 B.C., having taken fifty-two days.
Neh 6:16. feared: the RVm. can be disregarded; the Heb. is defectively written.were much cast down . . . : read and it was very marvellous in their eyes; this is gained by a slight emendation of the Heb. text, which gives no sense as it stands.
Neh 6:17 f. These verses bear witness to the intrigues which were being carried on in the city itself.
6:15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth [day] of [the month] {h} Elul, in {i} fifty and two days.
(h) Which was the sixth month and contained part of August, and part of September.
(i) After I had sent Sanballat his answer.
5. The completion of the work 6:15-7:4
The builders finished the walls only 52 days after construction had begun (Neh 6:15). "Elul" is late August and early September. Israel’s enemies viewed their rapid progress as evidence that God had helped the workers (Neh 6:16).
"The best answer to opposition is to keep working and fulfill God’s will; thus others will see God’s power." [Note: Breneman, p. 213.]
The writer mentioned another detracting ploy the enemy instigated. By doing so, he suggested that this additional problem may have plagued Nehemiah throughout the whole process of rebuilding the wall. As mentioned before, Tobiah’s name implies that he was a Jew. He had intermarried with Jews who had returned to the land and evidently participated in the restoration projects, though he himself did not approve of the restoration. His marital and social ties with the princes of the restoration community resulted in their commending him to Nehemiah. In short, Nehemiah suffered from pressure that Tobiah and Nehemiah’s colleagues brought on him. This powerful Jew, who did not share God’s desires for His people, had considerable influence with many of the restoration leaders.
Sometimes powerful brethren who have influential supporters create the Christian leader’s most difficult problems. They may really want to see something other than God’s will accomplished.
Note the following lessons in leadership from Nehemiah 1-6. A leader must be a person of prayer (ch. 1), have a vision (Neh 2:1-3), and be a wise planner (Neh 2:4-8). He must inspire his followers (Neh 2:11-20), organize his task (ch. 3), and combine faith and common sense (ch. 4). He needs to be compassionate (Neh 5:1-13), possess personal integrity (Neh 5:14-19), be absolutely impartial (ch. 5), and display a sense of mission (ch. 6).
Having finished the walls, Nehemiah took steps to ensure that the city would remain secure by appointing guards. Now temple worship could flourish (Neh 7:1). The gatekeepers usually guarded the temple entrance, but Nehemiah posted them at the city gates because of the imminent danger there. The "faithful man" (Neh 7:2) was Hanaiah, not Hanani, though he too was, of course, reliable. To minimize the threat of potential invaders, Nehemiah ordered that the gates of Jerusalem be open only during the busiest hours of the day (Neh 7:3). People had not been living in Jerusalem because it was vulnerable to attack (Neh 7:4). The small population rendered it more vulnerable than it would have been with the city full of people. Nehemiah later proposed a plan that would increase the population and consequently the security of Jerusalem (Neh 11:1-2).
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
1. He sends a letter, intimating the information which Geshem, or Gashmu, had given, and desiring a conference thereupon; pretending friendship, as if, should the report spread, of his intention to rebel, and make himself king, the consequence might be dangerous. Note; (1.) Fair professions of friendship often cloak foul designs. (2.) It is an old trick of the enemies of God’s people, to represent them as seditious, and make them noxious to the government.
1. The wall finished, to the great dismay and vexation of their neighbours, in fifty-two days. God’s hand evidently appeared in the work, and therefore all opposition was impotent and vain. Note; (1.) When we are hearty in God’s service, much may be done in a little time. (2.) The enemies of God’s people shall be made to see and own his care over them. (3.) When God will work, none can hinder it.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
THE EXPEDITION WITH WHICH THE WALL OF JERUSALEM WAS BUILT
Behold, then, in what way we should all engage in the Lords work
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Fuente: Peake’s Commentary on the Bible
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)