Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:16
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.
16. all our enemies ] Cf. Neh 4:1, Neh 5:9, Neh 6:1.
that when and all the heathen saw these things, they, &c.] R.V. when that all the heathen feared, and, &c. Marg. ‘According to another reading, saw ’. There is little distinction to be drawn between ‘the enemies’ and ‘the heathen.’ The leaders of the hostile races heard, and then the races themselves feared. The reading ‘feared,’ which is also that of the LXX. , and the Vulg. ‘timerent,’ gives a preferable sense to ‘saw.’ The distinction in the A.V. between the ‘seeing’ of ‘the heathen’ and the ‘hearing’ of ‘the enemies’ is quite meaningless, and tells against that reading. The rendering of the R.V. suggests that the news first reached Tobiah, Sanballat and Geshem, and then spread a panic among the Moabites, Samaritans, Arabians, &c.
they were much cast down in their own eyes ] A peculiar expression which occurs only in this passage; literally, ‘they fell much in their own eyes.’ According to the present text, two explanations have been given: ( a) = ‘they were much vexed and disconcerted.’ ‘To fall in one’s eyes’ is then to be compared with the ‘falling’ or ‘lowering’ of the countenance. Cf. Gen 4:5-6; 1Sa 17:32. ( b) = ‘they had fallen greatly in their own estimation,’ i.e. they despised themselves. In their own eyes, i.e. in their own opinion, their power had received a heavy blow; they had ‘fallen,’ as it were, and the Jews were exalted.
A different text is followed in the three renderings: ( a) the LXX. ‘And fear fell upon their eyes exceedingly,’ . ( b) the Vulgate ‘et conciderent inter semet ipsos’ ( bayneyhem for b’ay-neyhem). ( c) ‘And they caused their eyes to fall’, with the same meaning as that given in Jer 3:12, ‘I will not look in anger upon you’ (marg. Heb. ‘cause my countenance to fall upon you’).
this work was wrought of our God ] In the completion of the wall the special favour of the God of Israel must have been recognised. What else could explain the unexpected commission from Artaxerxes at the beginning, and the frustration of all the machinations of the enemy? Cf. Psa 126:2, ‘Then said they among the nations, The Lord hath done great things for them.’ For the phrase, cf. Psa 118:23.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Neh 6:16
For they perceived that the work was wrought of our God.
The crown of Christian evidence
Christianity does not stand in any merely literary defence, although its literary defence is complete; it stands rather in its beneficent accomplishments, in its regenerated hearts, its elevated lives, its new spirit of consecration, its broad unselfishness, its generous sympathy–Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see. (J. Parker, D. D.)
The worlds acknowledgment of God
I. Worlds past acknowledgment of God.
1. Biblical instances.
2. Later instances.
II. Worlds present acknowledgment of God.
1. Unconscious acknowledgments. Think of the way in which Christianity penetrates the life of the modern world.
2. Unwilling acknowledgment.
3. Frank acknowledgment.
III. The worlds future acknowledgment.
1. Willing.
2. Enforced.
Application:
1. Make acknowledgment of God.
2. Now. (Homiletic Commentary.)
Nothing succeeds like success
It is amazing sometimes to find how many there are who heartily endorse a good work when it has arrived at or is approaching success, however much they may have frowned at it, or even opposed it, when it was struggling with difficulties. (W. P. Lockhart.)
God acknowledged in results
In the present day there is an impatient craving for immediate results which comes perilously near to mistrust of God. But verily there are results, and when such results are seen, then even enemies are constrained to admit that Gods hand is in the work. The faith of converts must always be evidenced by their works, otherwise the world will not, cannot, perceive that God is working with us. (W. P. Lockhart.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 16. This work was wrought of our God.] This is an additional reason why we should not wonder at the shortness of the time in which so great a work was done, for God helped them by an especial providence; and this was so very observable, that their carnal enemies could discover it.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
In their own eyes, i.e. in their opinion, or themselves being judges; for though ordinarily men are very prone to judge partially, and still to flatter themselves with vain hopes and fancies, yet this case was so clear and remarkable, that they began to despair. Now they saw that all was lost, that their designs were broken, and that their mischief was now likely to fall upon their own heads. They perceived, by that admirable courage, and constancy, and quickness wherewith this work was managed, notwithstanding all their difficulties and discouragements.
That this work was wrought of our God; that it was the work of that mighty God of Israel, whom they had great reason to fear; and withal they took it for an ill omen to them, and a sure presage that God would still watch over that city and people, and crush those who should oppose or disturb them. Corresponding with him against Nehemiah, and against their own city and nation.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof,…. That the wall was finished:
and all the Heathen that were about us saw these things; the neighbouring nations, who not only heard with their ears, but saw with their eyes what was done:
they were much cast down in their own eyes; through shame and confusion, because of their own scoffs and jeers; through grief and vexation at the unexpected success of the Jews, and through the fear of them that was fallen upon them, as Jarchi notes:
for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God; his special providence and blessing attending it, as appeared by its being so soon effected.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(16) The enemies heard of it, and saw the result, and were ashamed.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
16. They were much cast down Disappointed and chagrined to find that all their opposition had been futile.
Work was wrought of our God That is, it was evident to all to enemies as well as Jews that Divine providence had signally favoured the work of rebuilding Jerusalem.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
(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.
So in the last day will all the enemies of God and of his Christ be confounded, when the Lord shall bring home the top-stone of the spiritual building with shoutings, crying grace, grace unto it. Zec 4:7 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Neh 6:16 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.
Ver. 16. When all our enemies heard thereof ] So famous a matter could not be concealed from them who listened with the left ear, and readily received these , as the Greeks call, galling reports.
Saw these things
They were much cast down in their own eyes
For they perceived that this work was wrought of our God
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
when all our enemies: Neh 2:10, Neh 4:1, Neh 4:7, Neh 6:1, Neh 6:2
for they perceived: Exo 14:25, Num 23:23, Jos 5:1, Psa 126:2, Act 5:38
Reciprocal: Est 7:6 – was afraid Jer 33:9 – fear
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Neh 6:16. They were much cast down in their own eyes That is, in their opinion, or themselves being judges. For though usually men are very prone to judge partially, and still to flatter themselves with vain hopes, yet this case was so clear and remarkable that they began to despair. Now they saw that all was lost, that their designs were broken, and that their mischief was likely to fall upon their own heads. For they perceived that this work was of our God From that admirable courage, constancy, and quickness, wherewith this work was managed, notwithstanding all the difficulties and discouragements in the way, they concluded that it was the work of the mighty God of Israel, whom they had great reason to fear. And withal they took it for an ill omen to them, and a sure presage that God would still watch over that city and people, and crush those who should oppose or disturb them.