Bible Commentary

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 … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:15”

My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear. 14. My God, think thou upon ] R.V. Remember, O my God. Tobiah’s name stands before Sanballat’s. Cf. Neh 6:12. and on the prophetess … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:14”

Therefore [was] he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and [that] they might have [matter] for an evil report, that they might reproach me. 13. Therefore ] R.V. For this cause. and sin ] i.e. by transgressing ‘the law,’ by violating the sanctity of the House of God. matter for … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:13”

And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 12. And lo, I perceived that ] R.V. And I discerned, and, lo. The R.V. gives the verb the requisite sense of ‘recognition’ as in Gen 27:23, ‘he discerned him … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:12”

And I said, 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. Would go into the temple to save his life – Rather could go into the temple and live. For a layman to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:11”

Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who [was] shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:10”

For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, [O God], strengthen my hands. 9. For they all made us afraid ] R.V. For they all would have made us afraid. The participle in the original does not convey more than that … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:9”

Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. 8. There are no such things done] Literally, ‘it has not happened or it has not been done according to these words.’ Nehemiah contents himself with curtly retorting that there is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:8”

And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, [There is] a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together. 7. thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee ] There were doubtless … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:7”

Wherein [was] written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith [it, that] thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words. 6. among the heathen ] R.V. among the nations, i.e. among the nations who surrounded the Jews, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:6”