Bible Commentary

Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; 5. his servant ] Cf. Neh 4:22. an open letter in his hand ] ‘Open,’ not sealed. The object of this is obvious. It was intended that the contents of the letter should become public … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:5”

Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner. 4. yet ] R.V. And. The A.V. suggests the thought which the copula does not express, that in spite of such a rebuff Sanballat and his companions were not daunted. after this sort after the same manner … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:4”

And I sent messengers unto them, saying, 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? 3. cease ] ‘The great work’ of rebuilding the walls was one for which Nehemiah was responsible; and it was no doubt … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:3”

That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in [some one of] the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. 2. Sanballat and Geshem ] It is noticeable that Tobiah’s name is not also mentioned. Some commentators have held that this omission is to … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:2”

Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had built the wall, and [that] there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) 1. when S. and the rest of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 6:1”

Think upon me, my God, for good, [according] to all that I have done for this people. 19. Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all, &c.] R.V. Remember unto me, O my God, for good, all, &c. ‘Remember’ is the natural translation here and in the similar passages, Neh 6:14, Neh 13:22; … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 5:19”

Now [that] which was prepared [for me] daily [was] one ox [and] six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people. 18. for me … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 5:18”

Moreover [there were] at my table a hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that [are] about us. 17. Moreover ] Nehemiah mentions another proof of his generosity as governor. He regularly entertained over 150 officials, and welcomed Jewish strangers to his table. an … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 5:17”

Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants [were] gathered thither unto the work. 16. Yea also I continued in the work, &c.] R.V. marg. ‘Heb. held fast to ’. It does not appear certain whether Nehemiah here refers to his continuous supervision of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 5:16”

But the former governors that [had been] before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bore rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God. 15. the former governors that had been before … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 5:15”