Bible Commentary

There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute, [and that upon] our lands and vineyards. 4. Yet a third class is mentioned, who had been compelled to borrow in order to pay the taxes and, not having the means to pay their creditors, sold their children as slaves. we have … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 5:4”

[Some] also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth. 3. Some also ] The complaint in this verse is that among the poorer classes, those who had a little property were compelled to mortgage it in order to obtain the bare … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 5:3”

For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, [are] many: therefore we take up corn [for them], that we may eat, and live. 2. For there were that said ] This and the two following verses describe the people’s complaint. Their misfortunes were brought to a climax by the condition of hostilities, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 5:2”

And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews. 1. And there was a great cry, &c.] R.V. Then there arose a great cry, &c. The R.V. rightly shows that the outbreak of the discontentment described in these verses was connected with the rebuilding of the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 5:1”

So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, [saving that] every one put them off for washing. 23. my brethren servants men of the guard which followed me ] Nehemiah mentions in detail those in whom he had … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 4:23”

Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labor on the day. 22. Likewise said I unto the people ] Another prudent regulation is enacted by Nehemiah. He addresses ‘the people,’ namely … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 4:22”

So we labored in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared. 21. So we laboured ] R.V. So we wrought. The word in the original being the same as that rendered ‘wrought’ in Neh 4:16-17, it is best to adhere to the same … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 4:21”

In what place [therefore] ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us. 20. In what place therefore] R.V. in what place soever. resort ye thither ] literally ‘thither shall ye collect or assemble yourselves together’. our God shall fight for us ] The Jews shall … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 4:20”

And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work [is] great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another. 19. nobles rulers &c.] as in Neh 4:14, and Neh 2:16, where see note. large ] literally ‘wide,’ referring to the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 4:19”

For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and [so] built. And he that sounded the trumpet [was] by me. 18. For the builders ] R.V. And the builders. Not, as A.V., a fresh explanatory sentence, but a continuation of the foregoing, a description of the other class of those engaged … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 4:18”