Nehemiah 6
DOYLYChap. VII. ver. 2. That I gave my brother Hanani, &c.] The fact of Nehemiah’s appointing governours of Jerusalem as soon as the walls were built, seems evidently to imply, that he went away from thence at this time: and, as a set time of absence from Persia appears to have been allowed him at his departure, (chap. ii. 6,) it is most probable that he returned to Persia at this time. Besides, as the building of the walls was all that he required in his first commission, fresh authorities were necessary to enable him to engage in other proceedings
the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.
Nehemiah 6:3
- — until the sun be hot;] Till some time after sunrise, when the approach of an enemy might be clearly discerned, and all the people might be prepared in case of danger. Bp. Patrick.
Nehemiah 6:6
- These are the children of the promise,] These are the very words which we read at Ezra ii. 1: Nehemiah seems to have transcribed them from thence. Thus the register of which he speaks, ver. 5, is the register first made in Babylon, which he now caused to be exactly revised, and in which he made such alterations as he was enabled to do by the advantage of time and new accessions of people of Judea. He took this care to settle the genealogies of the several tribes and families, now returned to Judea, in order to prevent that mixture and confusion which would have defeated one of the great purposes for which their nation was chosen to be the separate and peculiar people of God. Pyle.
In the second chapter of Ezra we have the old register made by Zerubbabel; and in the seventh of Nehemiah, we have a copy of it as settled by Nehemiah, with some additions and alterations. Dean Prideaux.
about 526. a Ezra 2. 1, &c. Or, Seruiah.
Nehemiah 6:7
- — Come now —, let us take counsel] “Let us take counsel how we may wipe off these suspicions, in case they should be put into the king’s mind;” as according to his representation they probably would. Bp. Patrick.
Nehemiah 6:10
- — unto the house of Shemaiah] Shemaiah was a prophet by profession, (as appears from ver. 12,) and probably one whom Nehemiah took to be his friend; on which account he went to consult with him at his house. Bp. Patrick. I came, Nehemiah says, to Shemaiah, who was, under pretence of devout humiliation and prayer, “shut up” in his house; and he, pretending a tender care of my person, advised that we should shut ourselves up in the temple. Bp. Hall.
— in the house of God, within the temple] There seems to be no reason to doubt that Shemaiah means to advise Nehemiah to retreat into the sanctuary, or most holy part of the temple, for which he had good pretence, as the place was strong, being defended by a guard of Levites, and privileged from all rude approaches. But his real design appears to have been, not only to disgrace Nehemiah and dishearten the people, when they saw the cowardice of their governour, ver. 13, but also to prepare the way for an assault of the enemy on the city, when there was no leader to oppose them. Stackhouse.
Nehemiah 6:11
- And I said, Should such a man as I flee?] The words of Nehemiah on this occasion are very significant as well as magnanimous. “Should such a man as I flee?” I, the chief governour, upon whose presence, and counsel, and conduct, the very life and being of the whole city and nation in great measure depend; I, who have professed such resolution, courage, and confidence in God; I, who have had such eminent experience of God’s gracious and powerful assistance, of His calling me to this employment, and carrying me through it, when the danger was greater than now; shall I dis-
honour God and religion, and betray the people and city of God by my cowardice? Stackhouse.
This steadiness of mind should be imitated by all who are engaged in good works, since God is able to protect them, or will certainly reward their good intentions. Bp. Wilson.
What if Nehemiah had hearkened to this counsel? Sin and shame would have followed. That holy place was for none but persons sacred, such as were privileged by blood and function. And now what would the people say? What would become of us while our governour hides his head for fear? Where shall we find a temple to secure us, or how shall we depend on so cowardly a leader? Well did Nehemiah forecast these circumstances; and, resolving to distrust a prophet that persuaded him to the violation of a law, reject the proposition with scorn. Bp. Hall.
Nehemiah 6:14
- My God, think thou &c.] Nehemiah takes not upon himself to judge them for their treacherous proceedings, but leaves them to the just judgments of God. Pyle.
Nehemiah 6:15
- So the wall was finished — in fifty and two days.] This short space of time, employed in the completion, eminently shews the seal of the people employed upon it, the number of whom, however, we must suppose to have been very great. It should be remembered too, that the foundations of the wall had been left by the Chaldeans: and probably many parts of the wall itself remained standing. Bp. Patrick.
Nehemiah 6:17
- Moreover in those days &c.] During all this time, Nehemiah adds, the stratagems of our professed enemies were not so dangerous or so mortifying as the treachery and baseness of many of our own citizens. Some of the best quality having married into Tobiah’s family, (chap. xiii. 4—5,) espoused his interests both secretly and openly, and informed him of all we said and did; so that well might that haughty heathen
A register of the genealogy of those who returned from Babylon.
son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullum the son of Berechiah.