Nehemiah 4

1 took great indignation. This displeasure and enmity seem to have been entirely unprovoked, and to have been the result of hatred to the religion, and envy at the prosperity of the Jews.

2 will they fortify themselves? “Will they commit themselves to their God?” (Ryle).

6. So built we the wall. i.e., amid the taunts of our enemies, yet with steadfast faith in God and earnest prayer.

unto the half thereof. The circuit of the wall was completed to half its height (see R.V.).

7 the walls of Jerusalem were made up. Rather, as R.V., “the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem went forward.”

9. We made our prayer . . . and set a watch. Sincere faith and prayer will always be accompanied by watchfulness and activity.

12 they will be upon you. The meaning appears to be, that the Jews who dwelt near the Samaritans and other adversaries were constantly (“ten times”) coming to Nehemiah with information of contemplated attacks.

14. I looked, and rose up. i.e., I first inspected the arrangements for defence, and then encouraged the defenders.

16 the rulers were behind. Each chief watching, guiding, and encouraging his men from behind; and at the same time ready to meet any attack.

18 he that sounded the trumpet. To give the alarm.

23 saving that, etc. “None of us took off our clothes: each one kept his weapon in his hand” (Moffatt).