Nehemiah 2:17 - Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come, let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we won’t be disgraced.”
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What does "Nehemiah 2:17" mean?
This verse, Nehemiah 2:17, is a pivotal moment in the book of Nehemiah. Let's break down its meaning:
"Then I said to them...": This refers to Nehemiah, who has just arrived in Jerusalem after being granted permission by the Persian King Artaxerxes to rebuild the city. He has secretly inspected the city's condition at night and is now addressing the Jewish inhabitants.
"You see the bad situation that we are in...": Nehemiah is drawing their attention to the dire state of Jerusalem. He is appealing to their sense of national pride and shared suffering.
"how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire...": This vividly describes the physical devastation of Jerusalem. The city walls are broken down (lying waste), leaving it vulnerable to enemies, and the gates, the primary points of entry and defense, are destroyed. This likely happened during the Babylonian conquest many years prior, but the damage has never been fully repaired.
"Come, let us build up the wall of Jerusalem...": This is Nehemiah's call to action. He is proposing a solution: to rebuild the city walls. He is inviting the people to join him in this massive undertaking.
"that we won’t be disgraced.": This is the motivation he provides. The broken walls are not only a physical vulnerability but also a symbol of shame and humiliation for the Jewish people. They are disgraced in the eyes of their neighbors and, arguably, in their own eyes. Rebuilding the wall will restore their honor, security, and identity.
In summary, Nehemiah 2:17 is a powerful and concise call to action. It highlights the problem, proposes a solution, and provides a compelling reason for the people to act. It's a turning point in the narrative, setting the stage for the arduous but ultimately successful rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. It serves as a prime example of Nehemiah's leadership: observant, strategic, and persuasive. He connects with the people by acknowledging their shared plight and offering them a way to reclaim their dignity.
Nehemiah 2:17 - Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come, let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we won’t be disgraced.”
What does "Nehemiah 2:17" mean?
This verse, Nehemiah 2:17, is a pivotal moment in the book of Nehemiah. Let's break down its meaning:
"Then I said to them...": This refers to Nehemiah, who has just arrived in Jerusalem after being granted permission by the Persian King Artaxerxes to rebuild the city. He has secretly inspected the city's condition at night and is now addressing the Jewish inhabitants.
"You see the bad situation that we are in...": Nehemiah is drawing their attention to the dire state of Jerusalem. He is appealing to their sense of national pride and shared suffering.
"how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire...": This vividly describes the physical devastation of Jerusalem. The city walls are broken down (lying waste), leaving it vulnerable to enemies, and the gates, the primary points of entry and defense, are destroyed. This likely happened during the Babylonian conquest many years prior, but the damage has never been fully repaired.
"Come, let us build up the wall of Jerusalem...": This is Nehemiah's call to action. He is proposing a solution: to rebuild the city walls. He is inviting the people to join him in this massive undertaking.
"that we won’t be disgraced.": This is the motivation he provides. The broken walls are not only a physical vulnerability but also a symbol of shame and humiliation for the Jewish people. They are disgraced in the eyes of their neighbors and, arguably, in their own eyes. Rebuilding the wall will restore their honor, security, and identity.
In summary, Nehemiah 2:17 is a powerful and concise call to action. It highlights the problem, proposes a solution, and provides a compelling reason for the people to act. It's a turning point in the narrative, setting the stage for the arduous but ultimately successful rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. It serves as a prime example of Nehemiah's leadership: observant, strategic, and persuasive. He connects with the people by acknowledging their shared plight and offering them a way to reclaim their dignity.