Nehemiah 2:18 describes a pivotal moment in Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Let's break down the verse:
"I told them of the hand of my God which was good on me..." This refers to Nehemiah sharing with the people of Jerusalem how God had been working in his life. He explained how God had granted him favor with the Persian King Artaxerxes, inspiring him to request permission to rebuild the city, and giving him the confidence and provision needed for the task. In essence, he was highlighting God's blessing and guidance.
"...as also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me." Here, Nehemiah is relaying the support he received from King Artaxerxes. He likely detailed the King's letter authorizing the rebuilding, the provision of materials (timber), and the protection granted for his journey. This showed the people that he had the necessary authority and resources to undertake the project.
"They said, “Let’s rise up and build.” This is the crucial response of the people. After hearing about God's favor and the King's support, they were motivated and inspired. Their statement reflects their willingness to participate actively in the rebuilding effort. The phrase "rise up" implies a sense of urgency, purpose, and determination.
"So they strengthened their hands for the good work." This signifies that the people began to prepare themselves, both physically and mentally, for the hard labor ahead. "Strengthened their hands" is a figurative expression, suggesting that they were empowered, encouraged, and committed to dedicating their efforts to the "good work" of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls.
In essence, the verse shows:
The Importance of Testimony: Nehemiah shared his experiences and how God had been working in his life, which inspired others.
Divine and Human Partnership: God's hand was evident in the events, but human effort was also essential. The people had to choose to participate.
Motivation and Unity: The combined effect of recognizing God's favor and the king's support created a sense of unity and purpose, motivating them to take action.
Commitment to Action: The people didn't just agree in words; they "strengthened their hands," signifying a genuine commitment to hard work.
This verse is significant because it marks the beginning of the rebuilding project. It demonstrates how leadership, inspiration, faith, and community collaboration can lead to a monumental achievement. It highlights the power of sharing one's faith and experiences to motivate others towards a common goal.
Nehemiah 2:18 describes a pivotal moment in Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Let's break down the verse:
"I told them of the hand of my God which was good on me..." This refers to Nehemiah sharing with the people of Jerusalem how God had been working in his life. He explained how God had granted him favor with the Persian King Artaxerxes, inspiring him to request permission to rebuild the city, and giving him the confidence and provision needed for the task. In essence, he was highlighting God's blessing and guidance.
"...as also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me." Here, Nehemiah is relaying the support he received from King Artaxerxes. He likely detailed the King's letter authorizing the rebuilding, the provision of materials (timber), and the protection granted for his journey. This showed the people that he had the necessary authority and resources to undertake the project.
"They said, “Let’s rise up and build.” This is the crucial response of the people. After hearing about God's favor and the King's support, they were motivated and inspired. Their statement reflects their willingness to participate actively in the rebuilding effort. The phrase "rise up" implies a sense of urgency, purpose, and determination.
"So they strengthened their hands for the good work." This signifies that the people began to prepare themselves, both physically and mentally, for the hard labor ahead. "Strengthened their hands" is a figurative expression, suggesting that they were empowered, encouraged, and committed to dedicating their efforts to the "good work" of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls.
In essence, the verse shows:
The Importance of Testimony: Nehemiah shared his experiences and how God had been working in his life, which inspired others.
Divine and Human Partnership: God's hand was evident in the events, but human effort was also essential. The people had to choose to participate.
Motivation and Unity: The combined effect of recognizing God's favor and the king's support created a sense of unity and purpose, motivating them to take action.
Commitment to Action: The people didn't just agree in words; they "strengthened their hands," signifying a genuine commitment to hard work.
This verse is significant because it marks the beginning of the rebuilding project. It demonstrates how leadership, inspiration, faith, and community collaboration can lead to a monumental achievement. It highlights the power of sharing one's faith and experiences to motivate others towards a common goal.