Nehemiah 4:15 describes a moment of relief and renewed determination for the Israelites rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"When our enemies heard that it was known to us...": The enemies (Sanballat, Tobiah, and others) had been plotting to attack the builders of the wall. This phrase indicates that the Israelites had received intelligence about the enemies' plans, likely through spies or informants. The enemies knew their plan was compromised.
"...and God had brought their counsel to nothing...": This signifies that the enemies' plans to attack had been foiled. The Israelites saw this as divine intervention. God had disrupted or frustrated their plans.
"...all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work.": With the threat of immediate attack diminished (due to the compromised plan), the people were encouraged. This led to renewed vigor in their work. They resumed their assigned tasks in rebuilding the wall.
In essence, the verse means:
The enemies' plan to attack the Israelites was exposed, and they were unable to carry it out. The Israelites believed that God had protected them by frustrating the enemies' plans. As a result, they were filled with courage and returned to the work of rebuilding the wall with renewed dedication.
Key takeaways:
God's protection: The Israelites believed that God was actively protecting them from their enemies.
Foiled plans: The enemies' plot was unsuccessful, likely due to the Israelites' awareness of it and perhaps other factors.
Renewed determination: The sense of being protected and the failure of the enemies' scheme motivated the people to continue their work with increased enthusiasm.
The verse highlights the importance of being aware of threats, trusting in God's protection, and persevering in the face of adversity.
Nehemiah 4:15 describes a moment of relief and renewed determination for the Israelites rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"When our enemies heard that it was known to us...": The enemies (Sanballat, Tobiah, and others) had been plotting to attack the builders of the wall. This phrase indicates that the Israelites had received intelligence about the enemies' plans, likely through spies or informants. The enemies knew their plan was compromised.
"...and God had brought their counsel to nothing...": This signifies that the enemies' plans to attack had been foiled. The Israelites saw this as divine intervention. God had disrupted or frustrated their plans.
"...all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work.": With the threat of immediate attack diminished (due to the compromised plan), the people were encouraged. This led to renewed vigor in their work. They resumed their assigned tasks in rebuilding the wall.
In essence, the verse means:
The enemies' plan to attack the Israelites was exposed, and they were unable to carry it out. The Israelites believed that God had protected them by frustrating the enemies' plans. As a result, they were filled with courage and returned to the work of rebuilding the wall with renewed dedication.
Key takeaways:
God's protection: The Israelites believed that God was actively protecting them from their enemies.
Foiled plans: The enemies' plot was unsuccessful, likely due to the Israelites' awareness of it and perhaps other factors.
Renewed determination: The sense of being protected and the failure of the enemies' scheme motivated the people to continue their work with increased enthusiasm.
The verse highlights the importance of being aware of threats, trusting in God's protection, and persevering in the face of adversity.