Nehemiah 4:17 - Those who built the wall, and those who bore burdens loaded themselves; everyone with one of his hands did the work, and with the other held his weapon.
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What does "Nehemiah 4:17" mean?
Nehemiah 4:17 describes a crucial point in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. It means that the workers were simultaneously performing two critical tasks:
"Those who built the wall, and those who bore burdens loaded themselves; everyone with one of his hands did the work..." This refers to the practical work of rebuilding. Some people were constructing the wall brick by brick, while others were carrying the necessary materials (stones, mortar, wood, etc.) to the construction site. The phrase "bore burdens loaded themselves" emphasizes the strenuous effort involved.
"...and with the other held his weapon." This indicates that the workers were under constant threat of attack from enemies who opposed the rebuilding of the wall. They had to be prepared to defend themselves at any moment. It conveys a sense of danger, vigilance, and determination. The workers were not just builders; they were also soldiers protecting their work and their people.
In essence, the verse illustrates:
The dedication and resourcefulness of the people: They were committed to rebuilding the wall despite facing threats.
The combination of construction and defense: They understood that rebuilding was an act of resistance and required constant vigilance.
The difficult circumstances: They lived and worked in a hostile environment where they had to be prepared for conflict at any time.
Symbolic significance: It's often interpreted as a metaphor for the challenges of life, where one must balance the work of building and creating with the need to protect oneself from external threats. It's a picture of resilience, perseverance, and commitment to a purpose in the face of opposition.
Nehemiah 4:17 - Those who built the wall, and those who bore burdens loaded themselves; everyone with one of his hands did the work, and with the other held his weapon.
What does "Nehemiah 4:17" mean?
Nehemiah 4:17 describes a crucial point in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. It means that the workers were simultaneously performing two critical tasks:
"Those who built the wall, and those who bore burdens loaded themselves; everyone with one of his hands did the work..." This refers to the practical work of rebuilding. Some people were constructing the wall brick by brick, while others were carrying the necessary materials (stones, mortar, wood, etc.) to the construction site. The phrase "bore burdens loaded themselves" emphasizes the strenuous effort involved.
"...and with the other held his weapon." This indicates that the workers were under constant threat of attack from enemies who opposed the rebuilding of the wall. They had to be prepared to defend themselves at any moment. It conveys a sense of danger, vigilance, and determination. The workers were not just builders; they were also soldiers protecting their work and their people.
In essence, the verse illustrates:
The dedication and resourcefulness of the people: They were committed to rebuilding the wall despite facing threats.
The combination of construction and defense: They understood that rebuilding was an act of resistance and required constant vigilance.
The difficult circumstances: They lived and worked in a hostile environment where they had to be prepared for conflict at any time.
Symbolic significance: It's often interpreted as a metaphor for the challenges of life, where one must balance the work of building and creating with the need to protect oneself from external threats. It's a picture of resilience, perseverance, and commitment to a purpose in the face of opposition.