Nehemiah 4:7 - But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem went forward, and that the breaches began to be filled, they were very angry;

Generated Verse: Nehemiah 4:7

What does "Nehemiah 4:7" mean?


This verse, Nehemiah 4:7, is a key turning point in the story of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. It highlights the growing opposition to Nehemiah's project. Here's a breakdown of what it means:

"But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem went forward, and that the breaches began to be filled..." This sets the stage. The rebuilding of the walls was progressing despite the initial ridicule and attempts to discourage the Jews (as described in previous chapters). The key phrase is "...the repairing of the walls...went forward, and that the breaches began to be filled." This means:
Progress: The Jews were actively working and making tangible progress on the walls.
Vulnerability Reduced: The breaches (gaps and broken-down sections of the wall) were being repaired, meaning Jerusalem was becoming more secure and defensible.

"...they were very angry;" This is the reaction of the aforementioned groups. Their anger stemmed from several factors:
Threat to their Influence: A rebuilt Jerusalem with strong defenses would diminish the influence and control these neighboring groups had over the region and the Jewish people. A strong Jerusalem meant less vulnerability to their attacks and exploitation.
Loss of Power and Status: These groups likely benefited from the weakened state of Jerusalem. A rebuilt city challenged their existing power structure.
Frustration of their Efforts: Their initial attempts to halt the project through ridicule and intimidation had failed. The Jews were persisting despite their opposition.

In essence, this verse shows that as the Jews began to successfully rebuild the walls and make Jerusalem more secure, the surrounding enemies became increasingly enraged because their own power and influence were being threatened. This anger would then lead to more direct and aggressive actions against Nehemiah and the workers, as described in the verses that follow. The verse is significant because it marks a shift from verbal opposition to more active and potentially violent resistance.