Nehemiah 6:16 - When all our enemies heard of it, all the nations that were around us were afraid, and they lost their confidence; for they perceived that this work was done by our God.
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What does "Nehemiah 6:16" mean?
Nehemiah 6:16, "When all our enemies heard of it, all the nations that were around us were afraid, and they lost their confidence; for they perceived that this work was done by our God," describes the reaction of the surrounding nations to the completion of the wall around Jerusalem. Let's break down its meaning:
"When all our enemies heard of it...": This refers to the enemies of the Israelites, particularly Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and their allies, who had been actively trying to sabotage the rebuilding of the wall. They represented foreign powers and interests who opposed the re-establishment of Jerusalem's strength and independence. The "it" refers to the completion of the wall.
"...all the nations that were around us were afraid...": The completion of the wall was a significant event that instilled fear in the neighboring nations. These nations likely feared that a fortified Jerusalem would:
Hinder their trade and influence in the region.
Potentially threaten their own territories or interests.
Signal a resurgence of Israelite power and independence.
"...and they lost their confidence...": The enemies lost confidence not only in their ability to stop the Israelites but also in their own power and strategies. Their schemes to intimidate, divide, and disrupt the rebuilding efforts had failed. The successful completion of the wall despite their opposition was a blow to their morale and influence.
"...for they perceived that this work was done by our God.": This is the core of the verse's meaning. The enemies realized that the completion of the wall was not simply a matter of human effort or skill. They understood, on some level, that God's hand was at work, protecting and guiding the Israelites. This realization was a recognition of God's power, faithfulness, and favor towards his people. The sheer speed and resilience with which the wall was completed, despite significant opposition, pointed to divine intervention. They attributed the success of the rebuild to God himself.
In essence, the verse signifies the following:
God's Protection and Provision: The completion of the wall was seen as a testament to God's protection of his people and his provision for their needs.
Overcoming Opposition: The verse highlights the fact that God can enable his people to overcome even the most formidable opposition when they trust in him and follow his will.
God's Sovereignty: The enemies' recognition that the work was done by God underscores his sovereignty over all nations and his ability to accomplish his purposes.
Witness to the Nations: The rebuilding of the wall served as a powerful witness to the surrounding nations of God's power and faithfulness. It demonstrated that the God of Israel was a force to be reckoned with.
The verse is an encouragement that with God's help, seemingly impossible tasks can be achieved, and that even enemies will recognize his power and sovereignty when his people are obedient and faithful.
Nehemiah 6:16 - When all our enemies heard of it, all the nations that were around us were afraid, and they lost their confidence; for they perceived that this work was done by our God.
What does "Nehemiah 6:16" mean?
Nehemiah 6:16, "When all our enemies heard of it, all the nations that were around us were afraid, and they lost their confidence; for they perceived that this work was done by our God," describes the reaction of the surrounding nations to the completion of the wall around Jerusalem. Let's break down its meaning:
"When all our enemies heard of it...": This refers to the enemies of the Israelites, particularly Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and their allies, who had been actively trying to sabotage the rebuilding of the wall. They represented foreign powers and interests who opposed the re-establishment of Jerusalem's strength and independence. The "it" refers to the completion of the wall.
"...all the nations that were around us were afraid...": The completion of the wall was a significant event that instilled fear in the neighboring nations. These nations likely feared that a fortified Jerusalem would:
Hinder their trade and influence in the region.
Potentially threaten their own territories or interests.
Signal a resurgence of Israelite power and independence.
"...and they lost their confidence...": The enemies lost confidence not only in their ability to stop the Israelites but also in their own power and strategies. Their schemes to intimidate, divide, and disrupt the rebuilding efforts had failed. The successful completion of the wall despite their opposition was a blow to their morale and influence.
"...for they perceived that this work was done by our God.": This is the core of the verse's meaning. The enemies realized that the completion of the wall was not simply a matter of human effort or skill. They understood, on some level, that God's hand was at work, protecting and guiding the Israelites. This realization was a recognition of God's power, faithfulness, and favor towards his people. The sheer speed and resilience with which the wall was completed, despite significant opposition, pointed to divine intervention. They attributed the success of the rebuild to God himself.
In essence, the verse signifies the following:
God's Protection and Provision: The completion of the wall was seen as a testament to God's protection of his people and his provision for their needs.
Overcoming Opposition: The verse highlights the fact that God can enable his people to overcome even the most formidable opposition when they trust in him and follow his will.
God's Sovereignty: The enemies' recognition that the work was done by God underscores his sovereignty over all nations and his ability to accomplish his purposes.
Witness to the Nations: The rebuilding of the wall served as a powerful witness to the surrounding nations of God's power and faithfulness. It demonstrated that the God of Israel was a force to be reckoned with.
The verse is an encouragement that with God's help, seemingly impossible tasks can be achieved, and that even enemies will recognize his power and sovereignty when his people are obedient and faithful.