FocusShared work and persistent opposition
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The work progresses amid threats and internal injustice until the wall is completed.
interpretation Nehemiah 4:7
KJVBut it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,
Read it in context
The Work Ridiculed
Start reading at Nehemiah 4:1 (Nehemiah 4:1 to Nehemiah 4:8).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The work progresses amid threats and internal injustice until the wall is completed.
- 4:1 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
- 4:2 And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?
- 4:3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.
- 4:4 Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:
- 4:5 And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.
- 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
- 4:7 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,
- 4:8 And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Nehemiah son of Hachaliah is the named memoir writer. His account was preserved within the larger Ezra–Nehemiah historical collection, which includes additional material. Biblical references: Nehemiah 1:1; Nehemiah 2:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Nehemiah 3:1–4:23): The named families and work groups rebuild Jerusalem's wall while Sanballat, Tobiah, and other opponents threaten them; Nehemiah organizes the response. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The restored Jewish community centered on Jerusalem and later readers concerned with its rebuilding, covenant obligations, and worship. Biblical references: Nehemiah 2:17; Nehemiah 8:1; Nehemiah 10:29. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Work Ridiculed. Read Nehemiah 4:1 through Nehemiah 4:8 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The work progresses amid threats and internal injustice until the wall is completed. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative dates Nehemiah's commission by Artaxerxes' reign and later describes his return to the king and subsequent visit to Jerusalem. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? It opens in Shushan and moves to Jerusalem and the surrounding communities, focusing on the wall and the life of the restored people. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Work Ridiculed (Nehemiah 4:1 to Nehemiah 4:8). Start reading at Nehemiah 4:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament also joins hearing God's word with doing it and building up a community. This is a canonical comparison, not a claim that Nehemiah's wall directly symbolizes a particular Christian institution. See Nehemiah 8:8, Luke 11:28, Ephesians 4:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Combine prayer with responsible action, truthful leadership, and care for people harmed by injustice. Building a project does not remove the continuing need for reform and faithfulness. interpretation
Cited: Nehemiah 4:1, Nehemiah 4:8, Nehemiah 8:8, Luke 11:28, Ephesians 4:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Nehemiah, compiled by Ezra (traditional)
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens as the words of Nehemiah and continues in the first person.
Nehemiah 1:1Nehemiah 2:1
Early traditionTradition joins this book with Ezra as one work.
What is debatedSome sections read as later compilation.
Related passages
- Sanballat Neh 4:1 Neh 2:10,19
- the Ammonites Judg 10:7-18 Judg 11:12-40 1 Sam 11:2 2 Sam 10:1-5 2 Kgs 24:2 2 Chr 20:1 Ezek 25:3-7 Amos 1:13
- Ashdodites Neh 13:23-24 1 Sam 5:1-2 2 Chr 26:6-8 Jer 25:20 Amos 1:8 Amos 3:9 Zech 9:5-6
- heard Ezra 4:4-16 Ezra 5:8
- then Gen 3:15 Acts 4:17-18 Acts 5:33 Rev 12:12-13,17
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Nehemiah 4
Nehemiah combines first-person accounts, lists, and public covenant events concerning Jerusalem after exile. Distinguish Nehemiah's reported actions from commands addressed to every later community. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Nehemiah 1:1 Nehemiah 2:1 Nehemiah 8:1
Discouragement Overcome
Nehemiah 4:9–23FocusShared work and persistent opposition
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The work progresses amid threats and internal injustice until the wall is completed.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Nehemiah
Nehemiah combines first-person accounts, lists, and public covenant events concerning Jerusalem after exile. Distinguish Nehemiah's reported actions from commands addressed to every later community.
Nehemiah 1:1 Nehemiah 2:1 Nehemiah 8:1
The burden and commission
Nehemiah 1:1–2:20FocusPrayer and permission to rebuild
Connection to the wholeNews about Jerusalem leads to prayer and a royal commission, followed by examination of the city's condition.
interpretation FocusShared work and persistent opposition
Connection to the wholeThe work progresses amid threats and internal injustice until the wall is completed.
interpretation The people hear and renew the covenant
Nehemiah 7:1–10:39FocusIdentity, Scripture, and confession
Connection to the wholeThe community is counted, the law is read and explained, and public confession leads to covenant commitments.
interpretation The restored community and continued reform
Nehemiah 11:1–13:31FocusSettlement, dedication, and correction
Connection to the wholeLists, dedication, and later reforms show that rebuilding the wall did not remove the need for continuing faithfulness.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.