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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Nehemiah 2:9–20. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We are here told,
I.Now Nehemiah was dismissed by the court he was sent from.
The king appointed captains of the army and horsemen to go with him (Neh 2:9), both for his guard and to show that he was a man whom the king did delight to honour, that all the king's servants might respect him accordingly. Those whom the King of kings sends he thus protects, he thus dignifies with a host of angels to attend them.
II.How he was received by the country he was sent to.
1.By the Jews and their friends at Jerusalem. We are told,
(1.)That while he concealed his errand they took little notice of him. He was at Jerusalem three days (Neh 2:11), and it does not appear that any of the great men of the city waited on him to congratulate him on his arrival, but he remained unknown. The king sent horsemen to attend him, but the Jews sent none to meet him; he had no beast with him, but that which he himself rode on, Neh 2:12. Wise men, and those who are worthy of double honour, yet covet not to come with observation, to make a show, or make a noise, no, not when they come with the greatest blessings. Those that shortly are to have the dominion in the morning the world now knows not, but they lie hid, Jo1 3:1.
(2.)That though they took little notice of him he took great notice of them and their state. He arose in the night, and viewed the ruins of the walls, probably by moon-light (Neh 2:13), that he might see what was to be done and in what method they must go about it, whether the old foundation would serve, and what there was of the old materials that would be of use. Note,
[1.]Good work is likely to be well done when it is first well considered.
[2.]It is the wisdom of those who are engaged in public business, as much as may be, to see with their own eyes, and not to proceed altogether upon the reports and representations of others, and yet to do this without noise, and if possible unobserved.
[3.]Those that would build up the church's walls must first take notice of the ruins of those walls. Those that would know how to amend must enquire what is amiss, what needs reformation, and what may serve as it is.
(3.)That when he disclosed his design to the rulers and people they cheerfully concurred with him in it. He did not tell them, at first, what he came about (Neh 2:16), because he would not seem to do it for ostentation, and because, if he found it impracticable, he might retreat the more honourably. Upright humble men will not sound a trumpet before their alms or any other of their good offices. But when he had viewed and considered the thing, and probably felt the pulse of the rulers and people, he told them what God had put into his heart (Neh 2:12), even to build up the wall of Jerusalem, Neh 2:17. Observe,
[1.]How fairly he proposed the undertaking to them: "You see the distress we are in, how we lie exposed to the enemies that are round about us, how justly they reproach us as foolish and despicable, how easily they may make a prey of us whenever they have a mind; come, therefore, and let us build up the wall." He did not undertake to do the work without them (it could not be the work of one man), nor did he charge or command imperiously, though he had the king's commission; but in a friendly brotherly way he exhorted and excited them to join with him in this work. To encourage them hereto, he speaks of the design, First, As that which owed it origin to the special grace of God. He takes not the praise of it to himself, as a good thought of his own, but acknowledges that God put it into his heart, and therefore they all ought to countenance it (whatever is of God must be promoted), and might hope to prosper in it, for what God puts men upon he will own them in. Secondly, As that which owed its progress hitherto to the special providence of God. He produced the king's commission, told them how readily it was granted and how forward the king was to favour his design, in which he saw the hand of his God good upon him. It would encourage both him and them to proceed in an undertaking which God had so remarkably smiled upon. Thus he proposed it to them; and,
[2.]They presently came to a resolution, one and all, to concur with him: Let us rise up and build. They are ashamed that they have sat still so long without so much as attempting this needful work, and now resolve to rise up out of their slothfulness, to bestir themselves, and to stir up one another. "Let us rise up," that is, "let us do it with vigour, and diligence, and resolution, as those that are determined to go through with it." So they strengthened their hands, their own and one another's, for this good work. Note, First, Many a good work would find hands enough to be laid to it if there were but one good head to lead in it. They all saw the desolations of Jerusalem, yet none proposed the repair of them; but, when Nehemiah proposed it, they all consented to it. It is a pity that a good motion should be lost purely for want of one to move it and to break the ice in it. Secondly, By stirring up ourselves and one another to that which is good, we strengthen ourselves and one another for it; for the great reason why we are weak in our duty is because we are cold to it, indifferent and unresolved. Let us now see how Nehemiah was received,
2.By those that wished ill to the Jews. Those whom God and his Israel blessed they cursed.
(1.)When he did but show his face it vexed them, Neh 2:10. Sanballat and Tobiah, two of the Samaritans, but by birth the former a Moabite, the latter an Ammonite, when they saw one come armed with a commission from the king to do service to Israel, were exceedingly grieved that all their little paltry arts to weaken Israel were thus baffled and frustrated by a fair, and noble, and generous project to strengthen them. Nothing is a greater vexation to the enemies of good people, who have misrepresented them to princes as turbulent, and factious, and not fit to live, than to see them stand right in the opinion of their rulers, their innocency cleared and their reproach rolled away, and that they are thought not only fit to live, but fit to be trusted. When they saw a man come in that manner, who professedly sought the welfare of the children of Israel, it vexed them to the heart. The wicked shall see it, and be grieved.
(2.)When he began to act they set themselves to hinder him, but in vain, Neh 2:19, Neh 2:20.
[1.]See here with what little reason the enemies attempted to discourage him. They represented the undertaking as a silly thing: They laughed us to scorn and despised us as foolish builders, that could not finish what we began. They represented the undertaking also as a wicked thing, no better than treason: Will you rebel against the king? Because this was the old invidious charge, though now they had a commission from the king and were taken under his protection, yet still they must be called rebels.
[2.]See also with what good reason the Jews slighted these discouragements. They bore up themselves with this that they were the servants of the God of heaven, the only true and living God, that they were acting for him in what they did, and that therefore he would bear them out and prosper them, though the heathen raged, Psa 2:1. They considered also that the reason why these enemies did so malign them was because they had no right in Jerusalem, but envied them their right in it. Thus may the impotent menaces of the church's enemies be easily despised by the church's friends.
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Summary
Nehemiah 2:14 captures a critical juncture in Nehemiah's clandestine nocturnal survey of Jerusalem's ravaged walls. As he navigated past significant landmarks like the Gate of the Fountain and the King's Pool, he encountered a section of the city's defenses so utterly devastated and choked with debris that his riding animal could not proceed. This vivid detail powerfully conveys the overwhelming scale of Jerusalem's desolation, underscoring the immense challenge awaiting him and highlighting the thorough, firsthand assessment he undertook before initiating the monumental task of rebuilding.
Context
Literary Context
Nehemiah 2:14 is embedded within the narrative of Nehemiah's initial actions upon arriving in Jerusalem, specifically his secret, three-day inspection of the city's dilapidated walls (Nehemiah 2:11-16). Having secured the necessary royal decrees and provisions from King Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 2:1-10), Nehemiah wisely chose to personally and discreetly assess the full extent of the destruction. This verse, along with the preceding and succeeding verses, meticulously details his route around the city, revealing the dire state of its defenses. This methodical reconnaissance serves as a crucial prelude to his subsequent call to action, demonstrating prudent leadership and setting the stage for the formidable challenges and eventual triumphs that unfold throughout the book.
Historical & Cultural Context
The events of Nehemiah are set in the mid-5th century BC, during the period of Persian imperial rule over Judah. For over 140 years, since the Babylonian destruction in 586 BC, Jerusalem's walls had remained in ruins. In the ancient Near East, city walls were paramount, serving not only as defensive fortifications but also as potent symbols of a city's security, honor, and sovereignty. Their prolonged state of disrepair signified Jerusalem's vulnerability, shame, and its incomplete restoration in the eyes of surrounding nations and the returning exiles. The "Gate of the Fountain" and "King's Pool" were identifiable and strategically vital topographical features, likely situated in the Kidron Valley area, connected to the Gihon Spring and the Pool of Siloam, which were crucial for Jerusalem's water supply. The fact that even these critical areas were impassable underscores the comprehensive nature of the devastation and the city's dire strategic weakness.
Key Themes
This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah. Firstly, it exemplifies Diligent Assessment and Preparation, showcasing Nehemiah's commitment to understanding the unvarnished reality of a situation before formulating a plan or mobilizing resources. This principle is a cornerstone of effective leadership, echoing wisdom found in passages like Proverbs 24:27. Secondly, the verse vividly portrays the Severity of Desolation, emphasizing the overwhelming physical ruin of Jerusalem, which carried deep spiritual and psychological implications for the returning exiles. The inability of Nehemiah's "beast" to pass is a concrete, tangible illustration of this comprehensive devastation. Thirdly, Nehemiah's secret inspection highlights Strategic Leadership and Prudence, as he avoids premature disclosure that could incite opposition, a wisdom that proves crucial as he later confronts formidable adversaries like Sanballat and Tobiah, as seen in Nehemiah 4:1-3.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root ק ו ם (qum), meaning "to stand," this word properly denotes a "standing" or a "spot." However, as used here, it broadly refers to a "locality" or "space." The phrase "no place" (Hebrew, _'ên _mâqôwm'__) signifies an absolute lack of space, an utter obstruction. It implies that the debris from the collapsed wall was so extensive and dense that there was literally no clear path or room for passage.
This term refers to a "dumb beast," typically a large quadruped or domestic animal. In this context, it most likely designates Nehemiah's riding animal, such as a donkey or mule, commonly used for travel. The specific mention of his "beast" underscores the practical, ground-level nature of his inspection and vividly highlights that even a sure-footed animal, accustomed to rugged terrain, could not navigate the extensive rubble, thus emphasizing the severity of the obstruction.
A primitive root meaning "to cross over," "go through," or "traverse." It encompasses a wide range of transitions, both literal and figurative. When combined with the negation "no place... to pass," it signifies an absolute and complete blockage. This is not merely a difficult or inconvenient path, but an utterly impassable barrier, indicating that the wall in this section had not just been breached but had collapsed into an insurmountable heap of debris.
Verse Breakdown
"Then I went on to the gate of the fountain"
Nehemiah continues his systematic circuit around the city, moving to a specific and identifiable landmark. The "Gate of the Fountain" was situated on the southeastern side of Jerusalem, near the Gihon Spring and the Pool of Siloam, which were vital water sources for the city. This detail underscores Nehemiah's thoroughness in inspecting critical infrastructure points that were essential for the city's survival and defense.
"and to the king's pool"
This refers to another significant water reservoir, likely in the same general vicinity as the Gate of the Fountain, possibly the Pool of Siloam itself or another royal water feature. Its inclusion further specifies Nehemiah's detailed route and his focus on areas crucial for the city's strategic well-being and defense, emphasizing that even royal and public utilities were in a state of ruin.
"but [there was] no place for the beast [that was] under me to pass"
This clause serves as the stark climax of the verse, delivering the crucial insight into the city's condition. The physical impossibility for Nehemiah's mount to navigate the path dramatically illustrates the overwhelming extent of the destruction. It signifies that the wall in this section was not merely broken but had collapsed into such a massive, impassable pile of rubble that even a small riding animal could not traverse it. This powerful detail conveys the comprehensive and catastrophic nature of Jerusalem's desolation.
Literary Devices
Nehemiah 2:14 effectively employs Imagery to paint a vivid and visceral picture of Jerusalem's ruin. The description of Nehemiah's "beast" being unable to "pass" creates a concrete, sensory image of insurmountable obstruction, allowing the reader to grasp the physical reality of the devastation. This detail also functions as a form of Understatement or Litotes, where the simple statement "no place... to pass" subtly but powerfully emphasizes the extreme degree of the destruction. It is not merely difficult or inconvenient; it is utterly impossible. Furthermore, the impassable wall serves as potent Symbolism, representing not only the physical brokenness of Jerusalem but also the spiritual and communal disarray of the people, their vulnerability, and the immense task of restoration required to rebuild not just stone and mortar, but also hope, identity, and their relationship with God.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Nehemiah's meticulous and personal assessment of Jerusalem's ruins in Nehemiah 2:14 offers a profound theological lesson on the necessity of confronting reality before embarking on any significant work of restoration. Just as Nehemiah had to fully grasp the extent of the physical brokenness, so too must individuals and communities honestly acknowledge their spiritual, moral, or relational brokenness before true healing and rebuilding can commence. This principle aligns with God's method of working through diligent human agents who are willing to see the problem clearly, even when it appears overwhelming. It underscores that divine empowerment often follows human preparation, a sober understanding of the challenge, and a willingness to engage with the difficult truths of a situation.
Reflection and Application
Nehemiah's secret inspection and the stark reality of the impassable ruins offer invaluable lessons for contemporary leadership, problem-solving, and personal spiritual growth. In a world often prone to superficial assessments, quick fixes, or avoiding unpleasant truths, Nehemiah models the profound wisdom of thorough, firsthand investigation. Before we can effectively address any challenge—whether it's a broken relationship, a struggling organization, a societal injustice, or a personal spiritual deficit—we must first be willing to confront the unvarnished truth of its current state, no matter how daunting. This verse calls us to move beyond assumptions and second-hand reports, to personally "ride around" our own "walls" and honestly acknowledge the "no place to pass" moments. Recognizing the full scope of a problem, even its overwhelming nature, is not a sign of weakness but the essential first step towards finding God-ordained solutions and initiating genuine, lasting restoration. It is in facing the impossible that we truly begin to seek divine intervention and wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Nehemiah conduct this inspection in secret?
Nehemiah conducted his inspection in secret for several strategic reasons. Firstly, it allowed him to gather an accurate, unvarnished assessment of the devastation without drawing premature attention or opposition. Had his intentions been known, adversaries like Sanballat and Tobiah (who are introduced in Nehemiah 2:10) might have immediately tried to thwart his efforts. Secondly, it enabled him to process the overwhelming reality of the task privately, allowing him to formulate a comprehensive plan and present it to the Jewish leaders with conviction and clarity, rather than being swayed by initial reactions or discouragement. This strategic secrecy was a hallmark of his wise and prudent leadership, ensuring the mission's best chance of success.
What was the significance of the "gate of the fountain" and "king's pool" in Nehemiah's survey?
The "gate of the fountain" and "king's pool" were crucial topographical features related to Jerusalem's vital water supply, likely near the Gihon Spring and possibly the Pool of Siloam. Their inclusion in Nehemiah's survey route demonstrates his focus on critical infrastructure and defensive points. These were not just random sections of the wall but areas essential for the city's survival and security, particularly in times of siege. The fact that even these vital areas were so utterly destroyed that his "beast" could not pass through them underscored the comprehensive and catastrophic disrepair of Jerusalem's most important assets, highlighting the immense challenge of restoration and the city's profound vulnerability.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Nehemiah's meticulous survey of Jerusalem's broken walls, culminating in the discovery of impassable ruins, deeply foreshadows the comprehensive "inspection" undertaken by Jesus Christ. Just as Nehemiah came to assess the physical brokenness of a city, so Christ came to a world utterly broken by sin, a spiritual landscape where there was "no place" for humanity to pass back to God on its own terms. He didn't rely on reports but personally entered into our fallen condition, identifying with our weakness and sin (Philippians 2:6-8). His life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection represent the ultimate act of assessing and then rebuilding what was utterly ruined. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ became the new "gate" and "fountain," providing living water and access to God where sin had created an impassable barrier (John 7:37-38 and John 10:9). He rebuilds the "walls" of our lives, reconciling us to God and to one another, transforming us into a new creation where the old, impassable ruins of sin are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17 and Ephesians 2:14-16). Ultimately, Christ is the Divine Architect and Restorer, who makes all things new, leading us to the New Jerusalem where God dwells with His people and there are no more ruins or impassable barriers (Revelation 21:1-4).