Nehemiah 2:17

Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we [are] in, how Jerusalem [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

Then said {H559} I unto them, Ye see {H7200} the distress {H7451} that we are in, how Jerusalem {H3389} lieth waste {H2720}, and the gates {H8179} thereof are burned {H3341} with fire {H784}: come {H3212}, and let us build up {H1129} the wall {H2346} of Jerusalem {H3389}, that we be no more a reproach {H2781}.

Afterwards, I said to them, "You see what a sad state we are in, how Yerushalayim lies in ruins, with it gates burned up. Come, let's rebuild the wall of Yerushalayim, so that we won't continue in disgrace."

Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned down. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.”

Then said I unto them, Ye see the evil case that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

Context

Nehemiah 2:17 marks a pivotal moment in Nehemiah's mission to rebuild Jerusalem. Having arrived in the city from the Persian capital of Susa, Nehemiah spent three days secretly inspecting the dilapidated walls and burned gates under the cover of night (Nehemiah 2:11-16). This verse is his direct address to the Jewish leaders and people, revealing the dire state of their capital and issuing a powerful call to action. Jerusalem, following the Babylonian exile, lay in ruins, a constant reminder of their past judgment and a source of shame among surrounding nations.

Key Themes

  • Visionary Leadership: Nehemiah does not just observe the problem; he articulates it clearly and presents a compelling solution. He identifies the immediate crisis ("the distress that we are in") and offers a clear path forward ("let us build up the wall").
  • Shared Responsibility & Call to Action: By saying "Ye see the distress" and "let us build," Nehemiah involves the community, making them recognize their collective plight and inviting them to participate in the solution. This fosters unity and shared ownership of the monumental task ahead, echoing the people's heart to work.
  • Overcoming Reproach: The phrase "that we be no more a reproach" highlights the deep humiliation and scorn Jerusalem faced due to its defenseless state. Rebuilding the walls was not merely about physical security but about restoring the city's dignity, honor, and identity as the holy city of God. This aligns with Nehemiah's initial burden and prayer for Jerusalem.
  • Restoration and Hope: Despite the overwhelming devastation, Nehemiah's words ignite hope. He presents a future where Jerusalem is no longer vulnerable and scorned but a secure and respected city once more.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "lieth waste" powerfully conveys the utter desolation of Jerusalem. The Hebrew word for "reproach" is cherpah (חֶרְפָּה), which signifies disgrace, shame, humiliation, or scorn. It wasn't just a physical inconvenience but a deep national and spiritual wound. The ruined walls were a visible sign of their weakness and a constant target for the mockery of their enemies.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 2:17 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Identifying Needs: Like Nehemiah, we are called to observe the "distress" around us—whether in our communities, churches, or personal lives—and not ignore it.
  • Taking Initiative: True leadership often begins with seeing a problem and proposing a solution, rather than waiting for others. Nehemiah's example encourages us to step forward with a vision.
  • Collective Action: Great tasks are rarely accomplished alone. Nehemiah's call for "us" to build emphasizes the power of unity and teamwork in addressing significant challenges, whether spiritual, social, or personal.
  • Overcoming Spiritual Reproach: Just as Jerusalem faced physical reproach, believers can face spiritual "reproach" through sin, apathy, or disunity. This verse encourages us to actively work towards spiritual restoration, defending our faith, and living in a way that brings glory to God, removing any cause for shame.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 5:14

    Moreover I will make thee waste, and a reproach among the nations that [are] round about thee, in the sight of all that pass by.

  • Nehemiah 1:3

    And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province [are] in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also [is] broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

  • Psalms 79:4

    We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.

  • Lamentations 3:45

    Thou hast made us [as] the offscouring and refuse in the midst of the people.

  • Lamentations 3:46

    All our enemies have opened their mouths against us.

  • Lamentations 3:51

    Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city.

  • Isaiah 35:3

    Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

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