Nehemiah 2:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 2:17 records Nehemiah's powerful and pivotal address to the Jewish leaders and people in Jerusalem. After secretly inspecting the city's dilapidated walls and burned gates, he confronts them with the stark reality of their collective "distress"—the utter desolation of Jerusalem. This direct confrontation is immediately followed by a unifying call to action: to collectively rebuild the city's walls, thereby removing the profound "reproach" or shame that their defenseless and ruined capital brought upon them in the eyes of surrounding nations and before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 2:17 marks a critical transition point in the book of Nehemiah. The preceding verses detail Nehemiah's deep burden for Jerusalem ([Nehemiah 1](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer and Burden")), his successful petition to King Artaxerxes for permission and resources to rebuild ([Nehemiah 2:1-10](/nehemiah/2-1-10 "Nehemiah 2:1-10 - Nehemiah's Commission from Artaxerxes")), and his arrival in Jerusalem, followed by a discreet, nocturnal inspection of the city's ruined defenses ([Nehemiah 2:11-16](/nehemiah/2-11-16 "Nehemiah 2:11-16 - Nehemiah's Secret Inspection")). This verse is the culmination of his private assessment, as he moves from personal grief and strategic planning to public disclosure and a direct, impassioned appeal to the community. It sets the stage for the monumental rebuilding effort that defines the rest of the book, contrasting sharply with the earlier, failed attempts at reconstruction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is post-exilic Jerusalem, approximately 90 years after the initial return of exiles under Zerubbabel and about a decade after Ezra's arrival. Despite earlier efforts, the city walls remained in ruins, a constant reminder of the Babylonian destruction (586 BC) and a symbol of the people's vulnerability and lack of sovereignty under Persian rule. In the ancient Near East, city walls were not merely defensive structures; they were fundamental to a city's identity, security, and honor. A city without walls was exposed to attack, vulnerable to plunder, and a source of deep national shame. The "reproach" mentioned in the verse refers to the scorn and mockery from hostile neighboring peoples, such as Sanballat (governor of Samaria), Tobiah (an Ammonite official), and Geshem (an Arab leader), who viewed Jerusalem's weakness as an opportunity for their own gain and a sign of Israel's God being powerless.

* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 2:17 powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Visionary Leadership**, as Nehemiah moves beyond mere observation of a problem to articulate a clear vision and a concrete solution for his people. He doesn't just lament but leads. Secondly, the phrase "let us build" emphasizes **Shared Responsibility and Collective Action**. Nehemiah understands that the task is too great for one person and calls the community to unify and participate, fostering a sense of shared ownership and purpose, echoing the spirit of cooperation seen later in the book, such as the people's dedication to work in [Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "Nehemiah 4:6 - The People's Heart to Work"). Thirdly, the desire "that we be no more a reproach" underscores the theme of **Restoration of Dignity and Honor**. Rebuilding the walls was not just about physical security but about restoring Jerusalem's identity as the holy city and removing the shame that had plagued God's people for decades, a burden that deeply motivated Nehemiah's initial prayer in [Nehemiah 1:3-4](/nehemiah/1-3-4 "Nehemiah 1:3-4 - Nehemiah's Burden for Jerusalem"). This also points to the broader theme of God's faithfulness in bringing about **Restoration and Hope** for His covenant people, even in seemingly impossible circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Distress (Hebrew, _tsarah'_):** This word signifies not merely a difficult situation but a deep sense of anguish, trouble, or narrowness. It conveys a feeling of being hemmed in, a state of acute physical and emotional hardship. Nehemiah uses it to describe the comprehensive suffering—the vulnerability, humiliation, and despair—that had gripped the people of Jerusalem due to their ruined city. It's a holistic term for their predicament.
* **Waste (Hebrew, _ḥarēḇāh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be dry," this term describes something utterly desolate, ruined, or laid waste. It evokes a vivid picture of utter destruction and abandonment, emphasizing that Jerusalem was not merely neglected but had been subjected to devastating ruin, a visible scar of past judgment and present neglect.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _ḥerpaḥ'_):** This powerful word denotes disgrace, shame, humiliation, or scorn. It refers to the public contempt and derision that Jerusalem faced from its enemies due to its defenseless state. More than just an external insult, it was a deep national and spiritual wound, implying a loss of honor and a questioning of God's power and faithfulness by the surrounding nations. Removing this reproach was paramount for restoring the city's dignity and the people's morale.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we [are] in":** Nehemiah initiates the conversation by drawing the leaders' attention to a shared, undeniable reality. He doesn't accuse or lecture but invites them to acknowledge what is plainly visible and deeply felt—the collective anguish and dire state of their community. This empathetic yet direct approach establishes a common ground for understanding the urgency of the situation.
* **"how Jerusalem [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire":** This clause provides the specific, tangible evidence of the "distress." Nehemiah points to the physical devastation: the city itself is desolate, and crucially, its gates—the primary points of entry, defense, and commerce—are destroyed by fire. This imagery vividly portrays their extreme vulnerability, lack of security, and the complete breakdown of urban life, making the problem concrete and undeniable.
* **"come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem":** This is the pivotal turning point of the verse, moving from diagnosis to prescription. Nehemiah issues a clear, decisive, and unifying call to action. The imperative "come" and the inclusive "let us build" transform a shared problem into a shared mission. It's a rallying cry that provides a concrete, achievable goal, demonstrating Nehemiah's leadership and vision.
* **"that we be no more a reproach":** This final clause articulates the ultimate motivation and desired outcome of the rebuilding effort. The physical act of building the wall is directly linked to the restoration of their honor and dignity. It signifies a desire to remove the public shame, the mockery of their enemies, and the internal humiliation associated with their ruined state, thereby restoring their identity as God's people and the holy city.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 2:17 is a masterclass in **Rhetoric** and **Persuasion**. Nehemiah begins with a **Statement of Shared Reality** ("Ye see the distress that we are in"), which functions as a rhetorical device to establish common ground and elicit immediate agreement, rather than a question requiring an answer. This is followed by a vivid **Description** of the devastation ("Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire"), which employs **Sensory Imagery** to make the dire situation palpable and undeniable. The structure then shifts dramatically with a direct, imperative **Call to Action** ("come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem"), which uses an **Inclusive Pronoun** ("us") to foster unity and shared responsibility. Finally, the verse concludes with a powerful statement of purpose and motivation ("that we be no more a reproach"), appealing to the people's deep-seated desire for dignity and honor, a form of **Pathos** that stirs their emotions and resolve. The entire verse is a concise yet potent example of **Exhortation**, designed to transform observation into collective, purposeful action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 2:17 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand in raising up leaders to accomplish His purposes, even in times of great desolation. The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was not merely a civil engineering project; it was a deeply theological act, signifying the restoration of God's covenant people, their identity, and their place in the world. The "reproach" they faced was a consequence of their sin and judgment, but God, through Nehemiah, was initiating a process of spiritual and physical renewal. This act of rebuilding symbolized the restoration of boundaries—physical, social, and spiritual—that defined Israel as a distinct people set apart for God. It speaks to God's faithfulness to His promises of restoration, even when His people are in a state of disrepair.

* [Psalm 122:3](/psalms/122-3 "Psalm 122:3 - Jerusalem Built as a City")
* [Isaiah 58:12](/isaiah/58-12 "Isaiah 58:12 - Repairers of the Breach")
* [Lamentations 2:2](/lamentations/2-2 "Lamentations 2:2 - Lord's Destruction of Walls")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 2:17 serves as a timeless blueprint for addressing brokenness, whether in our personal lives, our families, our churches, or our communities. Like Nehemiah, we are first called to truly "see the distress" around us—to move beyond superficial observation and deeply understand the brokenness, the "waste," and the "reproach" that may be present. This requires spiritual discernment, empathy, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable realities. Once the problem is genuinely perceived, the call is to move from lament to action. Nehemiah's "come, and let us build" is a powerful reminder that significant change rarely happens in isolation; it requires collective vision, shared responsibility, and dedicated effort. We are invited to identify our own "walls" that need rebuilding—whether they are spiritual disciplines, relational boundaries, or areas of moral integrity—and to actively engage in the work of restoration. This verse inspires us to overcome spiritual apathy and societal decay by stepping forward with courage, offering practical solutions, and uniting with others to bring glory to God by removing any "reproach" that hinders the flourishing of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "distress" or areas of "waste" in my life, my family, or my community has God been calling me to truly "see" and acknowledge?**
* **How can I, like Nehemiah, move from merely observing a problem to initiating a constructive, collaborative solution?**
* **In what ways might I, or the community I belong to, be experiencing a "reproach" (spiritual apathy, disunity, moral compromise) that requires active "rebuilding" and restoration for God's glory?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific "reproach" Jerusalem faced?**

Answer: The "reproach" Jerusalem faced was multi-faceted. Primarily, it was the deep humiliation and scorn from surrounding nations (like the Samaritans, Ammonites, and Arabs mentioned in [Nehemiah 2:19](/nehemiah/2-19 "Nehemiah 2:19 - Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem Mock Nehemiah")) due to its defenseless state. A city without walls was vulnerable to attack, plunder, and mockery, symbolizing weakness and a lack of sovereignty. Furthermore, it was a visible reminder of God's judgment upon His people for their past sins, and their inability to rebuild the walls was a source of internal shame, suggesting a lack of divine favor or human resolve. It was a national disgrace that diminished their identity and standing.

**Why was rebuilding the walls so important, beyond physical defense?**

Answer: Rebuilding the walls was profoundly important for reasons far beyond mere physical defense. It was crucial for restoring the city's dignity, honor, and identity as the holy city of God. Walls in ancient cultures symbolized security, sovereignty, and the distinctiveness of a people. Their restoration was a powerful statement of faith in God's promises of renewal, a step towards fulfilling prophecies of restoration, and a visible sign of God's favor returning to His people. It also created a secure environment for the proper functioning of temple worship and the re-establishment of a stable community life, as seen in [Nehemiah 7:3-4](/nehemiah/7-3-4 "Nehemiah 7:3-4 - Gates of Jerusalem").

**How did Nehemiah get the people to agree to such a monumental task?**

Answer: Nehemiah employed effective leadership strategies to gain the people's agreement. First, he personally assessed the situation, understanding the depth of the problem. Then, as seen in [Nehemiah 2:17](/nehemiah/2-17 "Nehemiah 2:17 - Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild"), he clearly articulated the shared "distress" and appealed to their collective shame ("no more a reproach"), making the problem undeniable and personally relevant. Crucially, he presented a clear, achievable vision ("let us build") and shared how God's good hand was upon him and the king's favorable response ([Nehemiah 2:18](/nehemiah/2-18 "Nehemiah 2:18 - The People's Response to Nehemiah")). This combination of clear vision, shared burden, divine enablement, and decisive call to action motivated the people to respond with enthusiasm, declaring, "Let us rise up and build!"

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's work in rebuilding the physical walls of Jerusalem, removing its "reproach," powerfully foreshadows the far greater work of Christ. While Nehemiah restored physical boundaries and dignity to a city, Jesus came to rebuild the spiritual walls of humanity, broken down by sin, and to remove the ultimate "reproach" of our separation from God. Just as Jerusalem lay "waste," humanity was spiritually desolate and vulnerable, alienated from its Creator. Christ, the ultimate Builder, did not merely survey our distress but entered into it, taking upon Himself the shame and "reproach" of the cross ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Enduring the Cross and Shame")) to reconcile us to God. He is the one who breaks down the dividing walls of hostility, creating one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaking Down Walls of Hostility")). Through His sacrifice and resurrection, He builds His Church, a spiritual house made of "living stones" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")), against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Building His Church")). The ultimate fulfillment of Nehemiah's vision is found in the New Jerusalem, described in Revelation, a city with glorious walls, where God Himself dwells with His people, and "there shall be no more curse" nor "reproach" ([Revelation 21:10-27](/revelation/21-10-27 "Revelation 21:10-27 - The New Jerusalem with Walls")). Christ is the divine architect and builder who ultimately restores all things, removing every stain of sin and shame, and establishing an eternal kingdom of security and glory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.