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Commentary on Nehemiah 4 verses 1–6
Here is, I. The spiteful scornful reflection which Sanballat and Tobiah cast upon the Jews for their attempt to build the wall about Jerusalem. The country rang of it presently; intelligence was brought of it to Samaria, that nest of enemies to the Jews and their prosperity; and here we are told how they received the tidings. 1. In heart. They were very angry at the undertaking, and had great indignation, Neh 4:1. It vexed them that Nehemiah came to seek the welfare of the children of Israel (Neh 2:10); but, when they heard of this great undertaking for their good, they were out of all patience. They had hitherto pleased themselves with the thought that while Jerusalem was unwalled they could swallow it up and make themselves masters of it when they pleased; but, if it be walled, it will not only be fenced against them, but by degrees become formidable to them. The strength and safety of the church are the grief and vexation of its enemies. 2. In word. They despised it, and made it the subject of their ridicule. In this they sufficiently displayed their malice; but good was brought out of it; for, looking upon it as a foolish undertaking that would sink under its own weight, they did not go about to obstruct it till it was too late. Let us see with what pride and malice they set themselves publicly to banter it. (1.) Sanballat speaks with scorn of the workmen: "These feeble Jews" (Neh 4:2), "what will they do for materials? Will they revive the stones out of the rubbish? And what mean they by being so hasty? Do they think to make the walling of a city but one day's work, and to keep the feast of dedication with sacrifice the next day? Poor silly people! See how ridiculous they make themselves!" (2.) Tobiah speaks with no less scorn of the work itself. He has his jest too, and must show his wit, Neh 4:3. Profane scoffers sharpen one another. "Sorry work," says he, "they are likely to make of it; they themselves will be ashamed of it: If a fox go up, not with his subtlety, but with his weight, he will break down their stone wall." Many a good work has been thus looked upon with contempt by the proud and haughty scorners.
II. Nehemiah's humble and devout address to God when he heard of these reflections. He had notice brought him of what they said. It is probable that they themselves sent him a message to this purport, to discourage him, hoping to jeer him out of his attempt; but he did not answer these fools according to their folly; he did not upbraid them with their weakness, but looked up to God by prayer.
1.He begs of God to take notice of the indignities that were done them (Neh 4:4), and in this we are to imitate him: Hear, O our God! for we are despised. Note, (1.) God's people have often been a despised people, and loaded with contempt. (2.) God does, and will, hear all the slights that are put upon his people, and it is their comfort that he does so and a good reason why they should be as though they were deaf, Psa 38:13, Psa 38:15. "Thou art our God to whom we appeal; our cause needs no more than a fair hearing."
2.He begs of God to avenge their cause and turn the reproach upon the enemies themselves (Neh 4:4, Neh 4:5); and this was spoken rather by a spirit of prophecy than by a spirit of prayer, and is not to be imitated by us who are taught of Christ to pray for those that despitefully use and persecute us. Christ himself prayed for those that reproached him: Father, forgive them. Nehemiah here prays, Cover not their iniquity. Note, (1.) Those that cast contempt on God's people do but prepare everlasting shame for themselves. (2.) It is a sin from which sinners are seldom recovered. Doubtless Nehemiah had reason to think the hearts of those sinners were desperately hardened, so that they would never repent of it, else he would not have prayed that it might never be blotted out. The reason he gives is not, They have abused us, but, They have provoked thee, and that before the builders, to whom, it is likely, they sent a spiteful message. Note, We should be angry at the malice of persecutors, not because it is abusive to us, but because it is offensive to God; and on that we may ground an expectation that God will appear against it, Psa 74:18, Psa 74:22.
III. The vigour of the builders, notwithstanding these reflections, Neh 4:6. They made such good speed that in a little time they had run up the wall to half its height, for the people had a mind to work; their hearts were upon it, and they would have it forwarded. Note, 1. Good work goes on well when people have a mind to it. 2. The reproaches of enemies should rather quicken us to our duty than drive us from it.
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SUMMARY
Nehemiah 4:5 captures a potent imprecatory prayer from Nehemiah, voiced in the face of relentless mockery, scorn, and active conspiracy from adversaries like Sanballat and Tobiah, who sought to halt the vital work of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. This verse is a passionate and unreserved plea to God, imploring Him not to overlook or forgive the enemies' iniquity and sin, but rather to hold their transgressions in perpetual remembrance for divine judgment, precisely because their actions constituted a direct and grievous provocation against God Himself and His sacred work among His people.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Nehemiah 4:5 is strategically placed within a narrative segment that vividly portrays the intense and escalating opposition faced by the Jewish exiles as they diligently rebuilt Jerusalem's walls. This verse immediately follows the initial verbal assaults and scorn from Sanballat and Tobiah, who mocked the builders' efforts and questioned their capabilities (Nehemiah 4:1-3). In response to this demoralizing taunting, Nehemiah, rather than engaging in a direct human confrontation, turns to God in fervent prayer. This specific verse forms the latter part of a two-verse prayer (Nehemiah 4:4-5) that expresses a profound desire for God's righteous justice against those who actively impede His divine purposes. The placement of this prayer is significant; it directly precedes the practical and vigilant response of the builders, who, empowered by their faith and Nehemiah's leadership, continued their work with both a tool for building and a weapon for defense (Nehemiah 4:6-9). This narrative sequence powerfully illustrates Nehemiah's unwavering reliance on divine intervention alongside diligent human effort.
Historical & Cultural Context: The book of Nehemiah chronicles the third significant return of Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem, occurring approximately a century after the initial return led by Zerubbabel. Nehemiah, holding the influential position of cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia, received royal permission to undertake the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's dilapidated walls. This project was not merely a construction effort; it was a crucial undertaking for the city's physical security, the restoration of its civic and religious identity, and the re-establishment of national dignity. However, this endeavor was met with fierce, consistent, and multi-faceted opposition from powerful neighboring governors and ethnic groups, most notably Sanballat the Horonite (governor of Samaria), Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arab (Nehemiah 2:19). Their hostility escalated from initial verbal taunts and ridicule to more serious plots involving violence, deception, and attempts to demoralize the builders and halt the entire project. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a city's walls were far more than defensive structures; they were potent symbols of its strength, sovereignty, and honor. Any attack on these walls or on those rebuilding them was perceived as a direct challenge to the city's authority, its people, and, most importantly, its patron deity.
Key Themes: Nehemiah 4:5 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Providence, reflecting Nehemiah's unshakeable conviction that the rebuilding project is fundamentally God's work, and consequently, any opposition to it is a direct affront to God Himself. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of Perseverance Amidst Opposition, as Nehemiah's prayer serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment and spiritual resilience in the face of severe external threats and internal discouragement. Thirdly, it exemplifies the concept of Imprecatory Prayer, a distinct type of prayer prevalent in the Old Testament where the petitioner calls for divine judgment upon enemies, reflecting a deep-seated desire for God's justice to prevail against unrighteousness and those who actively oppose His will. Finally, this verse deeply engages with the theme of God's Justice and Righteousness, appealing to God's inherent character as the ultimate, impartial arbiter who will neither overlook nor condone sin that directly challenges His will and His covenant people, especially when their actions have "provoked [thee] to anger" (Nehemiah 4:5).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
blotted out (Hebrew, mâchâh', H4229): A primitive root meaning "to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e. grease or make fat; also to touch, i.e. reach to; abolish, blot out, destroy, full of marrow, put out, reach unto, [idiom] utterly, wipe (away, out)." In various biblical contexts, this verb can refer to the removal of sin, often signifying forgiveness or expiation (e.g., Psalm 51:9). However, in Nehemiah 4:5, the negative construction "let not their sin be blotted out" is a fervent plea for the opposite outcome—that their sins remain recorded, remembered, and unatoned for by God, specifically for the purpose of future judgment. This indicates Nehemiah's desire for divine accountability rather than mercy for these particular adversaries.
provoked thee to anger (Hebrew, kaʻaç', H3707): A primitive root meaning "to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant; be angry, be grieved, take indignation, provoke (to anger, unto wrath), have sorrow, vex, be wroth." This phrase signifies a strong emotional response of vexation, indignation, or deep displeasure on God's part. It emphasizes that the enemies' actions—their persistent mockery, their deceitful conspiracies, and their active attempts to stop the rebuilding—were not merely personal offenses against Nehemiah or the Jewish people. Instead, they constituted a direct, deliberate, and public affront to God Himself. Their opposition was perceived as a challenge to God's supreme authority, His covenant faithfulness, and His ongoing redemptive work through His chosen people, thereby incurring His righteous wrath and warranting His intervention.
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Nehemiah 4:5 stands as a quintessential example of Imprecatory Prayer, a distinct literary and theological genre found extensively throughout the Psalms and prophetic books, where the speaker earnestly calls upon God to bring judgment or calamity upon their adversaries. This prayer is characterized by its direct address to the Almighty and its explicit request for divine retribution rather than mercy. The profound intensity of Nehemiah's plea also employs a degree of Hyperbole in its absolute demands ("cover not," "let not...be blotted out"), reflecting the depth of his anguish, his unwavering zeal for God's honor, and the severity of the persistent and malicious opposition. Furthermore, the pivotal phrase "provoked [thee] to anger" utilizes Anthropomorphism, attributing a human emotion (anger) to God. This device serves to powerfully emphasize the personal offense taken by the Divine against those who actively hinder His purposes, thereby underscoring the gravity of the enemies' actions as a direct challenge to God's sovereign will and authority.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah's imprecatory prayer in Nehemiah 4:5 profoundly reflects a deep-seated Old Testament understanding of divine justice and the righteous indignation against those who actively and maliciously oppose God's kingdom work. It is firmly rooted in the conviction that God is an inherently just judge who will ultimately hold the wicked accountable for their actions, particularly when those actions constitute a direct affront to His honor, His covenant, and His people. This prayer is not born of personal vengeance or petty malice, but rather from a profound zeal for God's glory and the successful completion of His divinely ordained mission. While such prayers can be challenging for modern readers to reconcile with New Testament teachings, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over all, and His justice will ultimately prevail, even against the most formidable and entrenched opposition.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 4:5, despite being an imprecatory prayer from a different covenantal context, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark reminder that opposition to God's work, whether subtle or overt, is ultimately opposition to God Himself, and that our zeal for His kingdom and His glory should be unwavering. While the New Testament calls us to a higher standard of love for our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and to bless those who curse us, Nehemiah's prayer still teaches us the vital importance of trusting in God's ultimate and perfect justice. We are called to commit our cause, our struggles, and our persecutors to Him, knowing with absolute certainty that He sees all injustice and will, in His perfect timing and infinite wisdom, set all things right. This verse encourages us to persevere with steadfast faith in our God-given tasks, even when faced with significant spiritual, emotional, or practical opposition, resting securely in the assurance that God is our ultimate vindicator and protector. It also challenges us to deeply examine our own hearts: do we share Nehemiah's profound passion for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom, even to the point of desiring His righteous justice against those who would actively hinder it?
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is it appropriate for Christians today to pray imprecatory prayers like Nehemiah's?
Answer: This is a complex theological question that highlights the progressive revelation of God's character and ethical expectations from the Old Covenant to the New. While imprecatory prayers are undeniably a legitimate and inspired part of the biblical canon, reflecting the raw emotions, deep anguish, and cries for justice from those under severe persecution (particularly evident in many Psalms), the New Testament introduces a profound and transformative shift in the believer's posture towards enemies. Jesus unequivocally commands His followers to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44) and the Apostle Paul instructs believers not to "repay evil for evil" but to "leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord" (Romans 12:17-19). Therefore, direct prayers for God to "not blot out" the sins of specific individuals for the purpose of their judgment are generally not considered appropriate or consistent with the spirit of the New Covenant for believers today. Instead, Christians are called to pray for the repentance, conversion, and salvation of their enemies, while simultaneously trusting God as the ultimate, perfectly righteous judge who will bring justice in His perfect time and sovereign way. We can, however, legitimately pray for God's justice to prevail against systemic evil, unrighteousness, and oppression, and for the divine protection and vindication of His people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's fervent prayer for divine justice against those who "provoked [thee] to anger" finds its ultimate fulfillment, reinterpretation, and profound transformation in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Nehemiah passionately sought the non-blotting out of sin for his enemies, Christ's singular mission was precisely to blot out the sins of His people through His unparalleled sacrificial death on the cross. The ultimate provocation to God's holy anger was not merely human opposition to a physical wall, but humanity's universal rebellion and sin against a perfectly holy God—a cosmic debt and a profound offense that Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, bore fully on the cross, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. For all who believe and place their faith in Him, their sins are not merely covered or overlooked, but are entirely blotted out, erased from God's record by Christ's atoning blood (Colossians 2:14). Yet, for those who persistently reject Christ, scorn His offer of salvation, and actively oppose His kingdom, the righteous anger of God, which Nehemiah appealed to, remains a terrifying reality. Jesus, who taught His followers to love their enemies and pray for their persecutors, will also return as the righteous Judge, before whom every knee will ultimately bow and every tongue confess His Lordship (Philippians 2:10-11). Thus, Nehemiah's deep-seated desire for God's perfect justice is ultimately and perfectly satisfied in Christ, who both provides the gracious means for sin's complete forgiveness and embodies the final, perfect, and inescapable judgment against all unrighteousness.