Nehemiah 4:7

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

But it came to pass, that when Sanballat {H5571}, and Tobiah {H2900}, and the Arabians {H6163}, and the Ammonites {H5984}, and the Ashdodites {H796}, heard {H8085} that the walls {H2346} of Jerusalem {H3389} were made up {H724}{H5927}, and that the breaches {H6555} began {H2490} to be stopped {H5640}, then they were very {H3966} wroth {H2734},

Complete Jewish Bible

But when Sanvalat, Toviyah, the Arabs, the 'Amonim and the Ashdodim heard that the repairs on the walls of Yerushalayim were going forward, and the breaks were being filled in, they became very angry.

Berean Standard Bible

When Sanballat and Tobiah, together with the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were furious,

American Standard Version

But it came to pass that, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem went forward, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 4:7 marks a pivotal escalation in the opposition faced by Nehemiah and the Jewish people as they diligently rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. Having initially endured scorn and ridicule, the adversaries—Sanballat, Tobiah, and their allied peoples—became intensely enraged upon hearing that significant progress had been made, with the walls being substantially restored and critical breaches beginning to be sealed. This verse highlights the deep-seated fury provoked by the tangible advancement of God's work, signaling a shift from verbal harassment to more aggressive, potentially violent, countermeasures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Nehemiah's monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. Chapters 1-2 detail Nehemiah's burden for Jerusalem, his prayer, and his successful petition to King Artaxerxes to return and lead the rebuilding effort. Chapter 3 meticulously lists the various groups and individuals who participated in the construction, emphasizing the collective and organized nature of the work. Nehemiah 4:1-6 describes the initial, scornful reaction of Sanballat and Tobiah, which Nehemiah met with prayer and continued labor. Verse 7, therefore, represents a critical turning point: the adversaries' contempt gives way to furious wrath because their initial tactics of ridicule and intimidation have failed to halt the work. This intensifying opposition sets the stage for the subsequent verses (Neh 4:8-12), where the enemies conspire to attack Jerusalem directly, forcing Nehemiah to implement defensive measures alongside the building.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah take place in the mid-5th century BCE, during the Persian Empire's rule. After the Babylonian exile, many Jews had returned to Jerusalem, but the city remained vulnerable, its walls in ruins. Rebuilding the walls was not merely a construction project; it was a profound act of national and religious restoration, symbolizing security, sovereignty, and the re-establishment of a distinct Jewish identity in their homeland. Sanballat was the governor of Samaria to the north, Tobiah an influential Ammonite official to the east, and Geshem the Arabian a powerful tribal leader to the south. The Ashdodites were from the Philistine city-state to the west. This coalition represented a ring of hostile neighbors whose regional power and influence were threatened by a strong, fortified Jerusalem. For them, a rebuilt wall signified a resurgence of Jewish autonomy that challenged their existing control over trade routes, resources, and political dominance in the Trans-Euphrates province. Their anger stemmed from the perceived loss of their ability to exploit Jerusalem's vulnerability and maintain their regional hegemony.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 4:7 powerfully illustrates several enduring themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Escalation of Opposition** to God's work; as progress is made, spiritual adversaries often intensify their attacks, moving from ridicule to outright hostility. This mirrors the pattern seen throughout biblical history, where those who faithfully pursue God's purposes encounter resistance (e.g., [Acts 19:23-41](/acts/19 "Acts 19:23-41 - The Riot in Ephesus")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Perseverance Amidst Adversity**. Despite the growing anger and threats, the builders continued their work, demonstrating resilience and unwavering commitment to their divine calling. This steadfastness is a testament to faith in the face of daunting challenges, echoing the call to [not grow weary in doing good](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Do Not Grow Weary"). Thirdly, the intense wrath of the enemies points to the underlying reality of **Spiritual Warfare**. The opposition was not merely political or territorial; it was a spiritual battle against God's plan for the restoration of His people and their covenant identity, a battle against the establishment of His kingdom on earth. Finally, even in the face of such intense hatred, the very progress that infuriated the enemies ultimately served God's purposes, demonstrating His **Divine Providence** and sovereign hand over all events.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Made up (Hebrew, _‘alah_):** This verb, עָלָה (_‘alah_), literally means "to go up," "to ascend," or "to rise." In this context, it signifies that the wall sections were being built up, rising in height from their ruined state, indicating substantial construction and progress towards completion. It implies that the walls were no longer merely foundations but had achieved considerable verticality.
* **Breaches (Hebrew, _perets_):** The Hebrew word פֶּרֶץ (_perets_) refers to a "breach," "rupture," or "break." It denotes the large, gaping holes and significant damage in the wall that had made Jerusalem utterly indefensible since its destruction. The phrase "began to be stopped" indicates that these critical points of vulnerability were being actively filled and repaired, making the city less accessible to invaders and signaling the imminent completion of a secure perimeter.
* **Very wroth (Hebrew, _charah lahem m'od_):** This powerful phrase combines the verb חָרָה (_charah_), meaning "to burn," "to be hot," or "to be inflamed," often used metaphorically for intense anger or indignation, with the adverb מְאֹד (_m'od_), meaning "very," "exceedingly," or "greatly." The combination conveys an extreme, burning fury, a deep-seated and desperate rage that indicates their previous tactics of ridicule had failed and the situation was now perceived as dire for them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But it came to pass, [that] when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard":** This opening clause highlights the widespread nature of the opposition. It was not just two individuals but a formidable coalition of regional powers—Sanballat (Samaria), Tobiah (Ammon), the Arabians (likely Geshem, south), the Ammonites (east), and the Ashdodites (west)—who were united in their hostility. Their "hearing" signifies that the progress on the walls was undeniable and widely known, a concrete reality that could no longer be dismissed as mere rumor or insignificant effort.
* **"that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, [and] that the breaches began to be stopped":** This is the precise trigger for their wrath. The adversaries were not merely upset by the abstract idea of rebuilding; they were infuriated by the tangible, visible evidence of progress. The "walls made up" means significant sections were nearing completion, and "breaches began to be stopped" indicates that the most critical weak points, the large gaps that rendered the city defenseless, were being sealed. This meant Jerusalem was rapidly becoming a fortified city, capable of defending itself, thereby threatening the regional dominance of these hostile neighbors.
* **"then they were very wroth":** This concluding phrase describes the extreme emotional response of the adversaries. Their previous scorn and ridicule (Neh 4:1) had escalated into a burning, intense fury. This wrath was born of frustration, fear, and a sense of desperation as their attempts to thwart God's work were clearly failing. It foreshadows their subsequent shift from verbal attacks to plotting direct military intervention (Neh 4:8).

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 4:7 employs several potent literary devices to convey the escalating tension and the significance of the moment. There is a clear **Climax** in the narrative, as the opposition's reaction intensifies from the initial scorn of Nehemiah 4:1 to the "very wroth" of this verse, signaling a turning point towards more aggressive action. The verse also utilizes **Antithesis**, juxtaposing the diligent progress of the Jewish builders ("walls... made up," "breaches began to be stopped") with the furious reaction of their enemies ("very wroth"). This contrast highlights the spiritual nature of the conflict, where righteous endeavor provokes unrighteous anger. Furthermore, the "walls of Jerusalem" function as a powerful **Symbol**, representing not just physical security but also the restoration of Israel's national identity, its covenant relationship with God, and its spiritual vitality. The adversaries' fury is thus not merely against stone and mortar but against the resurgence of God's people. Finally, the enumeration of the various hostile groups—Sanballat, Tobiah, Arabians, Ammonites, and Ashdodites—serves as a form of **Enumeration** or **List**, emphasizing the formidable and widespread nature of the opposition faced by Nehemiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 4:7 offers profound theological insight into the nature of opposition to God's work. It reveals that genuine progress in God's kingdom often provokes intense resistance from spiritual adversaries. Just as the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, a symbol of God's covenant faithfulness and the restoration of His people, incited burning wrath, so too does any significant advancement of God's purposes in the world. This opposition is not merely human in origin but often reflects a deeper spiritual conflict against the divine will. The adversaries' fury stemmed from their inability to stop what God was clearly accomplishing through His faithful servants. This pattern reminds believers that when diligently pursuing God's call, whether in personal sanctification, ministry, or societal impact, one should anticipate resistance, for the enemy of souls is enraged by the light and truth of God's kingdom.

* [Psalm 2:1-2](/psalms/2-1 "Psalm 2:1-2 - Why the Nations Rage") - "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed."
* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for Christ's Name") - "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."
* [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober, Be Vigilant") - "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 4:7 serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary believers, reminding us that progress in God's work often attracts intensified opposition. Whether in our personal spiritual growth, our family's pursuit of righteousness, or our church's efforts to advance the Gospel, when tangible steps are taken and visible fruit begins to appear, we should not be surprised when resistance escalates from mere annoyance or ridicule to outright hostility and fierce anger. This verse encourages us to recognize that such "wroth" is often a sign that we are indeed making a difference for the kingdom of God, striking at the heart of the enemy's domain. It calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, understanding that opposition is not always a sign of being off track, but often a confirmation that we are on the right path. Our response, like Nehemiah's, should be characterized by unwavering perseverance, continued labor, and a deepening reliance on God's protection and provision, knowing that His plans cannot ultimately be thwarted by human or spiritual adversaries.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does progress in your spiritual life or ministry sometimes provoke unexpected opposition, whether from within or without?**
* **What is the nature of the "wroth" or intense anger you might encounter when pursuing God's will, and how can you discern its source?**
* **In what ways can you maintain perseverance and trust in God's providence when faced with escalating adversity, drawing strength from Nehemiah's example?**

### FAQ

**Why were Sanballat and Tobiah, along with their allies, so intensely angry at the progress on Jerusalem's walls?**

Answer: Their intense anger stemmed from a combination of factors related to power, control, and pride. Sanballat, Tobiah, and their allied groups (Arabians, Ammonites, Ashdodites) had enjoyed significant regional influence and control while Jerusalem remained weak and vulnerable. A rebuilt, fortified Jerusalem threatened their political and economic interests, potentially disrupting trade routes and challenging their authority. They viewed the restoration of Jerusalem as a declaration of Jewish autonomy and a resurgence of a strong, independent entity in their sphere of influence, which they perceived as a direct threat to their own power base. Their initial tactics of ridicule and scorn (Nehemiah 4:1-3) had failed to deter Nehemiah and the builders. When they heard that the walls were not just being started but were "made up" and the critical "breaches began to be stopped," it meant their efforts to stop the work had been futile, and Jerusalem was rapidly becoming defensible. This tangible progress ignited a desperate, burning fury, as their worst fears of a revitalized Jerusalem were becoming a reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The furious wrath of Sanballat and his allies against the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls foreshadows the inherent opposition to God's ultimate redemptive work, culminating in Christ. Just as the physical walls symbolized the restoration of God's people and their secure dwelling, so Christ came to build an eternal kingdom, a spiritual "wall" of salvation and security for all who believe. The intense anger of Nehemiah's enemies mirrors the deep-seated hostility of the world and spiritual forces against the person and work of Jesus Christ. From Herod's attempt to kill the infant Messiah ([Matthew 2:16](/matthew/2-16 "Matthew 2:16 - Herod's Massacre of the Innocents")) to the religious leaders' relentless efforts to discredit and crucify Him ([John 19:1-16](/john/19 "John 19 - The Crucifixion of Jesus")), the progress of God's ultimate plan of salvation has always provoked fierce opposition. However, just as the walls of Jerusalem were completed despite the adversaries' rage, Christ declared that the gates of Hades would not prevail against His Church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Will Not Prevail")). He is the true Cornerstone upon whom His spiritual temple is built ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")), and through His death and resurrection, He disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The "breaches" of sin and death, which separated humanity from God, were ultimately stopped by the perfect sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), securing eternal peace and an unshakable kingdom that will one day be fully realized in the New Jerusalem, a city with walls of salvation and gates of praise ([Revelation 21:10-27](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem")).

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.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 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.

Nehemiah 2:10

When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard [of it], it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

Acts 5:33

When they heard [that], they were cut [to the heart], and took counsel to slay them.

Amos 1:13

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border:

Revelation 12:12

¶ Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Revelation 12:13

And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man [child].

Acts 4:17

But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.