Nehemiah 6:1

¶ Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and [that] there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)

Now it came to pass, when Sanballat {H5571}, and Tobiah {H2900}, and Geshem {H1654} the Arabian {H6163}, and the rest {H3499} of our enemies {H341}, heard {H8085} that I had builded {H1129} the wall {H2346}, and that there was no breach {H6556} left {H3498} therein;(though {H1571}{H5704} at that time {H6256} I had not set up {H5975} the doors {H1817} upon the gates {H8179};)

When it was reported to Sanvalat, Toviyah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and that not a single gap was left in it - although up to that time I hadn't yet set up the doors in the gateways -

When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left—though to that time I had not yet installed the doors in the gates—

Now it came to pass, when it was reported to Sanballat and Tobiah, and to Geshem the Arabian, and unto the rest of our enemies, that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein (though even unto that time I had not set up the doors in the gates),

Nehemiah 6:1 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jerusalem's restoration. After significant toil and persistent effort, Nehemiah and the Jewish exiles had made remarkable progress in rebuilding the city walls, a project that had faced relentless opposition.

Context of Nehemiah 6:1

This verse opens the final phase of intense opposition against Nehemiah's leadership and the monumental task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. For years, the city had lain in ruins, a symbol of Israel's disgrace after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah, serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, received permission and resources to return and lead this critical reconstruction. From the outset, powerful adversaries—primarily Sanballat the Horonite (governor of Samaria), Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arabian—had tried every tactic to stop the work, from mockery and scorn to conspiracy and armed threats (Nehemiah 4:7-8). This verse indicates that the physical wall was largely complete, with "no breach left therein," signifying a major victory. However, the crucial detail that "at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates" reveals a remaining point of vulnerability, which the enemies quickly sought to exploit.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Persistent Opposition: Even when significant progress is made in God's work, opposition often intensifies rather than subsides. The enemies, seeing their initial tactics fail, devise new, more subtle schemes.
  • Vulnerability Amidst Progress: The nearly completed wall provided a sense of security, but the absence of doors on the gates meant Jerusalem was still exposed. This teaches the importance of completing every aspect of a task and securing all potential weaknesses.
  • Nehemiah's Perseverance: Despite the constant threats and the formidable nature of his adversaries, Nehemiah remained steadfast in his divine mission. His unwavering focus on the task and his reliance on God are hallmarks of his leadership (Nehemiah 4:9).
  • Spiritual Warfare: The physical struggle to rebuild Jerusalem's walls symbolizes a deeper spiritual battle against forces that oppose God's plans for His people and His kingdom. This echoes the broader concept of spiritual resistance against divine purposes (Ephesians 6:12).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "no breach left therein" emphasizes the thoroughness and success of the rebuilding effort. A 'breach' (Hebrew: perets) refers to a break or gap, often in a wall. Its absence signifies that the structural integrity of the wall was fully restored. However, the subsequent clause, "though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates," highlights that while the primary defensive structure was complete, the final, crucial element of security—the gates with their doors—was still missing. This detail sets the stage for the next phase of the enemies' strategy, which focuses on luring Nehemiah out rather than directly attacking the wall.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 6:1 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Expect Renewed Opposition: When you are making progress in a God-given task, especially one that brings restoration or spiritual growth, be prepared for new and often more cunning forms of opposition.
  • Complete the Task: Don't leave critical elements unfinished. Even small vulnerabilities can be exploited by adversaries. Diligence in completing every detail is vital.
  • Maintain Vigilance: Just as Nehemiah's enemies changed their tactics, we must remain discerning and watchful, understanding that not all threats are overt.
  • Persevere Through Adversity: Nehemiah's example encourages us to remain focused on our divine calling, trusting in God's strength even when faced with persistent and powerful resistance.
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.

  • Nehemiah 2:19

    But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard [it], they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What [is] this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

  • 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.

  • 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 3:3

    But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who [also] laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

  • Nehemiah 3:1

    ¶ Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

  • Nehemiah 4:6

    So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

  • Nehemiah 4:7

    ¶ 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,

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