Nehemiah 6:15

ยถ So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth [day] of [the month] Elul, in fifty and two days.

So the wall {H2346} was finished {H7999} in the twenty {H6242} and fifth {H2568} day of the month Elul {H435}, in fifty {H2572} and two {H8147} days {H3117}.

So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.

So the wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth of Elul.

So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifthdayofthe monthElul, in fifty and two days.

Commentary

Nehemiah 6:15 triumphantly announces the completion of the wall of Jerusalem, a monumental feat achieved in an astonishing fifty-two days despite relentless opposition. This verse marks a pivotal moment in the post-exilic history of Israel, signifying not just a physical restoration but a profound spiritual victory and a testament to divine enablement.

Context

The book of Nehemiah details the mission of Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes, who felt compelled to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its broken walls and restore its dignity and security. Upon his arrival, he found the city in ruins and its people disheartened. From the outset, the project faced fierce ridicule, threats, and conspiracies from powerful adversaries like Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arab. Nehemiah's strategic leadership involved organizing the people to work with one hand and hold a weapon with the other, demonstrating their commitment and preparedness against constant attacks and intimidation tactics. This verse marks the successful culmination of their arduous labor and unwavering faith.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Rapid Completion: The astonishing speed of fifty-two days for completing such a significant defensive structure is widely interpreted as a testament to God's direct involvement and blessing. This miraculous timeline underscores the principle that God is faithful to complete the good work He begins through His people, enabling them to achieve what seems humanly impossible.
  • Perseverance and Resilience: Despite constant plots, intimidation, and false accusations aimed at stopping the work or discrediting Nehemiah, the people and their leader demonstrated remarkable perseverance. Their unwavering commitment to the task, even under duress, serves as a powerful example of not growing weary in doing good and standing firm in the face of adversity.
  • Effective and God-Centered Leadership: Nehemiah's leadership was exemplary. He consistently prayed, planned strategically, delegated responsibilities, motivated the workers, and stood firm against all threats. His ability to inspire unity and purpose among the people was crucial to the project's success, highlighting the impact of devoted, Spirit-led leadership.

Linguistic Insights

The mention of "Elul" identifies the sixth month in the Hebrew calendar, providing a precise historical marker for the completion. The phrase "fifty and two days" (ื—ึฒืžึดืฉึดึผืื™ื ื•ึผืฉึฐืื ึทื™ึดื ื™ื•ึนื โ€“ chamishim ushnayim yom) powerfully emphasizes the extraordinary brevity of the construction period. Considering the scale of the wall and the persistent external and internal challenges, this rapid completion highlights the divine enablement at work, making it a truly remarkable feat of engineering and faith.

Significance and Application

The finishing of the wall was not merely a physical achievement; it was a profound spiritual victory for the Jewish people. It silenced the enemies, restored Jerusalem's security and dignity, and demonstrated God's faithfulness to His covenant people. For believers today, Nehemiah 6:15 offers powerful lessons:

  • Trusting God with "Impossible" Tasks: This verse reminds us that with God's help, even overwhelming challenges can be overcome swiftly and effectively.
  • Standing Firm Against Opposition: Perseverance in faith and work is vital when facing spiritual or practical resistance in our own lives or ministries.
  • The Power of United Effort: When God's people work together under godly leadership and with a common purpose, great things can be accomplished for His glory.

The wall's completion ultimately led to the dedication of the wall and renewed spiritual life in Jerusalem, ushering in a period of reform and recommitment to God's law.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 1:3

    And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

  • Nehemiah 4:1

    ยถ 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 4:2

    And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?

  • Ezra 6:15

    And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

  • Daniel 9:25

    Know therefore and understand, [that] from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince [shall be] seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
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