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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Nehemiah 6:15–19. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Nehemiah is here finishing the wall of Jerusalem, and yet still has trouble created him by his enemies.
I.Tobiah, and the other adversaries of the Jews, had the mortification to see the wall built up, notwithstanding all their attempts to hinder it. The wall was begun and finished in fifty-two days, and yet we have reason to believe they rested on the sabbaths, Neh 6:15. Many were employed, and there was room for them; what they did they did cheerfully, and minded their business because they loved it. The threats of their enemies, which were intended to weaken them, it is likely, quickened them to go on with their work the more vigorously, that they might get it done before the enemy came. Thus out of the eater came forth meat. See what a great deal of work may be done in a little time if we would set about it in earnest and keep close to it. When the enemies heard that the wall was finished before they thought it was well begun, and, when they doubted not but to put a stop to it, they were much cast down in their own eyes, Neh 6:16.
1.They were ashamed of their own confidence that they should cause the work to cease; they were crest-fallen upon the disappointment.
2.They envied the prosperity and success of the Jews, grieved to see the walls of Jerusalem built, while, it may be, the kings of Persia had not permitted them thus to fortify the cities of Samaria. When Cain envied his brother his countenance fell, Gen 4:5.
3.They despaired of ever doing them the mischief they designed them, of bringing them down and making a prey of them; and well they might, for they perceived, by the wonderful success, that the work was wrought of God. Even these heathens had so much sense as, [1.] To see a special providence of God conversant about the affairs of the church when they did remarkably prosper. They said among the heathen, The Lord has done great things for them; it is his doing, Psa 126:2. God fighteth for Israel and worketh with them. [2.] To believe that God's work would be perfect. When the perceived that the work was of God they expected no other than that it would go on and prosper. [3.] To conclude that, if it were of God, it was to no purpose to think of opposing it; it would certainly prevail and be victorious.
II.Nehemiah had the vexation, notwithstanding this, to see some of his own people treacherously corresponding with Tobiah and serving his interest; and a great grief and discouragement, no doubt, it was to him.
1.Even of the nobles of Judah there were those who had so little sense of honour and their country's good as to communicate with Tobiah by letter, Neh 6:17. They wrote with all the freedom and familiarity of friends to him, and welcomed his letters to them. Could nobles do a thing so mean? Nobles of Judah so wicked a thing? It seems great men are not always wise, not always honest.
2.Many in Judah were in a strict but secret confederacy with him to advance the interest of his country, though it would certainly be the ruin of their own. They were sworn unto him, not as their prince, but as their friend and ally, because both he and his son had married daughters of Israel, Neh 6:18. See the mischief of marrying with strangers; for one heathen that was converted by it ten Jews were perverted. When once they became akin to Tobiah they soon became sworn to him. A sinful love leads to a sinful league.
3.They had the impudence to court Nehemiah himself into a friendship with him: "They reported his good deeds before me, represented him as an intelligent gentleman and well worthy my acquaintance, an honest gentleman and one that I might confide in." We are indeed required to speak ill of no man, but never to speak well of bad men. Those that forsake the law praise the wicked, Pro 28:4.
4.They were so false as to betray Nehemiah's counsels to him; they uttered Nehemiah's words to him, perverting them, no doubt, and putting false constructions upon them, which furnished Tobiah with matter for letters to put him in fear and so drive him from his work and discourage him in it. Thus were all their thoughts against him for evil, yet God thought upon him for good.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Now the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, etc. The month Elul, according to the Hebrews, is the sixth month of the year, which the Romans call September. And rightly is the wall of the holy city completed in the sixth month of the year, so that the perfect action of the faithful, whether penitents or innocents, is also designated in this ultimate time. For the number six usually signifies the perfection of good works; either because the Lord completed the creation of the world on the sixth day, and on the seventh He rested; or because we are to labor in good works in the six ages of this present world, and to hope for the Sabbath of souls in the seventh age, which is in the life to come. Rightly is it completed on the twenty-fifth day of the same month, on account of the five senses of the body, by the ministry of which good works are to be performed externally. For as the simple number five usually signifies these senses, so when it is multiplied by itself and brought to twenty-five, it demonstrates these same senses with greater perfection. Thus we complete the wall of Jerusalem on the twenty-fifth day of the sixth month, when diligently consecrating all the senses of our body to divine services, we bring the endeavors of virtues begun to a firm end, and faithfully complete with the help of the Lord what we have begun to do for the strengthening of Catholic peace. This wall is also rightly said to have been completed in fifty-two days; for the fiftieth psalm is the psalm of penitence and forgiveness, in which also the Prophet specifically prays about the building of this city, saying: "Deal favorably, O Lord, in Thy good will with Zion, that the walls of Jerusalem may be built" (Psalm 51). On the fiftieth day of the Lord's resurrection, the Holy Spirit came to the primitive Church, through whom the devotion of repentance is infused in us, and the gift of pardon is granted to penitents. Moreover, there are two precepts of charity, namely the love of God and the love of neighbor, through which, granted to us by the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of sins is given, and we are commanded to labor for the attainment of eternal life. Therefore, most fittingly, the citizens rebuilding the wall of the holy city, which had been destroyed by enemies, restore it in fifty-two days, because this indeed is the perfection of the just in this life, that through the grace of divine inspiration, they punish whatever they have sinned by repenting, and henceforth adorn themselves with good works in the love of God and neighbor.
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Summary
Nehemiah 6:15 records the triumphant completion of Jerusalem's wall, an extraordinary feat accomplished in a mere fifty-two days, despite relentless and multifaceted opposition. This concise declaration marks a monumental turning point in post-exilic Jewish history, symbolizing not only a physical restoration of the city's defenses but also a profound spiritual victory, a testament to divine empowerment, and the unwavering perseverance of a unified people under God-centered leadership.
Context
Literary Context
The preceding chapters of Nehemiah detail the intense and escalating opposition faced by Nehemiah and the Jewish people as they undertook the daunting task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. From the initial ridicule and scorn in Nehemiah 2:19 and Nehemiah 4:1-3, the adversaries—Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem—progressed to plots of armed attack (Nehemiah 4:7-8), internal economic exploitation (Nehemiah 5:1-5), and, in Nehemiah 6, direct attempts to lure Nehemiah into a trap, spread false rumors, and even hire a prophet to intimidate him into fleeing the temple. Nehemiah consistently responded with prayer, wisdom, and unwavering resolve, refusing to be deterred or compromised. Verse 15 serves as the climactic culmination of this prolonged conflict, signaling a decisive victory over all these schemes and a powerful vindication of God's faithfulness to His people.
Historical & Cultural Context
Following the Babylonian exile, Jerusalem lay in ruins for decades, its walls broken and gates burned, leaving its inhabitants vulnerable and demoralized. Nehemiah, serving as cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes I, received permission to return to Jerusalem in 445 BC, almost a century after the first wave of exiles returned under Zerubbabel. The rebuilding of the city wall was not merely an architectural project; it was a profound act of national and religious restoration. In the ancient Near East, a city's walls symbolized its strength, security, and the dignity of its people. A broken wall signified shame, vulnerability, and divine disfavor. The rapid completion of such a massive defensive structure, typically a multi-year undertaking, in just 52 days was culturally astonishing. The mention of "Elul," the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar (August/September), provides a precise historical marker, emphasizing the verifiable swiftness of this divinely enabled feat.
Key Themes
Nehemiah 6:15 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of the book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Enablement, demonstrating that what seems humanly impossible can be achieved swiftly when God is at work, as seen in the miraculous speed of the wall's completion (Philippians 4:13). Secondly, the verse highlights Perseverance in the Face of Adversity, as Nehemiah and the people endured relentless ridicule, threats, and conspiracies from powerful enemies like Sanballat and Tobiah, yet they did not give up (Galatians 6:9). Thirdly, it exemplifies Effective and God-Centered Leadership, showcasing Nehemiah's strategic planning, prayerful dependence, and unwavering commitment to God's will, which inspired unity and diligence among the workers (Nehemiah 4:6). Finally, the completion of the wall signifies the Restoration of God's People and City, moving beyond mere physical rebuilding to spiritual renewal and the re-establishment of Jerusalem as a secure, holy city.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H7999) signifies completion, bringing to an end, or perfecting. It carries the nuance of being safe, whole, or complete. In this context, it emphasizes the absolute and definitive conclusion of the monumental construction project, implying not just cessation of work, but the successful attainment of the intended goal—a fully functional and secure wall. The use of this word here carries a strong sense of triumph and finality after a period of intense labor and conflict, marking the successful overcoming of all obstacles and the establishment of wholeness.
The name of the sixth month (H435) in the Babylonian/Hebrew calendar, corresponding roughly to August/September. Its inclusion provides a precise chronological marker, lending historical accuracy and verifiability to the account. This specific dating emphasizes the remarkable speed of the project, as the work began in the fourth month (Tammuz) according to some interpretations, making the 52-day timeframe even more striking and a clear indicator of divine intervention.
This phrase, combining H2572 (fifty), H8147 (two), and H3117 (day), is central to the verse's impact. The specific numerical duration underscores the astonishing brevity of the construction period for such a massive undertaking. Considering the scale of the wall (approximately 2.5 miles in circumference, requiring significant stone and labor) and the constant external and internal challenges, this rapid completion is presented as nothing short of miraculous, pointing directly to divine intervention and enablement rather than solely human effort. It highlights God's power to accelerate and perfect His work.
Verse Breakdown
"So the wall was finished"
This declarative statement marks the climactic achievement of Nehemiah's primary mission. The passive voice ("was finished") subtly highlights that while human hands did the work, the ultimate completion was enabled by a power beyond themselves. It signifies the successful culmination of immense physical labor, strategic planning, and unwavering faith, silencing the doubts and opposition that had plagued the project. This phrase conveys a sense of finality and triumph.
"in the twenty and fifth [day] of [the month] Elul"
This precise chronological detail provides a specific date for the completion, grounding the narrative in historical reality. The mention of "Elul," the sixth month, emphasizes the remarkable speed when compared to the likely start date in the fifth or even fourth month, depending on the interpretation of Nehemiah's arrival and initial planning. It serves as an irrefutable record of the swiftness of God's work through His people, reinforcing the miraculous nature of the feat.
"in fifty and two days"
This specific duration is the most striking detail of the verse, serving as a powerful testament to the miraculous nature of the achievement. For a city wall of Jerusalem's size and complexity, built under constant threat and with limited resources, 52 days is an incredibly short timeframe. This detail emphatically points to divine enablement and blessing, making the accomplishment humanly impossible without God's direct intervention, thereby magnifying His glory and demonstrating His power to overcome all obstacles.
Literary Devices
Nehemiah 6:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Hyperbole, as the completion of a massive city wall in a mere fifty-two days, while literally true, is presented in a way that emphasizes its extraordinary, almost unbelievable, nature. This serves to magnify the divine power at work, making the achievement seem far beyond human capability. The verse also utilizes Conciseness and Climax, delivering the triumphant news in a terse, impactful statement that serves as the narrative's peak after chapters of intense conflict and struggle. This brevity enhances the sense of sudden, decisive victory. Furthermore, the precise chronological detail functions as Verisimilitude, lending an air of historical authenticity and factual reporting, which ironically underscores the miraculous element by presenting it as a simple, undeniable fact. Finally, the entire narrative leading up to this verse, culminating in its declaration, can be seen as a form of Divine Vindication, where God's faithfulness to His people is proven through the successful completion of the work despite overwhelming odds.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The rapid completion of Jerusalem's wall in Nehemiah 6:15 is a profound theological statement on God's active involvement in the affairs of His people. It demonstrates that when God initiates a work and His people respond with faith, unity, and perseverance, He provides the supernatural enablement to accomplish tasks that are humanly impossible. This divine speed and efficiency serve as a powerful testimony to His faithfulness, His power to overcome all opposition, and His commitment to restoring His covenant people. The enemies themselves recognized this, acknowledging that "this work was wrought of our God" (Nehemiah 6:16), which is the ultimate vindication of Nehemiah's mission and God's glory. The completion of the physical wall was a precursor to the spiritual rebuilding of the community, setting the stage for Ezra's reforms and the renewal of the covenant, reminding us that God often uses physical restoration as a catalyst for deeper spiritual transformation.
Reflection and Application
Nehemiah 6:15 offers a powerful and enduring message for believers today, reminding us that God is capable of accomplishing extraordinary things through ordinary people who are devoted to His purposes. In our own lives, we often face "walls" that seem insurmountable—whether they are personal challenges, spiritual battles, or daunting tasks in ministry or vocation. This verse encourages us to approach these challenges with a Nehemiah-like spirit: prayerful dependence on God, diligent effort, strategic planning, and unwavering perseverance in the face of opposition. The "fifty and two days" serves as a vivid reminder that God's timeline and methods often transcend human expectations, and He can bring about swift and decisive victories when we align with His will. It calls us to trust in His enabling power, to resist discouragement from adversaries, and to work together in unity, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. The ultimate triumph is not merely the completion of a task, but the glorification of God's name as His work is made manifest through His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the completion of the wall in 52 days considered so remarkable?
The completion of Jerusalem's wall in just 52 days was remarkable for several reasons. Firstly, the sheer scale of the project was immense; rebuilding a city wall of Jerusalem's size (approximately 2.5 miles in circumference, with gates and towers) typically would have taken years, if not decades, even with modern equipment and without opposition. Secondly, the work was carried out under constant and severe opposition from powerful adversaries like Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, who employed ridicule, threats, conspiracies, and even attempts on Nehemiah's life (as seen in Nehemiah 4 and Nehemiah 6). The workers had to labor with one hand and hold a weapon with the other (Nehemiah 4:17-18). Given these formidable challenges, the rapid completion was widely interpreted by both the Jews and their enemies as a clear sign of divine intervention and enablement, demonstrating that "this work was wrought of our God" (Nehemiah 6:16). It was a testament to God's power working through a united and determined people.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The triumphant completion of Jerusalem's wall in Nehemiah 6:15, a physical restoration achieved through divine enablement and human perseverance, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual restoration accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as the wall provided security and identity for God's Old Testament people, Christ, through His death and resurrection, built a new spiritual "wall"—a spiritual temple, the Church—that offers eternal security and a new identity to all who believe. The "fifty and two days" points to a swift, divinely empowered completion, mirroring the decisive and complete victory of Christ on the cross, where He declared, "It is finished!" (Greek, tetelestai), signifying the perfect and complete accomplishment of salvation. Unlike the physical wall which eventually fell, Christ's work is an everlasting covenant, establishing a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). He is the true chief cornerstone upon whom the entire spiritual edifice is built, uniting Jew and Gentile into one body (Ephesians 2:14-16). The perseverance of Nehemiah and the people, despite opposition, also prefigures Christ's steadfast endurance of suffering and hostility to accomplish His Father's will, ultimately leading to the "building" of His Church, against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" (Matthew 16:18). Thus, Nehemiah 6:15, while celebrating an ancient physical triumph, ultimately points to the infinitely greater, eternally significant work of redemption and spiritual rebuilding achieved by our Lord Jesus Christ.