Nehemiah 6:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### 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](/nehemiah/2-19 "Nehemiah 2:19 - Sanballat's Scorn") and [Nehemiah 4:1-3](/nehemiah/4-1 "Nehemiah 4:1-3 - Sanballat and Tobiah Mock the Jews"), the adversaries—Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem—progressed to plots of armed attack ([Nehemiah 4:7-8](/nehemiah/4-7 "Nehemiah 4:7-8 - Enemies Plot to Fight")), internal economic exploitation ([Nehemiah 5:1-5](/nehemiah/5-1 "Nehemiah 5:1-5 - Economic Injustice Among the Jews")), and, in [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - Plots Against Nehemiah"), 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 (cf. [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me")). 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 (cf. [Galatians 6:9](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good")). 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 (cf. [Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "Nehemiah 4:6 - The People Had a Mind to Work")). 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
* **Finished (Hebrew, _kālâ'_):** This verb signifies completion, bringing to an end, or perfecting. In this context, it emphasizes the absolute and definitive conclusion of the monumental construction project. It implies 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.
* **Elul (Hebrew, _’Ĕlûl'_):** The name of the sixth month 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.
* **Fifty and two days (Hebrew, _ḥamishshīm ūshnayim yôm'_):** This phrase 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](/nehemiah/6-16 "Nehemiah 6:16 - Enemies' Recognition of God's Work")), 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.

* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power, But by My Spirit")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")

### 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
* **What "walls" in your life or ministry currently seem insurmountable, and how might Nehemiah 6:15 encourage you to approach them with faith?**
* **How do you typically respond to opposition or discouragement when pursuing a God-given task? What can you learn from Nehemiah's perseverance?**
* **In what ways can you better recognize and attribute seemingly "impossible" achievements in your life to God's divine enablement rather than solely human effort?**

### FAQ
**Why was the completion of the wall in 52 days considered so remarkable?**

Answer: 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](/nehemiah/4 "Nehemiah 4 - Opposition to the Rebuilding") and [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - Plots Against Nehemiah")). The workers had to labor with one hand and hold a weapon with the other ([Nehemiah 4:17-18](/nehemiah/4-17 "Nehemiah 4:17-18 - Working with a Weapon")). 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](/nehemiah/6-16 "Nehemiah 6:16 - Enemies' Recognition of God's Work")). 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!](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words")" (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](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). He is the true [chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone") upon whom the entire spiritual edifice is built, uniting Jew and Gentile into one body ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). 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](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). 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.

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

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

¶ 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.