Nehemiah 6:16

KJV

And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard [thereof], and all the heathen that [were] about us saw [these things], they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, that when all our enemies {H341} heard {H8085} thereof, and all the heathen {H1471} that were about us {H5439} saw {H7200} these things, they were much {H3966} cast down {H5307} in their own eyes {H5869}: for they perceived {H3045} that this work {H4399} was wrought {H6213} of our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When all our enemies heard about it and the surrounding nations became afraid, our enemies' self-esteem fell severely; because they realized that this work had been accomplished by our God.

Berean Standard Bible

When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and disheartened, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when all our enemies heardthereof, that all the nations that were about us feared, and were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 6:16 captures the profound psychological defeat of Jerusalem's adversaries upon the miraculous completion of the city walls. Despite relentless opposition, threats, and cunning plots, the Jewish people, under Nehemiah's leadership, finished the monumental task in just 52 days. This verse reveals the enemies' internal humiliation as they were forced to acknowledge that the work's success was not merely human achievement but undeniably "wrought of our God," serving as a powerful testament to Yahweh's sovereign power and faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 6:16 stands as the triumphant culmination of intense and prolonged opposition against the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. The preceding verses in [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - Plots Against Nehemiah and the Wall's Completion") detail Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem's escalating attempts to stop the work, ranging from mockery and threats ([Nehemiah 4:1-3](/nehemiah/4-1 "Nehemiah 4:1-3 - Sanballat's Mockery")) to armed conspiracy ([Nehemiah 4:7-8](/nehemiah/4-7 "Nehemiah 4:7-8 - Conspiracy to Fight Against Jerusalem")), and later, insidious plots to lure Nehemiah out of the city for assassination ([Nehemiah 6:1-9](/nehemiah/6-1 "Nehemiah 6:1-9 - Attempts to Lure Nehemiah")). Even false prophets were hired to intimidate Nehemiah into fleeing ([Nehemiah 6:10-14](/nehemiah/6-10 "Nehemiah 6:10-14 - Shemaiah's False Prophecy")). Yet, through steadfast prayer, diligent work, and divine protection, the wall was completed in an astonishing 52 days, as recorded in [Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - The Wall Completed"). This verse, [Nehemiah 6:16](/nehemiah/6-16 "Nehemiah 6:16 - Enemies' Reaction to the Wall's Completion"), then describes the inevitable and humbling reaction of the enemies to this undeniable evidence of God's favor.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah unfold in the post-exilic period, specifically during the reign of Artaxerxes I (circa 445 BC). The Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity, a remnant striving to re-establish their identity and secure their homeland. Jerusalem, once a glorious capital, lay in ruins, its walls broken, making its inhabitants vulnerable to attack and a symbol of national shame. Fortified city walls were paramount for security and prestige in the ancient Near East, signifying a city's strength and the protection of its people. The "enemies" mentioned—Sanballat the Horonite (governor of Samaria), Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab—represented surrounding regional powers who viewed a rebuilt and strong Jerusalem as a threat to their own influence and control. Their opposition was not merely personal but geopolitical, aimed at preventing the resurgence of Jewish power and identity. The completion of the wall, therefore, was not just an architectural feat but a profound statement of divine restoration and a challenge to the existing power dynamics.

* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 6:16 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout the book of Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating that God actively works to fulfill His purposes, even through human leaders and against formidable opposition. The completion of the wall, despite overwhelming odds, serves as a clear testament to God's hand, echoing the principle that "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain" ([Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - The Lord Builds the House")). Another key theme is **Perseverance in Faith and Work**, highlighting Nehemiah's unwavering commitment and the people's diligent labor, which were essential for God's work to be accomplished. The verse also underscores the **Humiliation of God's Adversaries**, as their schemes are thwarted, and they are forced to acknowledge the very power they sought to defy. Finally, the successful rebuilding of the wall serves as a **Public Testimony to the Nations**, revealing the power and faithfulness of the God of Israel to those who previously scorned or ignored Him, thus bringing glory to His name.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"cast down" (Hebrew, _naphal'_):** This verb literally means "to fall," but in this context, it carries the strong connotation of being humbled, dejected, or brought low. It signifies a profound internal collapse, a loss of confidence, and a deep sense of defeat. It's not just discouragement but a crushing blow to their pride and perceived power.
* **"in their own eyes" (Hebrew, _b'eyneyhem'_):** This is a common Hebrew idiom emphasizing self-perception and internal judgment. It means they were humiliated and defeated *from their own perspective*. Their public posturing and bravado crumbled inwardly, revealing a stark awareness of their powerlessness. It speaks to a deep, personal shame and a shattered sense of superiority.
* **"wrought" (Hebrew, _'asah'_):** This verb means "to do," "to make," or "to accomplish." Here, in the passive sense ("was wrought"), it points to an action performed by an external agent. The crucial addition "of our God" attributes the entire accomplishment directly to divine agency, not human skill or strength alone. It implies a supernatural intervention that transcended normal human capabilities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard [thereof], and all the heathen that [were] about us saw [these things]":** This opening clause emphasizes the undeniable nature of the wall's completion. The news was not confined to Jerusalem; it spread widely ("all our enemies heard"), and the physical evidence was visible to surrounding nations ("all the heathen that were about us saw"). This widespread awareness makes their subsequent reaction all the more significant, as it was a public and unavoidable reality.
* **"they were much cast down in their own eyes":** This is the immediate and profound psychological impact on the adversaries. Their previous mockery, threats, and plots had been predicated on the assumption that the Jews would fail. The wall's completion shattered this assumption, leading to a deep sense of internal humiliation, shame, and a realization of their own impotence. Their pride was utterly broken.
* **"for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God":** This final clause provides the crucial reason for their humiliation. It was not merely that the wall was finished, but that they *understood* or *discerned* the divine hand behind it. This perception was a grudging, yet undeniable, acknowledgment from the antagonists themselves that the project's success transcended mere human capability and was clearly a result of Yahweh's intervention. This forced confession of God's power by unbelievers is a powerful testimony to His sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 6:16 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Irony** is prominent, as the very efforts of the enemies to thwart the work ultimately served to magnify God's power and the miraculous nature of the accomplishment. Their failure became the means by which God's glory was revealed. There is also a strong **Contrast** between the enemies' initial confidence and their ultimate humiliation, highlighting the futility of human opposition against divine will. The completed wall itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism** of God's faithfulness and protective presence over His people. Furthermore, the verse serves as a **Testimony** or witness, as the enemies' forced acknowledgment of God's agency validates the divine nature of the work, turning their defeat into a public declaration of Yahweh's supremacy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 6:16 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and His faithfulness to His covenant people. It illustrates that when God initiates a work, He will bring it to completion, often in ways that defy human expectation and humble His adversaries. The enemies' grudging acknowledgment that the work was "wrought of our God" is a profound theological statement, demonstrating that God's power is so undeniable that even those who oppose Him are forced to recognize His hand. This divine intervention serves not only to protect His people but also to display His glory to the surrounding nations, fulfilling His purpose to be known among all peoples. It underscores the biblical principle that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human or demonic opposition, and His ultimate triumph is assured.

* [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - The Lord Builds the House")
* [Exodus 14:25](/exodus/14-25 "Exodus 14:25 - Egyptians Acknowledge God's Fight")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 6:16 offers immense encouragement and a vital lesson for believers navigating life's challenges and pursuing God's callings today. It reminds us that when we are engaged in God's work, even when faced with overwhelming opposition, cunning plots, and relentless discouragement, our ultimate confidence rests not in our own strength or ingenuity, but in the power and faithfulness of God. This verse challenges us to persevere in faith, knowing that God is able to accomplish what seems impossible, and that His timing and methods will ultimately bring Him glory. Our faithfulness, even in the face of adversity, can serve as a powerful testimony to those who do not yet know Him, compelling them, like Nehemiah's enemies, to acknowledge the divine hand at work. When God's hand is evident in our endeavors, it silences critics and validates His presence, demonstrating that His purposes cannot be thwarted.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nehemiah 6:16 encourage you when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles in your personal life, ministry, or work for God?**
* **In what specific ways might God be calling you to persevere in a task, trusting that He will bring it to completion for His glory, even if opposition is strong?**
* **How can your faithful obedience and God-empowered work serve as a powerful testimony to those who do not yet know Christ, leading them to acknowledge His presence and power?**

### FAQ
**What does "much cast down in their own eyes" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful Hebrew idiom indicating profound internal humiliation and a shattered sense of self-worth or confidence. It means the enemies were utterly defeated and ashamed *from their own perspective*. Their public bravado and attempts to intimidate and stop the work had utterly failed, and they were forced to confront their own powerlessness. It's more than simple disappointment; it's a deep, personal acknowledgment of their impotence in the face of divine power, leading to a loss of face and a crushing blow to their pride.

**Why is it significant that the enemies "perceived that this work was wrought of our God"?**

Answer: This perception is the theological crux of the verse. It's significant because it represents a grudging, undeniable confession from the very people who had actively opposed God's work. They could not attribute the rapid and successful completion of the wall to mere human effort or luck; they were compelled to acknowledge a supernatural, divine agency. This forced admission serves as a powerful public testimony to the surrounding pagan nations about the reality, power, and faithfulness of Yahweh, the God of Israel. It demonstrates that God's work is so evident that even His adversaries cannot deny His hand.

**How does Nehemiah 6:16 relate to spiritual warfare today?**

Answer: Nehemiah 6:16 offers immense encouragement for spiritual warfare. It illustrates that while spiritual enemies (like the devil and his forces) may scheme, threaten, and attempt to hinder God's work and His people, their ultimate efforts are futile. Just as God ensured the completion of the physical wall, He will ensure the advancement of His spiritual kingdom and the ultimate triumph of His purposes. The verse reminds us that the enemy's power is limited, and their ultimate defeat is certain. When believers persevere in faith and obedience, empowered by God, their work will not only succeed but will also serve as a powerful testimony that frustrates and humiliates the spiritual adversaries, confirming that "the gates of hell shall not prevail" against God's Church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 6:16, with its depiction of God's triumphant completion of the wall despite fierce opposition and the subsequent humiliation of His enemies, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ. Just as the physical wall was "wrought of our God," the spiritual edifice of God's kingdom and the Church is built by Christ Himself, the Chief Cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Chief Cornerstone")). The relentless opposition faced by Nehemiah and the Jews finds its ultimate parallel in the spiritual warfare waged against Christ throughout His earthly ministry, culminating in His crucifixion, which seemed like a victory for the enemy. However, the resurrection of Jesus Christ was the ultimate "work wrought of our God," demonstrating His complete triumph over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). The enemies of Nehemiah were "cast down in their own eyes" as they perceived God's hand; similarly, every spiritual adversary will one day be utterly humbled and subjected under the feet of Christ ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign Until All Enemies Are Under His Feet")). The completion of the wall served as a testimony to the surrounding nations; likewise, Christ's finished work on the cross and His ongoing building of His Church serves as the ultimate testimony to all humanity, inviting them to acknowledge God's power and grace, and fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")).

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

Joshua 5:1

¶ And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which [were] on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which [were] by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.

Psalms 126:2

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

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,

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 5:38

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

Numbers 23:23

Surely [there is] no enchantment against Jacob, neither [is there] any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!