TRV
Translation
King James Version
For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
Complete Jewish Bible
They were all just trying to scare us, thinking, "This will sap their strength and keep them from working." But now, [God,] increase my strength!
Berean Standard Bible
For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands.
American Standard Version
For they all would have made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. But now, O God, strengthen thou my hands.
World English Bible Messianic
For they all would have made us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened from the work, that it not be done.” But now, strengthen my hands.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For all they afrayed vs, saying, Their handes shalbe weakened from the worke, and it shall not be done: nowe therefore incourage thou me.
Young's Literal Translation
for all of them are making us afraid, saying, `Their hands are too feeble for the work, and it is not done;' and now, strengthen Thou my hands.
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In the KJVVerse 12,411 of 31,102
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Commentary on Nehemiah 6 verses 1–9
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;)
2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.
3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
4 Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
5 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;
6 Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.
7 And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.
8 Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
9 For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
Two plots upon Nehemiah we have here an account of, how cunningly they were laid by his enemies and how happily frustrated by God's good providence and his prudence.
I. A plot to trepan him into a snare. The enemies had an account of the good forwardness the work was in, that all the breaches of the wall were made up, so that they considered it as good as done, though at that time the doors of the gates were off the hinges (Neh 6:1); they must therefore now or never, by one bold stroke, take off Nehemiah. They heard how well guarded he was, so that there was no attacking him upon the spot; they will therefore try by all the arts of wheedling to get him among them. Observe, 1. With what hellish subtlety they courted him to meet them, not in any city, lest that should excite a suspicion that they intended to secure him, but in a village in the lot of Benjamin: "Come, let us meet together to consult about the common interests of our provinces." Or they would have him think that they coveted his friendship, and would be glad to be better acquainted with him, in order to a good understanding between them and the settling of a good correspondence. But they thought to do him a mischief. It is probable that he had some secret intelligence given him that they designed to imprison or murder him; or he knew them so well that, without breach of charity, he concluded they aimed at his life, and therefore, when they spoke fair, he believed them not. 2. See with what heavenly wisdom he declined the motion. His God did instruct him to give them that prudent answer by messengers of his own: "I am doing a great work, am very busy, and am loth to let the work stand still while I leave it to come down to you," Neh 6:3. His care was that the work might not cease; he knew it would if he left it ever so little; and why should it cease while I come down to you? He says nothing of his jealousies, nor reproaches them for their treacherous design, but gives them a good reason and one of the true reasons why he would not come. Compliment must always give way to business. Let those that are tempted to idle merry meetings by their vain companions thus answer the temptation, "We have work to do, and must not neglect it." Four times they attacked him with the same solicitation, and he as often returned the same answer, which, we may suppose, was very vexatious to them; for really it was the ceasing of the work that they aimed at, and it would make them despair of breaking the undertaking to see the undertaker so intent upon it. I answered them (says he) after the same manner, Neh 6:4. Note, We must never suffer ourselves to be overcome by the greatest importunity to do any thing sinful or imprudent; but, when we are attacked with the same temptation, must still resist it with the same reason and resolution.
II. A plot to terrify him from his work. Could they but drive him off, the work would cease of course. This therefore Sanballat attempts, but in vain. 1. he endeavours to possess Nehemiah with an apprehension that his undertaking to build the walls of Jerusalem was generally represented as factious and seditious, and would be resented accordingly at court, Neh 6:5-7. The best men, even in their most innocent and excellent performances, have lain under this imputation. This is written to him in an open letter, as a thing generally known and talked of, that it was reported among the nations, and Gashmu will aver it for truth, that Nehemiah was aiming to make himself king and to shake off the Persian yoke. Note, It is common for that which is the sense only of the malicious to be falsely represented by them as the sense of the many. Now Sanballat pretends to inform Nehemiah of this as a friend, that he might hasten to court to clear himself, or stay his proceedings, for fear they should be thus misconstrued; at least, upon this surmise, he urges him to give him the meeting - "Let us take counsel together how to quell the report," hoping by this means either to take him off, or at least to take him off from his business. Thus were his words softer than oil, and yet war was in his heart, and he hoped, like Judas, to kiss and kill. But surely in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird. Nehemiah was soon aware what they aimed at, to weaken their hands from the work (Neh 6:9), and therefore not only denied that such things were true, but that they were reported; he was better known than to be thus suspected. 2. Thus he escaped the snare and kept his ground, nor would he be frightened by winds and clouds from sowing and reaping. Suppose it was thus reported, we must never omit known duty merely for fear it should be misconstrued; but, while we keep a good conscience, let us trust God with our good name. But indeed it was not thus reported. God's people, though sufficiently loaded with reproach, yet are not really so low in reputation as some would have them thought to be.
In the midst of his complaint of their malice, in endeavouring to frighten him, and so weaken his hands, he lifts up his heart to Heaven in this short prayer: Now therefore, O God! strengthen my hands. It is the great support and relief of good people that in all their straits and difficulties they have a good God to go to, from whom, by faith and prayer, they may fetch in grace to silence their fears and strengthen their hands when their enemies are endeavouring to fill them with fears and weaken their hands. When, in our Christian work and warfare, we are entering upon any particular services or conflicts, this is a good prayer for us to put up: "I have such a duty to do, such a temptation to grapple with; now therefore, O God! strengthen my hands." Some read it, not as a prayer, but as a holy resolution (for O God is supplied in our translation): Now therefore I will strengthen my hands. Note, Christian fortitude will be sharpened by opposition. Every temptation to draw us from duty should quicken us so much the more to duty.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Ezra and Nehemiah
But all these terrify us, etc. Therefore, in the spiritual structure, because the cunning enemy always tries to hinder our hands, let us always strive to strengthen them in good action with divine help.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Nehemiah 6:9 captures a pivotal moment in the arduous task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, highlighting the intensified psychological warfare employed by Nehemiah's adversaries. Their deliberate strategy was to sow fear and demoralization among the Jewish workers, aiming to weaken their resolve and ultimately halt the divinely ordained project. In response to this insidious opposition, Nehemiah, demonstrating exemplary faithful leadership, immediately turned to God in prayer, seeking supernatural strength to persevere and ensure the successful completion of the sacred task.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Nehemiah 6:9 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and underscore the spiritual battle at hand. The most prominent is Metonymy, where "hands" are used to represent the comprehensive effort, practical ability, and unwavering resolve of the workers. The enemy's desire to "weaken their hands" is not a literal physical weakening, but a psychological and spiritual assault aimed at demoralizing them to the point of abandoning the crucial work. This is powerfully contrasted by Nehemiah's prayer, "strengthen my hands," which is a heartfelt plea for renewed courage, perseverance, and divine enablement in the face of intense intimidation. The verse also features striking Juxtaposition, setting the enemy's malicious intent to instill fear and weakness against Nehemiah's immediate, faith-filled prayer for strength. This highlights the stark spiritual battle at play and the contrasting sources of power: human malice and deception versus divine enablement and faithfulness. Furthermore, Nehemiah's prayer itself is a form of Direct Address/Prayer, showcasing his intimate, personal, and immediate communion with God, a defining characteristic of his leadership throughout the entire book. The entire scenario serves as a vivid illustration of Psychological Warfare, where the enemy's primary weapon is not physical force but cunning words and schemes designed to undermine morale and sow despair, aiming to halt God's work without a single blow.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 6:9 powerfully illustrates the enduring biblical truth that God's work, though frequently met with fierce and cunning opposition, will ultimately be accomplished through the divine enablement of His faithful servants. Nehemiah's prayer for strength is not a plea for an easier path or the removal of adversaries, but rather a profound request for the fortitude and perseverance needed to continue in the face of relentless spiritual and psychological attacks. It underscores the fundamental principle that true strength for God's calling comes not from human might, cleverness, or strategic prowess, but from absolute and unwavering reliance on the Lord. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that when we are deeply engaged in God's purposes, and adversaries—whether external forces, internal doubts, or the subtle whispers of the enemy—seek to "weaken our hands" through fear, discouragement, or false accusations, our immediate and most potent response is to turn to the One who alone empowers. God delights in strengthening those who are weak in themselves but strong in Him, ensuring that His kingdom advances despite all obstacles and opposition.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 6:9 offers profound encouragement and a vital blueprint for believers navigating the multifaceted challenges of life and ministry today. We, too, often encounter "enemies" – whether they manifest as external opposition, internal doubts, overwhelming circumstances, or the subtle whispers of the adversary – that relentlessly seek to "weaken our hands" from the work God has called us to do. This weakening can manifest in various forms: debilitating discouragement, relentless criticism, spiritual burnout, the temptation to compromise, or the insidious urge to abandon a difficult but righteous path. Nehemiah's immediate and decisive response provides a crucial model: acknowledge the source and nature of the attack, recognize its ultimate aim to halt God's work, and immediately turn to God for supernatural strength. This isn't about mustering more human effort, grit, or willpower, but about humbly receiving divine empowerment that transcends our natural limitations and enables us to do what we cannot do in our own strength. When faced with the overwhelming nature of a God-given task or the insidious nature of opposition, remembering that our strength comes solely from God allows us to persevere with unwavering faith, knowing that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion. Our prayer should always echo Nehemiah's: for strengthened hands and unwavering resolve, enabling us to remain faithful to our divine calling, even when fear, doubt, and weariness loom large.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What kind of "fear" were the enemies trying to instill, and why was it so dangerous?
Answer: The enemies were attempting to instill a deep, pervasive, and demoralizing fear that went far beyond mere physical threat. Their primary goal was psychological warfare: to cause the Jewish people to lose their resolve, their courage, and their will to continue the work of rebuilding the wall. This fear was particularly dangerous because it targeted the very spirit and morale of the builders, aiming to make their "hands" (representing their effort, ability, and determination) "weakened" or slack. If successful, this insidious tactic would have led to the abandonment of the wall-building project, effectively halting God's redemptive work in Jerusalem and undermining the restoration of His people. It was a subtle but profoundly potent attack on morale, arguably more insidious and effective than direct physical assault, as it sought to defeat them from within.
Why did Nehemiah pray for "strengthen my hands" specifically, rather than for the enemies to be removed?
Answer: Nehemiah's prayer for "strengthen my hands" was a direct, precise, and spiritually astute counter to the enemy's specific tactic. The adversaries sought to "weaken their hands," meaning to cause them to lose their grip, their resolve, and their ability to work effectively. By praying "strengthen my hands," Nehemiah was asking God for divine enablement precisely where the enemy sought to disable. This wasn't a prayer for the removal of the problem or the immediate vanquishing of his foes, but for the empowerment to overcome the opposition from within, through renewed divine fortitude. It demonstrated his profound understanding that true strength for God's work comes from God alone, and that perseverance in the face of opposition is a spiritual battle requiring spiritual strength. His focus remained steadfast on completing the task God had given him, rather than being sidetracked by retaliating against his opponents or seeking their demise. This prayer exemplifies a mature faith that seeks God's power to endure and fulfill His purpose, rather than merely wishing for easier circumstances.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's earnest prayer for strengthened hands in the face of overwhelming opposition finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest redemptive meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Nehemiah was called to build physical walls for the restoration and security of a nation, Christ came to build His church, a spiritual temple against which the "gates of hell shall not prevail" (Matthew 16:18). Jesus Himself faced relentless and multifaceted opposition throughout His earthly ministry—from the temptations of Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), the constant scrutiny and hostility of the religious establishment, and ultimately, the agonizing suffering and death on the cross. Yet, He never allowed His "hands" to be weakened; instead, He resolutely "set His face to go to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51), fully empowered by the Father to complete the ultimate redemptive work of salvation. Furthermore, Christ, through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, empowers His followers to continue His work in the world. Just as Nehemiah needed divine strength to build the physical walls, believers today are called to build up the body of Christ and advance His kingdom, often encountering discouragement, spiritual attacks, and the world's opposition. The same God who supernaturally strengthened Nehemiah's hands now strengthens ours, enabling us to do "even greater works" through the power of the Spirit who dwells within us (John 14:12). We are commissioned to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8), and He faithfully promises to complete the good work He began in us until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Thus, Nehemiah 6:9 points forward to Christ as the inexhaustible source of all spiritual strength, enabling His people to persevere in their God-given tasks until His kingdom fully comes and His will is perfectly accomplished.