Nehemiah 6:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For they all made us afraid {H3372}, saying {H559}, Their hands {H3027} shall be weakened {H7503} from the work {H4399}, that it be not done {H6213}. Now therefore, O God, strengthen {H2388} my hands {H3027}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 6:9 encapsulates a critical moment in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, revealing the intensified psychological warfare waged by Nehemiah's adversaries. Their tactic was to sow fear and demoralization, aiming to weaken the resolve of the Jewish workers and halt the divine project. In response, Nehemiah, embodying faithful leadership, immediately turned to God, seeking supernatural strength to persevere against this insidious opposition and ensure the completion of the sacred task.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 6 marks a significant escalation in the opposition faced by Nehemiah and the returning exiles. Following earlier attempts at mockery, armed conspiracy, and internal strife (Nehemiah 4-5), Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem shift their strategy from overt threats to cunning deception and psychological warfare. Chapter 6 details a series of plots: attempts to lure Nehemiah away from the safety of the wall for assassination (Nehemiah 6:1-4), false accusations of rebellion against the Persian king (Nehemiah 6:5-7), and finally, the hiring of a false prophet, Shemaiah, to intimidate Nehemiah into seeking refuge in the temple, which would have discredited him and the work (Nehemiah 6:10-14). Verse 9 specifically addresses the verbal assault and fear-mongering designed to "weaken their hands," a direct attack on the morale and resolve of the builders. Nehemiah's immediate, prayerful response is characteristic of his leadership, mirroring his reliance on God seen from the very beginning of his mission, as in his initial prayer in [Nehemiah 1:4](/nehemiah/1-4 "Nehemiah 1:4 - Nehemiah's Prayer of Confession and Petition").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah unfold in the post-exilic period, roughly mid-5th century BC, during the reign of Artaxerxes I of Persia. The Jewish exiles had returned to a devastated Jerusalem, and the rebuilding of the city walls was not merely a construction project but a profound act of national and religious restoration, signifying security, identity, and the re-establishment of God's covenant people in their land. This endeavor was perceived as a political and economic threat by neighboring peoples, including the Samaritans (led by Sanballat), Ammonites (Tobiah), and Arabs (Geshem), who had enjoyed regional dominance in Jerusalem's absence. The phrase "weaken their hands" was a common ancient Near Eastern idiom for causing demoralization, loss of resolve, or inability to act. Such psychological tactics were potent in a world where morale was crucial for sustained effort, especially in large-scale communal projects or warfare.

* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 6:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Perseverance Amidst Opposition**, demonstrating Nehemiah's unwavering commitment to the divinely appointed task despite relentless and increasingly sophisticated attacks. The work of God, though challenged, must continue. Secondly, the verse underscores **Reliance on God**, as Nehemiah's immediate response to intimidation is not strategic counter-plotting but fervent prayer for divine strength. This exemplifies profound faith and dependence on God's power, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, where [those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Renewal of Strength for Those Who Wait on the Lord"). Thirdly, the enemy's aim to "weaken hands" points to **Spiritual Warfare**. The opposition was not merely against a physical wall but against God's redemptive purposes for His people. The weakening of hands symbolizes a loss of resolve and ability, a common tactic in spiritual battles to discourage believers from their calling, echoing the nature of our struggle against spiritual forces as described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - The Nature of Spiritual Warfare"). Lastly, Nehemiah's response serves as a powerful example of **Leadership by Example**, demonstrating how to respond to fear and intimidation with faith and prayer rather than succumbing to despair or retaliation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Afraid (Hebrew, _yare'_):** This verb signifies to fear, be terrified, or stand in awe. In this context, it describes the enemy's deliberate intent to instill dread and apprehension in the hearts of the builders. It's not merely a suggestion of potential harm, but an active psychological assault designed to paralyze through fear.
* **Weakened (Hebrew, _raphah'_):** Meaning to sink, relax, abandon, or let drop. This word conveys a loss of firmness, resolve, or energy. The enemy's goal was to cause the hands (representing effort and ability) to become slack, to lose their grip on the work, leading to its cessation. It implies a complete loss of morale and the will to continue.
* **Strengthen (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** This powerful verb means to be strong, firm, courageous, or to prevail. It encompasses not only physical robustness but also mental and spiritual fortitude. Nehemiah's prayer directly counters the enemy's aim, asking God to instill the very strength and unwavering resolve that the adversaries sought to diminish, enabling perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they all made us afraid, saying,"**: This clause identifies the pervasive nature of the opposition ("they all") and their primary method: verbal intimidation ("saying"). The fear was a direct result of their hostile pronouncements and schemes, designed to undermine confidence.
* **"Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done."**: This reveals the specific content and malicious intent of the enemy's message. "Hands" here is a metonymy for the workers' effort, ability, and resolve. The desired outcome was clear: for the builders to lose heart, abandon their tools, and consequently, for the vital work of rebuilding the wall to cease entirely.
* **"Now therefore, [O God], strengthen my hands."**: This is Nehemiah's immediate, decisive, and faith-filled response. The "Now therefore" indicates a direct counter to the preceding threat. Instead of succumbing to fear or devising a human strategy, Nehemiah turns directly to God, requesting divine empowerment. His prayer is not for the enemy to be removed, but for himself and, by extension, his people, to be supernaturally strengthened in their resolve and ability to complete the God-given task.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 6:9 effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Metonymy**, where "hands" are used to represent the effort, ability, and resolve of the workers. The enemy's desire to "weaken their hands" is not a literal physical weakening, but a psychological attack aimed at demoralizing them to the point of abandoning the work. This is directly contrasted by Nehemiah's prayer, "strengthen my hands," which is a plea for renewed courage, perseverance, and divine enablement in the face of intimidation. The verse also features **Juxtaposition**, setting the enemy's intent to instill fear and weakness against Nehemiah's immediate, faith-filled prayer for strength. This highlights the spiritual battle at play and the contrasting sources of power: human malice versus divine enablement. Furthermore, Nehemiah's prayer itself is a form of **Direct Address/Prayer**, showcasing his personal and immediate communion with God, a characteristic feature of his leadership throughout the book. The entire scenario is a vivid illustration of **Psychological Warfare**, where the enemy's primary weapon is not physical force but words designed to undermine morale and sow despair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 6:9 powerfully illustrates the biblical truth that God's work, though often met with fierce 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, but for the fortitude to persevere in the face of spiritual and psychological attacks. It underscores the principle that true strength for God's calling comes not from human might or cleverness, but from absolute reliance on the Lord. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that when we are engaged in God's purposes, and adversaries seek to "weaken our hands" through fear, discouragement, or false accusations, our immediate and most potent response is to turn to the One who empowers. God delights in strengthening those who are weak in themselves but strong in Him, ensuring that His kingdom advances despite all obstacles.

* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Renewal of Strength for Those Who Wait on the Lord")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 6:9 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating the challenges of life and ministry today. We, too, often encounter "enemies" – whether external opposition, internal doubts, or the subtle whispers of the adversary – that seek to "weaken our hands" from the work God has called us to do. This weakening can manifest as discouragement, criticism, burnout, or the temptation to abandon a difficult but righteous path. Nehemiah's response provides a vital blueprint: acknowledge the source of the attack, recognize its aim to halt God's work, and immediately turn to God for supernatural strength. This isn't about mustering more human effort, but about receiving divine empowerment that transcends our natural limitations. When faced with the overwhelming nature of a task or the insidious nature of opposition, remembering that our strength comes from God allows us to persevere, knowing that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion. Our prayer should always be for strengthened hands and unwavering resolve, enabling us to remain faithful to our divine calling, even when fear and doubt loom large.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "work" has God called you to do that feels threatened or challenged by external opposition or internal discouragement?**
* **In what ways do you experience attempts to "weaken your hands" (e.g., criticism, fear, weariness, temptation to quit)?**
* **How quickly do you turn to God in prayer when faced with such opposition, following Nehemiah's example?**
* **What specific areas of your life or ministry do you need God to "strengthen your hands" in today?**

### 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, demoralizing fear that went beyond mere physical threat. Their goal was psychological warfare: to cause the Jewish people to lose their resolve, their courage, and their will to continue the work. This fear was dangerous because it targeted the very spirit of the builders, aiming to make their "hands" (representing their effort, ability, and determination) "weakened" or slack. If successful, this 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 potent attack on morale, more insidious than direct physical assault.

**Why did Nehemiah pray for "strengthen my hands" specifically, rather than for the enemies to be removed?**

Answer: Nehemiah's prayer was a direct, targeted 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. 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, but for the empowerment to overcome it from within. It demonstrated his 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 divine fortitude. It also highlighted his focus on completing the task God had given him, rather than being sidetracked by retaliating against his opponents.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's prayer for strengthened hands in the face of opposition finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Nehemiah built physical walls for the restoration of a nation, Christ came to build His church, a spiritual temple whose "gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Building His Church")). Jesus Himself faced relentless opposition—from the religious establishment, the temptations of Satan, and ultimately, the agony of the cross. Yet, He never allowed His "hands" to be weakened; instead, He resolutely set His face toward Jerusalem ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus' Resolve to Go to Jerusalem")), empowered by the Father to complete the ultimate work of redemption. Furthermore, Christ, through the Holy Spirit, empowers His followers to continue His work in the world. Just as Nehemiah needed divine strength to build, believers today are called to build up the body of Christ and advance His kingdom, often facing discouragement, spiritual attacks, and the world's opposition. The same God who strengthened Nehemiah's hands now strengthens ours, enabling us to do "even greater works" through the power of the Spirit ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works Through Believers")). We are commissioned to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit for Witness")), and He promises to complete the good work He began in us ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")). Thus, Nehemiah 6:9 points forward to Christ as the source of all spiritual strength, enabling His people to persevere in their God-given tasks until His kingdom fully comes.

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 138:3

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, [and] strengthenedst me [with] strength in my soul.

Ephesians 3:16

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Nehemiah 4:10

And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and [there is] much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

Nehemiah 4:14

And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, [which is] great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

1 Samuel 30:6

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.