Nehemiah 6:3

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?

And I sent {H7971} messengers {H4397} unto them, saying {H559}, I am doing {H6213} a great {H1419} work {H4399}, so that I cannot {H3201} come down {H3381}: why should the work {H4399} cease {H7673}, whilst {H834} I leave {H7503} it, and come down {H3381} to you?

so I sent them messengers with this message: "I'm too busy with important work to come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to come down to you?"

So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?”

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?

Commentary

Nehemiah 6:3 presents a powerful declaration from Nehemiah, the leader of the Jewish people returning from exile, as he responds to the deceptive overtures of his adversaries. This verse encapsulates his unwavering commitment to the monumental task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

Context

At this point in the book of Nehemiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls is nearing completion, despite relentless opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and their allies. These enemies, unable to stop the physical construction, resort to cunning psychological warfare. They invite Nehemiah to a meeting in the plain of Ono, a remote location, clearly intending to harm him or distract him from his vital work (Nehemiah 6:1-2). Nehemiah's response in verse 3 is direct and definitive, revealing his discernment and steadfastness.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Focus: Nehemiah's primary message is one of singular dedication. He recognizes the "great work" as paramount and refuses to be sidetracked by personal threats or political ploys. His priorities are clear: God's mission comes first.
  • Resistance to Distraction: The verse highlights the importance of identifying and rejecting distractions that threaten to derail progress in significant endeavors, especially those with spiritual implications. Nehemiah understands that engaging with his enemies on their terms would lead to the cessation of the vital work.
  • Priority of God's Work: Nehemiah refers to the rebuilding as "a great work," underscoring its divine significance and the immense effort and focus it required. He sees it not just as a construction project but as a sacred task entrusted to him by God.
  • Wise Leadership: Nehemiah demonstrates astute leadership by discerning the true intentions behind the invitation and refusing to fall into a trap. His firm refusal protects both himself and the progress of the project.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a great work" (Hebrew: melakha gedolah) emphasizes the significant scope and spiritual importance of rebuilding Jerusalem. It was not merely a civic project but a restoration of God's people and their worship. Nehemiah's declaration, "I cannot come down," signifies his refusal to descend from the high calling and weighty responsibility he was carrying to engage in what would be a detrimental diversion.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 6:3 offers profound lessons for believers today. We often face "great works" in our own lives, whether in ministry, personal development, or professional callings, which require immense focus and dedication. This verse encourages us to:

  • Guard Our Focus: Identify and eliminate distractions that pull us away from our core responsibilities and God-given purposes. Just as Nehemiah refused to "come down," we must learn to say no to anything that compromises our commitment to truly important tasks.
  • Discern Deception: Be aware of the subtle ways opposition can manifest, often disguised as invitations or opportunities that are actually traps designed to halt our progress.
  • Prioritize God's Calling: Recognize that the most significant work we do is often tied to God's will. Maintaining a steadfast commitment to this "great work" ensures its completion and honors His purpose. Nehemiah's resolve is a model for pressing toward the mark of a high calling, refusing to be sidetracked from the ultimate goal.
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 10:16 (7 votes)

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

  • John 9:4 (7 votes)

    I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

  • 1 Timothy 4:15 (5 votes)

    Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

  • 1 Timothy 4:16 (5 votes)

    Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

  • Proverbs 14:15 (4 votes)

    ¶ The simple believeth every word: but the prudent [man] looketh well to his going.

  • Luke 14:30 (4 votes)

    Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:10 (3 votes)

    Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.