John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 7. And it came to pass that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians , etc.] Who were under and influenced by Geshem the Arabian: and the Ammonites ; over whom Tobiah was governor: and the Ashdodites ; who were of Ashdod or Azotus, one of the principalities of the Philistines, who were always enemies to the Jews: heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up ; or “the length of them went up” f27 ; that is, the height of them; that they rose up high apace, and were got up to, or almost to their proper height: and that the breaches began to be stopped ; for the walls were not all thrown down by the Chaldeans, but breaches made here and there, which were now repaired: then they were very wroth ; and could not avoid showing it; before they mocked them, as attempting what they could not go through with; but now, perceiving the work went on with great success, they were enraged.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 7-15 - The hindering good work is what bad men aim at, and promise themselve success in; but good work is God's work, and it shall prosper. God ha many ways of bringing to light, and so of bringing to nought, the devices and designs of his church's enemies. If our enemies cannot frighten us from duty, or deceive us into sin, they cannot hurt us Nehemiah put himself and his cause under the Divine protection. It wa the way of this good man, and should be our way. All his cares, all his griefs, all his fears, he spread before God. Before he used any means he made his prayer to God. Having prayed, he set a watch against the enemy. If we think to secure ourselves by prayer, without watchfulness we are slothful, and tempt God; if by watchfulness, without prayer, we are proud, and slight God: either way, we forfeit his protection. God' care of our safety, should engage and encourage us to go on with vigou in our duty. As soon as a danger is over, let us return to our work and trust God another time.
Original Hebrew ויהי1961 כאשׁר834 שׁמע8085 סנבלט5571 וטוביה2900 והערבים6163 והעמנים5984 והאשׁדודים796 כי3588 עלתה5927 ארוכה724 לחמות2346 ירושׁלם3389 כי3588 החלו2490 הפרצים6555 להסתם5640 ויחר2734 להם מאד׃3966
