John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 6. Wherein was written, it is reported among, the Heathen , etc.] Among the several neighbouring nations; it was an affair that was not whispered about among a few only; it was common talk, it was in every body’s mouth in divers nations: and Gashmu saith it ; the same with Geshem the Arabian; he affirms it, and will abide by his assertion, and engages to make good what he says; he mentions him by name, who he knew would not be offended with him for making use of it, and who doubtless agreed that he should; that Nehemiah might not think this was the talk of some of the lower rank of the people, but even was averred by no less than the king’s governor in Arabia: that thou and the Jews think to rebel ; that they had formed a scheme, and were taking measures to raise a rebellion against the king of Persia, and revolt from him: for which cause thou buildest the wall ; the wall of Jerusalem, for their security against any force that might be sent to quell them: that thou mayest be their king, according to these words ; written in this epistle, and reported among the Heathens.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - Let those who are tempted to idle merry meetings by vain companions thus answer the temptation, We have work to do, and must not neglec it. We must never suffer ourselves to be overcome, by repeated urgency to do anything sinful or imprudent; but when attacked with the sam temptation, must resist it with the same reason and resolution. It is common for that which is desired only by the malicious, to be falsel represented by them as desired by the many. But Nehemiah knew at what they aimed, he not only denied that such things were true, but tha they were reported; he was better known than to be thus suspected. We must never omit any known duty for fear it should be misconstrued; but while we keep a good conscience, let us trust God with our good name God's people, though loaded with reproach, are not really fallen so lo in reputation as some would have them thought to be. Nehemiah lifted u his heart to Heaven in a short prayer. When, in our Christian work an warfare, we enter upon any service or conflict, this is a good prayer I have such a duty to do, such a temptation to grapple with; now therefore, Of God, strengthen my hands. Every temptation to draw us from duty, should quicken us the more to duty.
Original Hebrew כתוב3789 בה בגוים1471 נשׁמע8085 וגשׁמו1654 אמר559 אתה859 והיהודים3064 חשׁבים2803 למרוד4775 על5921 כן3651 אתה859 בונה1129 החומה2346 ואתה859 הוה1933 להם למלך4428 כדברים1697 האלה׃428
