Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 7. To execute vengeance upon the heathen ] This may refer simply to their purpose of defending themselves to the uttermost, should their enemies attack them while building their wall: and they had every reason to believe that God would be with them; and that, if their enemies did attack them, they should be able to inflict the severest punishment upon them.
Punishments upon the people ] The unfaithful and treacherous Jews; for we find that some, even of their nobles, had joined with Sanballat and Tobiah; (see Neh. vi. 17-xix. ) and it appears also that many of them had formed alliances with those heathens, which were contrary to the law; see Neh. xiii. 15-29.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 6-9 - Some of God's servants of old were appointed to execute vengeanc according to his word. They did not do it from personal revenge of earthly politics, but in obedience to God's command. And the honou intended for all the saints of God, consists in their triumphs over the enemies of their salvation. Christ never intended his gospel should be spread by fire and sword, or his righteousness by the wrath of man. But let the high praises of God be in our mouths, while we wield the swor of the word of God, with the shield of faith, in warfare with the world, the flesh, and the devil. The saints shall be more tha conquerors over the enemies of their souls, through the blood of the Lamb and the word of his testimony. The completing of this will be in the judgement of the great day. Then shall the judgement be executed Behold Jesus, and his gospel church, chiefly in her millennial state He and his people rejoice in each other; by their prayers and effort they work with him, while he goes forth in the chariots of salvation conquering sinners by grace, or in chariots of vengeance, to destro his enemies _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew לעשׂות6213 נקמה5360 בגוים1471 תוכחת8433 בל1077 אמים׃3816
