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Nehemiah 6:16

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Nehemiah 6:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And it came to pass, when all our enemies heard [thereof], that all the nations that were about us feared, and were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And it came to pass, when all our enemies heard [thereof], that all the nations that were about us feared, and were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
Nehemiah 6:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Nehemiah 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13For this cause was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.
14Remember, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.
15So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth [day] of [the month] Elul, in fifty and two days.
16And it came to pass, when all our enemies heard [thereof], that all the nations that were about us feared, and were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
17Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and [the letters] of Tobiah came unto them.
18For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah; and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah to wife.
19Also they spake of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. [And] Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.
← Nehemiah 6:15Nehemiah 6:17 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, etc.] That the wall was finished: and all the Heathen that were about us saw these things; the neighbouring nations, who not only heard with their ears, but saw with their eyes what was done: they were much cast down in their own eyes; through shame and confusion, because of their own scoffs and jeers; through grief and vexation at the unexpected success of the Jews, and through the fear of them that was fallen upon them, as Jarchi notes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God; his special providence and blessing attending it, as appeared by its being so soon effected.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“when all our enemies: Neh 2:10, Neh 4:1, Neh 4:7, Neh 6:1, Neh 6:2 for they perceived: Exo 14:25; Num 23:23; Jos 5:1; Psa 126:2; Act 5:38 Nehemiah 6:17”
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Related study paths

Read Nehemiah 6 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification