Nehemiah's answer to the B. C. 445. a CHAPTER VI. 2 B. C. 445. message of Sanballat. A. M. 3559. NOW it came to pass, when San-|| the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, A. M. 3559. ballat, and Tobiah, and 'Geshem that thou and the Jews think to rethe Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard bel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that that I had builded the wall, and that there was thou mayest be their king, according to these no breach left therein; (though at that time I words. had not set up the doors upon the gates ;) с 2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. 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, while I leave it, and come down to you? 4 Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner. 5¶Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; 7 And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together. 8 Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. 9 For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. 10 Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, the son of Mehe 6 Wherein was written, It is reported among tabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us NOTES ON CHAPTER VI. Verses 1, 2. I had not set up the doors-Not all of them. Come, let us meet together-To consult about the common service of our master the king of Persia,|| or to make a friendly accommodation. In one of the villages in the plain of Ono-A city in the tribe of Benjamin, of which see chap. xi. 35; 1 Chron. viii. 12. But they thought to do me mischief-It is likely they intended to kill him, of which, perhaps, he had received some private intelligence. Verse 3. I am doing a great work-He acquainted them that he thought the business which they might have with him could not be of such importance as that which he had in hand; and therefore he would not put a stop to it to come and confer with them. Thus he tells them one, but not the only, nor the principal reason of his refusal; for he properly judged that it would answer no good end to intimate to them his suspicions of their design to compass his death. Verse 4. Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort-We must never be overcome by the greatest importunity to do any thing ill or imprudent: but when we are attacked with the same temptation, still resist it with the same reason and resolution. Verses 5, 6. With an open letter in his handBefore, the message was delivered by word of mouth, but now by letter; yet open, as speaking of a thing commonly known, or in order that every one might see of what he was accused. It is reported among the heathen-The neighbouring people, whom you proudly and disdainfully call heathen. And Gashmu saith it-Probably the same as Geshem, mentioned verse 1. That thou and the Jews think to d1 Chronicles viii. 12; Chap. xi. 35. Psa. xxxvii. 12, 32. 2 Or, Greshem, Verse 1. f Chap. ii. 19. rebel-Thus he endeavours to possess Nehemiah with an apprehension that his undertaking to build the walls of Jerusalem was generally considered as a factious and seditious proceeding, and would be resented accordingly at court. Some of the best men, even in their most innocent and excellent performances, have lain under a similar imputation. That thou mayest be king, according to these words—That is, according to these reports; or, according to these things, namely, when these things, which thou art now doing, shall be finished. Verse 7. Saying, There is a king in Judah-We have now a king of our own nation, and are free from the bondage of a foreign yoke. Come now, therefore, and let us take counsel together-That we may impartially examine the matter, that thy innocence may be cleared. Verse 9. For they all made us afraid-That is, they endeavoured to do so, and actually did terrify some persons. Now, therefore, O God, strengthen my hands-It is a great relief to good people, that in all their straits and difficulties they can have recourse to God, and by faith and prayer derive from him grace to silence their fears and strengthen their hands, while their enemies are endeavouring to fill them with fears and to weaken their hands. And this prayer of Nehemiah is particularly suitable when we are entering on any particular services or conflicts in our Christian warfare, and especially need to have our hands strengthened. Verse 10. I came into the house of ShemaiahWho was a pretended prophet, as appears from verse 12, and taken by Nehemiah for his friend, who therefore went to advise and consult with him at his house. Who was shut up-In his chamber adjoin Nehemiah prays to God B. C. 445. NEHEMIAH. B. C. 445. against his enemies. A. M. 3559. meet together in the house of God, || against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat A. M. 3559. within the temple, and let us shut the had hired him. doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee. 11 And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in. 12 And lo, I perceived that God had not sent || him; but that he pronounced this prophecy 8 Ezek. xiii. 22. hChap. xiii. 20. ing to the temple, either upon pretence of singular devotion and communion with God, or rather of having received certain knowledge, by the Spirit of|| God, of their approaching danger, from which they could be safe nowhere but in the temple. He probably intended also by this action to give Nehemiah to understand what he himself ought to do for his own security; for it was the manner of the prophets to instruct the people by actions and signs, as well as by words. Let us meet together within the temple-For the danger is so near that we cannot safely tarry here so long as to consult what to do in this juncture. For they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night, &c.-Even this very night will they fall upon thee; therefore consult thy safety by fleeing hither. Thus he hoped to intimidate Nehemiah, and thereby to strike a dread into all the people, and put a speedy and full stop to the work; which effect would indeed have been produced if Nehemiah had taken his advice, and through fear shut himself up: for then the people would have left their work, and every one have shifted for his own safety. He probably hoped also by this means to render Nehemiah contemptible among the people, by manifesting such cowardice as to desert his post and take refuge in the temple in time of danger; and by all these things to prepare the way for the enemies to assault and take the city. Verse 11. Should such a man as I flee ?-I, who am governor, and ought to show a good example of undaunted courage? I, upon whose presence, counsel, and conduct, the very life and being of the whole city and nation, in a great measure, depend? I, who have professed such resolution and confidence in God, and have had such eminent experience of his gracious and powerful assistance, of his calling me to this employment, and carrying me through it when our danger was greater than now it is? Shall I now dishonour God and religion, and betray the people and city of God, by my cowardice? God forbid! Who is there that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life?-Even though his life depended upon it. Shall I go in as if I had a bad cause or an evil conscience? as if I were a malefactor, and fled thither for refuge? as if I durst not trust God with my preservation except I went into the temple, which it is not lawful for me to do, not being a priest? 13 Therefore 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. h 14 My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat, according to these their works, and on the Prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear. 15 So the wall was finished in the twenty i Ezek. xiii. 17. Verse 12. I perceived that God had not sent him -Partly by considering the sinful nature and pernicious consequences of this counsel; partly by the suggestion of God's Spirit, whose direction I sought in this matter; and partly by the event, which manifested that there was no such danger from the approach of the enemy as was pretended. Verse 13. That I should be afraid, and do so, and sin-By going into a place forbidden to me, and that in such a manner, which would have been both sinful and shameful. That they might reproach me- -As a coward, and conscious of my own guilt, that they might make me contemptible and odious, both to my own people and to the king of Persia. Verse 14. My God, think thou upon Tobiah, &c. -Thou knowest their hearts, and art the avenger of falsehood and wrong; take cognizance of this cause, judge between me and them, and take what way and time thou pleasest to call them to an account for their actions. This prayer we are not to imitate; and whatever injuries are done to us we must not avenge ourselves, but commit our cause to Him that judgeth righteously. The Prophetess NoadiahOne that falsely pretended to the spirit of prophecy, to deceive and destroy Nehemiah. And the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear-The law of Moses enjoined the governors of the Jews to punish such as were proved to be false prophets; but because Nehemiah was not in a capacity to do it, having such powerful enemies round about him, and so many rich and powerful Jews highly discontented for their great loss by his means, he prays to God to remember and punish them. It appears from this, and many other passages, that there were among the Jews many that pretended to be prophets who had no divine commission, and often drew aside and deceived the people, who ought to have done as Nehemiah did here, to have considered the spirit of these prophets, whether they spoke that which was agreeable to the divine laws, and was likely to promote the glory of God. By this test they should have tried these prophets; and because they did not do so, they were led to hearken to them, for which they are often severely rebuked. Verse 15. The wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul-Answering part to our August and part to September. In fifty and two days-To be computed either from the time of The wall is finished CHAPTER VII. in fifty and two days. A. M. 3559. and fifth day of the month Elul, in || the letters of Tobiah came unto A. M. 3559. B. C. 445. fifty and two days. k 16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God. 17¶ Moreover, in those days the nobles of Judah 3 sent many letters unto Tobiah, and Psa. cxxvi. 2. Chap. ii. 10; iv. 1, 7 ; vi. 1.Sanballat's sending this letter to him, or, as most judge, from the beginning of the work, which, though a great thing, yet it is not at all incredible, considering, 1st, That the walls and gates were not wholly pulled down by the Chaldeans: for to what purpose should they make that waste of time and labour? 2d, That where the walls were thrown down, yet the materials remained, which they now used. 3d, That, in building the walls, they regarded not ornament, but only strength and safety. 4th, The great numbers of the builders, and the prudent distribution of the work among them, and their admirable zeal and diligence therein. 5th, That there want not parallel instances, even in heathen authors; for both Quintus Curtius and Arrian relate that Alexander the Great built the walls of new Alexandria, which were seven miles in compass, within twenty days' space. 6th, That the hand of God was manifest in carrying on this work, which enemies here acknowledge. Verse 16. They were much cast down in their own eyes-That is, in their opinion, or themselves being judges. For though usually men are very prone to judge partially, and still to flatter themselves with vain hopes, yet this case was so clear and remarkable that they began to despair. Now they saw that all was lost, that their designs were broken, and that their mischief was likely to fall upon their own heads. For they perceived that this work was of our God-From that admirable courage, constancy, and quickness, wherewith this work was managed, notwithstanding all the difficulties and discouragements in the way, they concluded that it was the work of the mighty God of Israel, whom they had great reason to fear. And withal they took it for an their very them. B. C. 445. - Or, matters. 3 Heb. multiplied their letters passing to Tobiah.ill omen to them, and a sure presage that God would still watch over that city and people, and crush those who should oppose or disturb them. Verses 17, 18. The nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah-Corresponding with him against Nehemiah, and against their own city and nation. So that, added to all the other wickedness of this people, there were false brethren among their great men, who favoured, aided, and abetted the designs of their enemies, verse 18. There were many in Judah sworn unto him-To be true to him in the prosecution of his wicked designs. Because his son had taken the daughter of Meshullam-This is mentioned to show the mischief of such unequal and forbidden marriages, and how reasonable and necessary Ezra's action was in the dissolution of them. Verse 19. Also, they reported his good deeds before me-To such a degree of impudence were they arrived, that they highly commended Tobiah as a very worthy man in the presence of Nehemiah, who knew so much of his wickedness. And uttered my words to him—Informed him of all I spake or did. We learn from the contents of this chapter, that pious people, especially those who labour for the glory of God, are exposed to many troubles and oppositions, not only from their declared enemies, who attack them with open force, or by craft and calumny, but also from those whom they look upon as their brethren. It appears also from the wise, steady, and pious conduct of Nehemiah, that those who labour for the public good ought never to be staggered by the threats and slanders of the wicked, because, with the blessing of God, who watches over them, they will happily overcome all opposition. A. M. 3559. B. C. 445. CHAPTER VII. Nehemiah appoints persons to keep the city, 1-4. Reviews the people, 5–73. B. C. 445. NOW it came to pass, when the wall || doors, and the porters, and the singers, A. M. 3559. was built, and I had a set up the and the Levites were appointed, a Chap. vi. 1. NOTES ON CHAPTER VII. summoned from all places to celebrate the dedicaVerses 1, 2. And the Levites were appointed-tion of the wall, as was done, chap. xii. 27. I gave When I had given orders that the Levites should be my brother Hanani-Of whom see chap. i. 1,2. And Register of those who returned B. C. 445. B. C. 436. 9 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two. A. M. 3559. 2 That I gave my brother Hanani, || Baanah. The number, I say, of the A. M. 3568. b and Hananiah, the ruler of the pa- men of the people of Israel was this; lace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faith- 8 The children of Parosh, two thousand a ful man, and feared God above many. hundred seventy and two. 3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house. 4 Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded. B. C. 536. 5 to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein, And my God put into my heart 6 These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city. 7 Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, 2 Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Heb. broad in spaces. Chap. ii. 8.- c Exod. xxviii. 21.Hananiah, the ruler of the palace--Of Nehemiah's court, justly called a palace, because he lived in great splendour, like a viceroy, though it was wholly at his own cost. Charge over JerusalemTo preserve its peace and safety, and to take particular care of shutting the gates of the city. For he was a faithful man-Namely, Hananiah, last mentioned: for it was needless to say any thing in commendation of Hanani, who had shown his piety and zeal for God and his country in taking a tedious journey from Jerusalem to Shushan, to inform Nehemiah of the sad state of Jerusalem, and to implore his helping hand to relieve it, chap. i. And feared God above many--More than most men did, or above the common pitch of piety. This is added as the ground and reason, both why he was faithful, and why Nehemiah put such confidence in him, because he knew that the fear of God would keep him from yielding to those temptations to perfidiousness which he was likely to meet with when Nehemiah was departed, and against which a man destitute of God's fear had no sufficient defence. Thus Nehemiah chose magistrates and officers, not out of any partial and carnal respects to his own kindred, or acquaintance, or favourites, but from true piety and 10 The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two. 11 The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen. 12 The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. 13 The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five. 14 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore. 15 The children of 3 Binnui, six hundred forty and eight. 16 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight. 17 The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two. 18 The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven. 19 The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven. 20 The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five. d Ezra ii. 1, &c. Or, Seraiah, Ezra ii. 2. Or, Bani. prudence, fixing on such as were most fit for, and would be most faithful in their employments. Verse 3. Let not the gates be opened until the sun be hot-Till it be clear and broad day; when the people will be ready in case of an assault. While they stand by-The watches appointed to that end. Nehemiah was now about to return to the court, and left the charge of the city to these in his absence. Every one to be over against his house-That is, every one in his turn keeping watch with others, in that watching-place which is next to his house. Verse 4. The houses were not builded-That is, not all, nor completely built; but only some slight buildings of boards or stones were erected, for the present use of the generality of the people. Verse 5. And my God put into my heart, &c.— Whatever good motion is put into our minds, we must acknowledge it to come from God; and even what is done by human prudence is to be ascribed to the direction of divine providence. To gather together the nobles and the rulers of the people-Not only for the particular end here mentioned, but for divers other weighty purposes and matters, of which the following chapters treat. That they might be reckoned by genealogy-In order that it might ap 4 44 The singers: the children of Asaph, a hun 24 The children of Hariph, a hundred and dred forty and eight. twelve. 25 The children of 5 Gibeon, ninety and five. 45 The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, 26 The men of Beth-lehem and Netophah, a|| the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, hundred fourscore and eight. the children of Shobai, a hundred thirty and 27 The men of Anathoth, a hundred twenty eight. and eight. 23 The men of 6 Beth-azmaveth, forty and two. 29 The men of Kirjath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three. 30 The men of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one. 46 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth, 47 The children of Keros, the children of 9 Sia, the children of Padon, 48 The children of Lebana, the children of 31 The men of Michmas, a hundred and Hagaba, the children of 10 Shalmai, twenty and two. 49 The children of Hanan, the children of 32 The men of Beth-el and Ai, a hundred Giddel, the children of Gahar, twenty and three. e 33 The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two. 34 The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. 35 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty. 36 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five. 37 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one. 38 The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty. f 39 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three. 50 The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, 51 The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah, 52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of "1 Nephishesim, 53 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 54 The children of 12 Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, 55 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah, 56 The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. 57 The children of Solomon's servants: the 40 The children of Immer, a thousand fifty children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the and two. pear to what family each person belonged, and where their ancient habitations lay, which, for a great number of them, were in the city, the peopling of which was now his design. I found a register of them which came up at the first-To wit, with Zerubbabel, as it follows, verse 7. But this following catalogue differs in some particulars from that in Ezra, chap. ii., of which see the notes there. The author of the Universal History observes, that though the genealogies had been once rectified, soon after the children of 13 Perida, 58 The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, i1 Chron. xxiv. 8.- 8 Or, Hodaviah, Ezra ii. 40, or, Judah, Ezra iii. 9.9 Or, Siaha. -10 Or, Shamlai. 11 Or, Nephusim. 12 Or, Bazluth.- 13 Or, Perudah. return, there were still many families of priests, Levites, and people, who could not make out their claim to their tribes. It is therefore likely that some of them were afterward enabled to do it, and were then inserted in this new register, together with those who came up with Nehemiah. Several of the old families, which came up on the first edict, might be, by this time, extinct, and these are the probable causes of the difference we find in the genealogies of the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. |