Definition: And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and [there is] much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 4:10. It's a really important message about rebuilding and responsibility. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: “Judah said…” – This refers to Judah, which was the people of Israel at that time. “…The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed…” – This means that the things that were once strong and reliable (like their infrastructure or community) have become weak and broken down. Think of it like a tree branch that’s fallen off. “[there is] much rubbish…” - This refers to all the problems, corruption, waste, and bad habits that had accumulated over time. It's not just about physical things; it's about something negative that's rotting away. “…so that we are not able to build the wall.” – This is the key point. Because of this decay and rubbish, Judah couldn’t continue building the wall (the border around Jerusalem). It was too difficult, unstable, and full of problems. In a nutshell: Nehemiah is saying that if things aren't cared for, maintained, and cleaned up, they become damaged and can’t be used effectively. It highlights the importance of responsibility and addressing issues to prevent them from causing more harm. What does this mean in practical terms? This verse speaks to several important ideas: Responsibility: It emphasizes that everyone has a responsibility to care for what they own and influence their environment. Maintenance & Repair: It suggests that things need to be maintained, cleaned up, and repaired to remain useful. Prevention is Better Than Cure: It’s better to address problems before they become overwhelming than to try to fix them later. Does this have a specific historical context? Yes, it does! Nehemiah was a leader in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem during a time when Judah was facing internal problems and political instability. This verse is a reminder that rebuilding isn't just about physical structures; it’s about rebuilding trust, stability, and community. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you an example of how this principle applies in a different situation?