Definition: And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Nehemiah 4:11. It’s a pretty serious warning about a group of people who were causing trouble. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: These people were actively working to undermine and destroy the community of Judah, specifically focusing on the Jewish people. They weren't just passively causing problems; they were deliberately trying to sabotage everything we were doing – our rebuilding efforts, our religious practices, everything. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Our adversaries…” : This refers to a group of individuals who were actively working against us. We don't know who these people were exactly, but they were determined to hinder our progress and cause trouble. “…they shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them…” : This is the core of the warning. They were planning a coordinated attack – essentially, they were preparing for an ambush. “Come in the midst” : This means they’d appear suddenly and unexpectedly. It's like a surprise attack. “Slay them” : This is a strong word – it means to kill or destroy people. It suggests a deliberate plan to eliminate our community. “…and cause the work to cease.” : They weren’t just trying to damage things; they were stopping everything we were doing – rebuilding, praying, celebrating – and making it impossible for us to continue. Overall Meaning: This verse is a powerful message about vigilance and protection against those who are actively working to undermine our community. It emphasizes the importance of being watchful, prepared, and ready to defend ourselves when threats arise. It’s a call to stand firm and not let negativity or opposition deter us from fulfilling our mission. Important Context (Briefly): Nehemiah was in charge of rebuilding Jerusalem after years of exile. This verse is a dramatic warning about the potential threat posed by those who were actively trying to disrupt that rebuilding process. It’s often interpreted as a reminder to remain vigilant and protect ourselves from enemies, both internal and external. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Connect it to other Bible stories or themes?