Definition: And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Nehemiah 4. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling verse, and it speaks to a serious problem facing a Jewish community. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Problem: The verse is describing a situation where the Jewish people in Jerusalem were not actively defending themselves against a hostile force – essentially, they weren’t prepared for a potential attack. It highlights a lack of preparedness and a sense of weakness. Let's unpack it word by word: "And he spake before his brethren..." - This means Nehemiah was speaking to the leaders and people of Jerusalem. "...and the army of Samaria..." - The "army of Samaria" refers to a group of Jewish people who had been exiled from their homes in Samaria centuries ago. They were a significant part of the Jewish community at the time. This suggests there was a historical connection and perhaps a lingering presence. "...and said, What do these feeble Jews?" - This is the crucial part. The speaker isn't praising them; they’re pointing out their lack of action. "Feeble" means weak or lacking in strength. "...will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?" - This is where it gets really serious. The speaker is asking: “What’s the point of all this effort? Why are they so concerned with building walls, offering sacrifices, and trying to restore these ruins when they're clearly not prepared?” Putting it All Together – The Meaning Nehemiah was worried that the Jewish community in Jerusalem wasn’t taking the threat seriously enough. They were focused on appearing strong, but weren't actually doing anything to defend themselves against potential danger. He was asking himself: “Are we really ready for what might happen? Are we truly prepared?” The Significance & Interpretation This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the importance of vigilance and preparedness in times of crisis. It’s a reminder that strength isn't just about physical power; it’s also about being aware of potential threats and taking proactive steps to protect yourself. It speaks to a time when a community needed to be more robust and ready for conflict. In essence, the verse is a call to action – to not simply hope for protection but to actively prepare for challenges. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage in more detail? Connect it to other Bible stories or themes (like exile, faith, or defense)? Discuss the historical context of this verse?

Definition: In what place [therefore] ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Nehemiah 4:20. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious passage about a crisis and a call to action. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that when there’s a loud, urgent sound – like a trumpet – it's time for us to go to a specific place. And crucially, God is actively involved and fighting for us. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “In what place [therefore] ye hear the sound of the trumpet…” : This tells us where we need to go. It's referring to a specific location – likely a city or town. The word "place" is key here, suggesting it’s not just any place; it's a designated spot. “…resort ye thither unto us:” This means “go there to us.” It’s a direct instruction to go to our location. “Our God shall fight for us” : This is the really powerful part. It signifies that God isn't just passively watching; He’s actively working to help us overcome a challenge. "Fight for us" means He’s using His power and strength to protect and defend us. Putting it all together – A Possible Interpretation: Nehemiah is telling us that when there’s a significant problem or danger in our community, God has initiated a battle. He's sending a signal (the trumpet) to alert us to the need for help. It means we should go to a specific place to be part of that effort and receive support from God. Context is Important: The verse appears after Nehemiah’s people had been experiencing a severe problem – they were being attacked by enemies. This verse reflects a time of great urgency and divine intervention. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning behind this particular verse in more detail? Give you some historical context about when this passage was written?

Definition: So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 4:21. It's a really interesting story about dedication and hard work! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a group of people working very diligently – almost tirelessly – to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They weren’t just doing the work, they were actively labouring – meaning they were putting in a lot of effort and energy. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “So we laboured…” : This means they were working hard, diligently, and with purpose. It wasn’t just casual activity; there was a sense of commitment. “…in the work…” : They were focused on a specific task – rebuilding the walls. “And half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.” This is the key part! It describes what they were doing. Here's what it means: Spears: These are kind of like long, sturdy sticks or poles used for defense and to hold things. Rising of the morning… till the stars appeared: This is a poetic way of saying they worked very early in the day – really early, even before the sun was fully up. The "stars appearing" part suggests they were working late into the night, perhaps monitoring progress or making sure everything was being done correctly. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse paints a picture of immense dedication and perseverance. It’s not just about completing a task; it's about commitment to a long-term goal – rebuilding a city. It highlights the importance of hard work, diligence, and unwavering effort in achieving something significant. In short, this verse tells us that these people were working incredibly hard, and a large portion of them were actively guarding the walls of Jerusalem throughout the night. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Talk about the context of the story in Nehemiah? Discuss the symbolism behind this imagery (like the stars)?

Definition: Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 4:22. It's a really important passage about how God wants to work with His people. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling the people of Jerusalem – specifically, the builders and workers – to stay in the city while they’re working on their projects. He wants them to be a watchful, protective group, like a garrison or watchmen, all night long. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Nehemiah 4:22..." : This is a specific passage from the book of Nehemiah, which tells about a time when Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after a period of chaos. "Likewise at the same time said I unto the people..." : This means God is giving instructions to the people at the same time . It’s not just one instruction; it's multiple ones. "...Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem..." : God is telling them to invite everyone – including those who are working – to stay in the city. "Lodge" means to stay or reside. "...that in the night they may be a guard to us..." : This is crucial. It’s not just about having people inside the city; it's about them being vigilant . They need to be watchful and alert. "Guard" means to watch over something, protect it. "...and labour on the day." : This tells them to work while they're staying in the city. It’s a call to action – to continue with their building or work. So, putting it all together: God is saying, “Let everyone stay in the city while you are working. Keep watch throughout the night, protecting the city and working hard.” It's a clear instruction for people to be actively involved in rebuilding and maintaining Jerusalem while God is working with them. Why is this important? This verse shows that God doesn’t just want us to be in the city; He wants us to participate in it, to work towards His purposes. It emphasizes the importance of being active and involved in God's plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of this verse in more detail? Connect this passage to other Bible stories or themes? Give you some context about Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem?

Definition: So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, [saving that] every one put them off for washing.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 4:23. It’s a really important and fascinating detail about how the people in Jerusalem were preparing for a big event! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: They weren’t just putting on their clothes – they were taking them off to wash them. Let’s unpack it further: “So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me…” : This tells us who was involved. It's about a group of people led by Nehemiah and his team – essentially, the leadership of Jerusalem during that time. It’s emphasizing that everyone was involved in this action. “…none of us put them off for washing.” : This is the core of the verse. They were taking their clothes off to wash them. Why was this important? This wasn't just a casual thing. It’s believed that Nehemiah and his team were preparing for a significant event – likely a large festival or celebration. The act of washing their clothes was a symbolic act of purification and preparation, meant to be seen by God and reflect the righteousness of the people. What does this tell us about the time? This verse helps us understand that: Focus on Righteousness: The focus wasn't just on what they were wearing, but how they were preparing themselves – showing their commitment to God and being ready for a holy event. Careful Detail: The detail of taking clothes off to wash them shows a high level of attention to detail and reverence. In short, it’s a story about thorough preparation and a focus on righteousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this event in more detail?