Definition: Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and [that] there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Nehemiah 6:1. It’s a little tricky to understand completely, but here’s my explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a disagreement between Nehemiah and his enemies – Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and others – over a wall he had built in Jerusalem. They were hearing about this wall and were trying to find a way to stop it. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now it came to pass…” : This is just a way of saying "It happened." It's an introductory phrase that sets the stage for what follows. “…when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies…” : This lists the people who were aware of the wall’s existence. It's a group of people who wanted to oppose it. "...heard that I had built the wall..." : They learned about Nehemiah’s work on the wall. “[that] there was no breach left therein…” : This is the crucial part. They were trying to figure out how to stop the wall, and they thought they could find a way to prevent any damage or opening. “though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates” : This is where it gets interesting. Nehemiah didn't yet have doors on the walls. This meant he was building the wall without security measures – it was open and vulnerable. So, what’s the point of this verse? It shows that Nehemiah was incredibly diligent and focused on his work. He didn't let anyone stop him! He was so committed to completing the wall that he didn't prioritize safety or security. This is a testament to his dedication. In short, it’s a story about a stubborn person who stubbornly continued building something without thinking about potential problems. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to a broader theme (like perseverance or dedication)?

Definition: Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who [was] shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Nehemiah 6:10. It's a really serious warning about danger! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Nehemiah was a leader of Jerusalem. He discovered that a group of people – likely thieves and robbers – were plotting to kill him. They were planning to attack him and, ultimately, kill him. What the Verse Says: “Later I came unto the house of Shemaiah…” : This refers to a man named Shemaiah who lived in a special place called “the house of God” – which is essentially a temple or sacred space. “…the son of Delaiah…” : Shemaiah was a trusted and important figure. “…the son of Mehetabeel…” : This is another name for Shemaiah, further establishing his importance. "[was] shut up; and he said…” : Shemaiah was imprisoned or confined. “Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.” This is the core of the warning. Shemaiah told Nehemiah that he needed to gather his people together inside the temple – a place dedicated to God – and lock the doors. He was telling him that these attackers were coming to attack him, especially at night . What It Means (Simplified): This verse is a clear warning about danger . It's saying that enemies are actively plotting against Nehemiah and his people. They’re not just casually bothering him; they’re deliberately trying to harm him. The message is: Be vigilant, be prepared, and protect yourself. Key Takeaway: It’s a call to prayer and protection – reminding us that we need to stay safe and aware of potential threats. Important Context (briefly): This passage is part of a larger story about the persecution of Jewish people during the Second Temple period in Judea. It highlights a time of great danger for those who followed God's laws. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss what this passage might be teaching us about faith, courage, or protection?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 6:11. It’s a really important passage about leadership and responsibility! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core Situation: Nehemiah was the governor of Jerusalem during a time when the city was in chaos – people were arguing, looting, and generally behaving badly. He was worried about the safety of the city and its people. What Nehemiah Said: He realized that this person (we don't know exactly who he’s talking about) was a leader who was causing trouble. He felt like he was too humble to risk his own life in a dangerous situation. So, he decided to flee . What "Who [is there]…?" Means: This is the crucial part! The verse asks: “Who [is there] that would go into the temple to save their life?” It’s not about a specific person right now . It's asking who could be trusted to protect the holy place – the Temple – and ensure it was safe. What Nehemiah Said: “I will not go in.” This is his clear answer. He felt that this individual wasn't trustworthy enough to handle the situation, especially with the potential danger of the city. He prioritized his own safety over the safety of the Temple and the people. The Big Takeaway: This verse highlights several important truths: Responsibility: Leadership carries a responsibility – not just to govern, but also to protect what’s sacred and valuable. Humility: It shows that even powerful leaders need to be humble and cautious. It's okay to admit you don't have the answers or the ability to handle a difficult situation. Trustworthiness: The verse emphasizes the importance of trusting those who are entrusted with important roles. In short, Nehemiah was prioritizing his own safety over the safety of the Temple and the people, demonstrating a thoughtful and cautious approach to leadership. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Nehemiah? Discuss the context of this story more deeply?

Definition: And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 6:12. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising part of the story. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where God is directly accusing someone – in this case, Nehemiah – of doing something wrong. He’s essentially saying that someone (likely Tobiah and Sanballat) tricked him into making a prophecy against him. Let's unpack it further: "And, lo, I perceived..." : This is a way of saying "I realized." It means Nehemiah saw something clearly – he understood that this person was involved in a deceitful act. "...that God had not sent him..." : This is the core of the accusation. God isn't sending Nehemiah to do anything. He’s saying that someone else has been manipulating him and making a false prophecy. "...but that he pronounced this prophecy against me:" : This emphasizes that Nehemiah was specifically targeted by this person. He wasn't just accused; he was given a specific statement – a prophecy – that said something negative about him. "For Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him." : This is the crucial detail. The people who hired Tobiah and Sanballat (who were likely involved in the deception) helped this person to make the prophecy. They were complicit in the act of tricking Nehemiah. What does it mean practically? This verse highlights a serious issue of deception and manipulation. It suggests that someone is using their position or influence to deliberately cause trouble and harm. It's a clear example of being tricked into doing something you shouldn’t. Why was this significant in the Bible? It speaks to several important themes: Divine Justice: God is actively intervening to punish those who are dishonest and deceptive. Accountability: It shows that Nehemiah is held accountable for his actions, even though he wasn’t directly involved in the deception himself. Importance of Trust: The verse emphasizes the importance of trusting God and relying on His guidance rather than on human deceit. In short, this verse paints a picture of a situation where someone deliberately tricked Nehemiah into making a false accusation, and it highlights God's displeasure with that action. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or event?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 6:13. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling passage about leadership and responsibility. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a leader (we’ll call him “he”) who was deliberately trying to cause trouble for the people of Jerusalem, hoping to make them look bad and ashamed. He was essentially seeking to shame them into doing something wrong. Let's unpack it word by word: “Therefore [was] he hired…” - This means this leader was tasked with a specific job – to cause trouble. “…that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and [that] they might have [matter] for an evil report…” - This is the core of the verse. He’s telling us he wanted to do something wrong – to provoke shame and negative attention on the people of Jerusalem. The word "matter" here suggests a significant impact, like a scandal or a lasting bad reputation. “…that they might reproach me.” - This is the key consequence. “Reclaim” or “ reproach” means to criticize, to make someone look foolish or ashamed. The leader was hoping this would lead to the people of Jerusalem looking down on him and his actions. Putting it all together: Nehemiah 6:13 describes a leader who deliberately set out to cause trouble for the sake of making the people of Jerusalem look bad. He wanted to provoke shame and criticism, hoping it would damage their reputation and bring them into disfavor. It's a very serious situation – it highlights the potential dangers of unchecked power and the importance of ethical leadership. Important Context: This passage is found in the Book of Nehemiah, which tells us about the leader's actions while he was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after a period of chaos. It’s a cautionary tale about the consequences of seeking to cause harm through wrongdoing. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, we could talk about: The context of Nehemiah’s situation What "reclaim" or " reproach" means Why this verse is a warning about leadership

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Nehemiah 6:14. It’s a really important warning about how leaders should handle situations involving those who are speaking out against God or the authorities. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Nehemiah is worried about potential threats to his people – specifically, Tobiah and Sanballat, as well as Noadiah (a prophetess). He's asking God to think about these individuals and their actions. He’s concerned that these people might try to discourage or even harm him and his community. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat…” : This is the main point – Nehemiah is pleading with God to monitor these individuals closely. He wants God's watchful attention on their activities. “…according to these their works…” : This means he’s asking God to look at what they are doing . It’s not just about their words, but also about their actions – how they behave, what they do, and how they treat others. “…and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets…” : This expands the scope beyond just Tobiah and Sanballat. He's including other important people who are speaking out against injustice or challenging the established order – the prophets. "...that would have put me in fear." : This is the crucial part. Nehemiah believes that if these individuals were actively trying to undermine him, or even threaten his position as leader, it could cause him anxiety and fear. He’s worried about being vulnerable to their attempts to discourage him. What does this mean practically? This verse is a reminder of the importance of: Careful Observation: Leaders should be aware of who is speaking out against them or the established order. Protecting Yourself and Your People: It's wise to anticipate potential threats and take steps to safeguard yourself and your community from harm. Humility & Wisdom: Nehemiah’s concern highlights the importance of wisdom and understanding. It suggests that it’s not enough to just react to problems; you need to be thoughtful about how you respond and what actions might be harmful. In essence, this verse is a call for vigilance, protection, and wise leadership. It's a reminder that God cares deeply about the well-being of those who are speaking truth and that leaders should be aware of potential dangers. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific story or historical context?

Definition: So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth [day] of [the month] Elul, in fifty and two days.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 6:15. It’s a really important part of understanding how the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was managed! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that the wall was completed in a specific timeframe – about twenty-five days into the month of Elul (which is a special time of year). Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “So” : This word introduces a continuation or completion. “The wall was finished” : This means the construction of the wall – the structure itself – had been completed. “In the twenty and fifth [day] of [the month] Elul…” : This is the key part! “The twenty and fifth” : It’s specifying a precise number of days. It's not just "twenty-five days," it's exactly twenty-five days into the month of Elul. “[the month] Elul…” : This is important! “Elul” was a time of year when people were praying and preparing for the rebuilding of the city. It’s essentially a period of intense focus and planning. “in fifty and two days” : This tells us that the wall was finished after those twenty-five days. It's a little tricky – it means 50 days + 2 days = 52 days total. In short, this verse describes a carefully planned and executed completion of the wall’s construction. What does it tell us about the rebuilding? This verse is significant because it shows that the rebuilding of Jerusalem wasn't just about building stone and mortar. It was a huge undertaking requiring meticulous planning and timing. It demonstrates a focus on order, precision, and dedication to completing a monumental task. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about the significance of Elul? Would you like me to explain why this timeframe is important?

Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Nehemiah 6:16. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about a significant event. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: An Enemy Attack: The verse describes a situation where enemies attacked the Jewish people, specifically the Israelites. Hatheb People (All the Heathens): "Hatheb" means "all," or "every." This refers to all the non-Jewish people living in the region – those who weren’t part of the Jewish community. Seeing the Defeat: The enemies heard about the attack and saw the Israelites suffering. Feeling Downcast (Sad): This is the key point. The enemies felt deeply ashamed, worried, and even angry because they saw the Israelites losing their strength and standing. What it Means – A Deeper Look: "When all our enemies heard [thereof]..." This means that everyone who was against us - all those who opposed us - heard about what happened. "...and all the heathen that [were] about us saw [these things]:" This is where it gets a little more complex. "Heathens" are people outside of our community – those we didn’t consider part of the Jewish group. The verse says they saw what was happening. "...they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God." This is the core message. The enemies felt deeply ashamed because they realized that this – this – was a result of God’s action. It wasn't accidental; it was something we did, and it was being done by God. In simpler terms: The enemies were feeling really bad about themselves because they saw us losing our power and standing. They felt like we were failing under the influence of a force beyond our control – God’s will. Why is this important? This verse highlights several key themes: God's Sovereignty: It emphasizes that God is in control, even when we make mistakes. He works through us, but He also protects and guides us. Responsibility: It reminds us that we are accountable for our actions and choices, especially when they affect others. Humility: It encourages us to be humble – recognizing that we don't always have all the answers or understand everything perfectly. Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific story in the Bible? Discuss its relevance today?

Definition: Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and [the letters] of Tobiah came unto them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 6:17. It’s a little tricky at first, but it’s about responsibility and forgiveness. Here's the explanation in simple terms: Basically, it means: The nobles of Judah (a group of powerful leaders) sent letters to Tobiah. Think of them as high-ranking officials within the community of Judah. Tobiah received these letters. He was a man who was given a specific task – he was expected to help rebuild a temple in Jerusalem. What’s happening next? The verse says that Tobiah's letters came to them. This means those nobles were responsible for delivering and handling those letters. It’s like they were the ones who were receiving and managing this important message. Why is this significant? This highlights a few things: Accountability: The nobles were held accountable for what happened to Tobiah's letters. They had a responsibility to handle them properly. Justice: It suggests that there was a need for justice and that the nobles weren’t handling the situation well enough. In short, it's a story about leadership, responsibility, and potentially some kind of correction. --- Do you want me to explain another Bible verse? Perhaps one with a slightly more complex meaning? Or would you like me to focus on a specific theme, like forgiveness or obedience? Just let me know!

Definition: For [there were] many in Judah sworn unto him, because he [was] the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 6:18. It’s a bit complex, but here's the gist in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where there were people in Judah who were sworn to support and protect King Shechem. It highlights a specific group of people involved in a past event. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For [there were] many in Judah…” – This means there was a large group of people living in Judah, which is the area around Jerusalem at this time. “…sworn unto him…” - They were pledged to support someone. They made a promise to help this person. “because he [was] the son in law of Shechaniah…” – This identifies the person being supported. Shechem was a very important and powerful figure in ancient Judah, and his son, Johanan, was a close advisor and official. “Son in law” means he was a trusted member of the royal family. “…the son of Arah…” - Arah was a woman who served as a scribe (a record-keeper) for Shechem. “and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.” – This is the key part. Johanan, the son of Shechem, took this young woman named Meshullam. Meshullam was the daughter of a man named Berechiah. This suggests a significant and perhaps awkward situation where someone was involved in a relationship with a member of the royal family – which is unusual at that time. What's the Significance? This verse points to a historical event, likely related to political maneuvering or a dispute. It reveals a complex web of relationships within Judah during this period. It shows that even though Judah was under a king, there were still people involved in alliances and connections with powerful figures like Shechem and his family. In short: This verse tells us about a group of people in Judah who were loyal to King Shechem, and they took the daughter of a man named Berechiah. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, we could delve deeper into: The historical context of Judah during this time. The significance of the "son in law" relationship.