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?