King James Version
Nehemiah 5
19 verses with commentary
Nehemiah Helps the Poor
And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposition could not—economic exploitation requiring bold reforming leadership. This passage demonstrates biblical principles ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **Their brethren the Jews.**—Nehemiah’s other troubles had come from the enemies without: he begins this account by laying emphasis on the hard treatment of Jews by Jews.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 5
Chapter Outline
The leaders forward the building of the temple.(1-2)
letter against the Jews.
(3-17)
**Verses 1-2**
The building of the temple was stopped about fifteen years. Then they had two good ministers, who urged them to go on with the work. It is a sign that God has mercy in store for a people, when he raises up prophets to be helpers in the way and work of ...
Read full commentary →For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposition could not—economic exploitation requiring bold reforming leadership. This p...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **We take up.**—*Let us receive.* This is a general appeal for the governor’s help.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 5
Chapter Outline
The leaders forward the building of the temple.(1-2)
letter against the Jews.
(3-17)
**Verses 1-2**
The building of the temple was stopped about fifteen years. Then they had two good ministers, who urged them to go on with the work. It is a sign that God has mercy in store for a people, when he raises up prophets to be helpers in the way and work of ...
Read full commentary →Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposition could not—economic exploitation requiring bold reforming leadership. This pa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Because of the dearth.**—Not any particular famine, strictly speaking, but their present hunger. The past mortgages had straitened their resources.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 35
2Ch 35:1-19. Josiah Keeps a Solemn Passover.
**1-3. Moreover Josiah kept a passover--**(See on 2Ki 23:21). The first nine verses give an account of the preparations made for the celebration of the solemn feast [2Ch 35:1-9]. The day appointed by the law was kept on this occasion (compare 2Ch 30:2, 13). The priests were ranged in their courses and exhorted to be ready for their duties...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-17**
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly un...
Read full commentary →There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposition could not—economic exploitation requiring bold reforming leadership. This passage demonstrates...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute.**—Literally, *we have made our fields and vineyards answerable* for the payment of the Persian tribute. They had pledged the coming produce.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 35
2Ch 35:1-19. Josiah Keeps a Solemn Passover.
**1-3. Moreover Josiah kept a passover--**(See on 2Ki 23:21). The first nine verses give an account of the preparations made for the celebration of the solemn feast [2Ch 35:1-9]. The day appointed by the law was kept on this occasion (compare 2Ch 30:2, 13). The priests were ranged in their courses and exhorted to be ready for their duties...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-17**
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly un...
Read full commentary →Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought unto bondage already: neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought unto bondage already: neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, sel...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **We bring into bondage.**—But the climax of the cry was the bondage of their children, especially of the daughters, whom they had been obliged to sell until the Jubile for money: children as precious to their parents as were the children of the rulers to them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 35
2Ch 35:1-19. Josiah Keeps a Solemn Passover.
**1-3. Moreover Josiah kept a passover--**(See on 2Ki 23:21). The first nine verses give an account of the preparations made for the celebration of the solemn feast [2Ch 35:1-9]. The day appointed by the law was kept on this occasion (compare 2Ch 30:2, 13). The priests were ranged in their courses and exhorted to be ready for their duties...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-17**
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly un...
Read full commentary →And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposition could not—economic exploitation requiring bold reforming leadership. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testamen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **And I was very angry.**—Nehemiah, recently arrived, had not known this state of things. The common wailing and the three complaints in which it found expression are distinct.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. prepare yourselves by the houses of your fathers, after your courses--**Each course or division was to be composed of those who belonged to the same fathers' house.
**according to the writing of David and ... Solomon--**Their injunctions are recorded (2Ch 8:14; 1Ch 23:1-26:32).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-17**
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly un...
Read full commentary →Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them. I consulted: Heb. my heart consulted in me
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposition could not—economic exploitation ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) I **consulted.**—But he mastered himself, and studied his plan of operation. The matter was complicated, as the transgressors had violated rather the spirit than the letter of the law. Hence the rebuke, that they exacted usury each of his brother, failed in its object; and the governor called a general assembly, not “against them,” but “concerning them.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. stand in the holy place--**in the court of the priests, the place where the victims were killed. The people were admitted according to their families in groups or companies of several households at a time. When the first company entered the court (which consisted commonly of as many as it could well hold), the gates were shut and the offering was made. The Levites stood in rows from the slaug...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-17**
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly un...
Read full commentary →And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to d...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Will ye even sell your brethren?**—The appeal is a strong one. Nehemiah and his friends had redeemed Jews from the heathen with money; these men had caused Jews to be sold to Jews.
**Nothing to answer.**—They might have replied had the letter of the law been urged; but this argument puts them to shame.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. So kill the passover, &c.--**The design of the minute directions given here was to facilitate the distribution of the paschal lambs. These were to be eaten by the respective families according to their numbers (Ex 12:3). But multitudes of the people, especially those from Israel, having been reduced to poverty through the Assyrian devastations, were to be provided with the means of commem...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-17**
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly un...
Read full commentary →Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposition could not—economic exploitation requiring bold reforming leadership. Th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Because of the reproach.**—The text of another strong argument used in the assembly. We learn in Nehemiah 6 how watchful the heathen were: all matters were reported to them, and every act of oppression would become a reproach against the God of the Jews.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. Josiah gave to the people ... lambs and kids--**These were in all probability destined for the poor; a lamb or a kid might be used at convenience (Ex 12:5).
**and ... bullocks--**which were offered after the lambs on each of the successive days of the feast.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-17**
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly un...
Read full commentary →I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposition could not—economic exploitation requiring bold reforming leadership. The Hebrew <em>...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Might exact.**—We *have lent them money and corn.* By his own example the governor pleads with them: not “let us leave off this usury,” but let us all and together “remit the loans.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-9. his princes--**These gave to the priests and Levites; as those of Hezekiah's princes (2Ch 30:24). They were ecclesiastical princes; namely, Hilkiah the high priest (2Ch 34:9). Zechariah, probably the second priest of the Eleazar (2Ki 16:18), and Jehiel, of the Ithamar line. And as the Levitical tribes were not yet sufficiently provided (2Ch 35:9), some of their eminent brethren who had been...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-17**
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly un...
Read full commentary →Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **Also the hundredth part of the money.**—The monthly payment of one per cent. per month, twelve per cent. in the year, they were required to give up for the future.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-9. his princes--**These gave to the priests and Levites; as those of Hezekiah's princes (2Ch 30:24). They were ecclesiastical princes; namely, Hilkiah the high priest (2Ch 34:9). Zechariah, probably the second priest of the Eleazar (2Ki 16:18), and Jehiel, of the Ithamar line. And as the Levitical tribes were not yet sufficiently provided (2Ch 35:9), some of their eminent brethren who had been...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-17**
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly un...
Read full commentary →Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposition could...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **We will restore.**—The promise was given to restore the mortgaged property and to require no more interest. But Nehemiah required an oath to give legal validity to the procedure, and the priests’ presence gave it the highest religious sanction.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-11. So the service was prepared, &c.--**All the necessary preparations having been completed, and the appointed time having arrived for the passover, the solemnity was celebrated. One remarkable feature in the account is the prominent part that was taken by the Levites in the preparation of the sacrifices; namely, the killing and stripping of the skins, which were properly the peculiar du...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-17**
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly un...
Read full commentary →Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise. emptied: Heb. empty, or, void
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic re...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Shook my lap.**—This symbolical act imprecated on every man who broke this covenant an appropriate penalty: that he be emptied of all his possessions, even as the fold of Nehemiah’s garment was emptied. And it is observable that the iniquity thus stopped is not referred to in the subsequent covenant (Nehemiah 10), nor is it one of the offences which the governor found on his second return (...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-11. So the service was prepared, &c.--**All the necessary preparations having been completed, and the appointed time having arrived for the passover, the solemnity was celebrated. One remarkable feature in the account is the prominent part that was taken by the Levites in the preparation of the sacrifices; namely, the killing and stripping of the skins, which were properly the peculiar du...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-17**
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly un...
Read full commentary →Nehemiah's Generosity
Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14-19) Nehemiah’s vindication of his own conduct.
(14) **I was appointed.**—*That he appointed me,* viz., Artaxerxes.
**Twelve years.**—The whole narrative, thus far, was written after his return from Jerusalem, and on a review of his governorship; hence, “their governor in the land of Judah.” Of his second appointment the same thing might have been said: but that, at the time of writing, was in ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. they removed the burnt offerings--**Some of the small cattle being designed for burnt offerings were put apart by themselves, that they might not be intermingled with the paschal lambs, which were carefully selected according to certain rules, and intended to be sacramentally eaten; and the manner in which those burnt offerings were presented seems to have been the following: "All the subdiv...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-17**
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly un...
Read full commentary →But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis thr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Besides forty shekels of silver.**—Either *in bread and wine over forty shekels,* or, *received in* *bread and wine, and beyond that, forty shekels.* The latter, on the whole, is to be preferred; it would amount to about four pounds from the entire people daily.
**So did not I, because of the tear of God.**—Nehemiah contrasts his forbearance with the conduct of former governors; we cannot s...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. they roasted the passover with fire according to the ordinance--**(See Ex 12:7-9). This mode of preparation was prescribed by the law exclusively for the paschal lamb; the other offerings and thank offerings were cooked in pots, kettles, and pans (1Sa 2:14).
**divided them speedily among the people--**The haste was either owing to the multiplicity of the priests' business, or because the h...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-17**
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly un...
Read full commentary →Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposition could not—economic exploitation requiring bold reforming leadership. Jerus...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **I continued.**—*I* *repaired:* that is, as superintendent. His servants and himself did not take advantage of the people’s poverty to acquire their land by mortgage; they were, on the contrary, absorbed in the common work.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. afterwards they made ready for themselves, and for the priests--**The Levites rendered this aid to the priests solely because they were so engrossed the entire day that they had no leisure to provide any refreshments for themselves.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-17**
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly un...
Read full commentary →Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposition could not—economic exploitation requiring bold reforming ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **At my table.**—The charge on the governor’s free hospitality was heavy: “of the Jews a hundred and fifty rulers, besides those that came” occasionally from the country.
**Because the bondage.**—Rather, *because the service of building* was heavy.
**The bondage.**—Rather, *the service* was heavy.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. And the singers ..., were in their place--**While the priests and people were so much engaged, the choir was not idle. They had to sing certain Psalms, namely, the hundred thirteenth to the hundred eighteenth inclusive, once, twice, and even a third time, during the continuance of each company of offerers. As they could not leave their posts, for the singing was resumed as every fresh compan...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 3-17**
While employed in God's work, we are under his special protection; his eye is upon us for good. This should keep us to our duty, and encourage us therein, when difficulties are ever so discouraging. The elders of the Jews gave the Samaritans an account of their proceedings. Let us learn hence, with meekness and fear, to give a reason of the hope that is in us; let us rightly un...
Read full commentary →Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Intern...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 5
Chapter Outline
The leaders forward the building of the temple.(1-2)
letter against the Jews.
(3-17)
**Verses 1-2**
The building of the temple was stopped about fifteen years. Then they had two good ministers, who urged them to go on with the work. It is a sign that God has mercy in store for a people, when he raises up prophets to be helpers in the way and work of ...
Read full commentary →Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.</strong><br><br>This verse within Nehemiah 5 addresses themes of justice, integrity, selfless leadership, economic reform. Internal crisis threatens to destroy what external opposition could not—economic exploitation requiring bold reforming leadership. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicab...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Think upon me, my God.**—Inserting the present prayer far from this people, Nehemiah humbly asks his recompense not from them, but from God. Nothing was more distant from his thoughts than the fame of his good deeds.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 5
Chapter Outline
The leaders forward the building of the temple.(1-2)
letter against the Jews.
(3-17)
**Verses 1-2**
The building of the temple was stopped about fifteen years. Then they had two good ministers, who urged them to go on with the work. It is a sign that God has mercy in store for a people, when he raises up prophets to be helpers in the way and work of ...
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