Nehemiah 2:19-4:23 NIV

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Nehemiah 2:19

Geshem the Arabian - The discovery that Sargon populated Samaria in part with an Arab colony explains why Arabs should have opposed the fortification of Jerusalem. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Nehemiah 2:19-20

Nehemiah 2:19-20. When Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, &c. These three seem to have been chief men among the Samaritans, and perhaps were invested with some offices or authority by the king of Persia. You have no portion nor right Do not trouble yourselves about this matter, who have no possession among us, no authority over us, nor interest in our church or state; nor memorial in Jerusalem No testimony or monument either of your relation to us by birth or religion, or of your... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 2:11-20

2:11-7:73 REBUILDING THE CITY WALLThe plan of work followed (2:11-3:32)Rebuilding the broken-down wall was going to mean much hard work. In fact, the task was so huge that some may have said it could not be done. Therefore, before announcing his plans, Nehemiah made a secret survey himself so that he would know exactly how much work was to be done and the amount of materials that would be required (11-16). This first-hand knowledge, together with his account of how God had guided all the events... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Nehemiah 2:19

Gesnem. Called Gashmu (Nehemiah 6:6 ), an Arab Sheik. Like the other two, an alien. In Psalms 83:6 , all three nationalities associated as the enemies of Israel. Arabian. Descendants of Hagar. Hence Hagarenes. they laughed, &c The second form of opposition. See note on "grieved", Nehemiah 2:10 . read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Nehemiah 2:9-20

4. The return to Jerusalem 2:9-20Because of the opposition of the Jews’ neighbors, Artaxerxes sent a military escort to accompany Nehemiah to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:9). It is not certain how many Jews traveled with Nehemiah on this occasion. The writer gave us no numbers.Sanballat may have originated in Horonaim in Moab, but he seems more likely to have come from one of the Beth-horons (Upper or Lower) located just a few miles northwest of Jerusalem (cf. Joshua 10:10-11). [Note: H. H. Rowley,... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Nehemiah 2:1-20

Nehemiah’s Resolve to rebuild JerusalemThis chapter gives an account of Nehemiah’s request for leave to rebuild Jerusalem, his arrival there, and his survey of the ruined walls, which it was decided to restore.1. Wine was before him] LXX has ’wine was before me,’ implying that it was Nehemiah’s turn to act as cup-bearer (the king having several). This would explain why Artaxerxes had not observed his servant’s sadness during the four months that had elapsed since the arrival of the news from... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Nehemiah 2:19

(19) Geshem the Arabian.—This name completes the triumvirate of the leaders of the opposition to the mission of Nehemiah. They were not independent chieftains: Tobiah was Sanballat’s servant and counsellor, while Geshem was probably the leader of an Arabian company mostly in his service. The account of their contemptuous opposition is given in a few touches, as is the contempt with which it was met They charged Nehemiah with rebellion, as afterwards, in chapter 6:6. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Nehemiah 2:1-20

Purpose in Life Nehemiah 2:12 Nehemiah was called to a great work, but he kept his own counsel and waited for the time to declare the purpose that lay in his heart like a glowing seed in good soil. I. The Secret of Strength; As you start out upon life's cross-roads be sure that your heart's purpose is prompted by the Lord. How can we tell whether the secret purpose hidden away in our heart's deepest desire is implanted by God? 1. Look at the purpose in your heart, the one thing which, if you... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 2:9-20

THE MIDNIGHT RIDENehemiah 2:9-20NEHEMIAH’S journey up to Jerusalem differed in many respects from Ezra’s great expedition, with a host of emigrants, rich stores, and all the accompaniments of a large caravan. Burdened with none of these encumbrances, the newly appointed governor would be able to travel in comparative ease. Yet while Ezra was "ashamed" to ask for a military escort to protect his defenceless multitude and the treasures which were only too likely to attract the vulture eyes of... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 2:19

ON GUARDNehemiah 2:10; Nehemiah 2:19; Nehemiah 4:1-23ALL his arrangements for rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem show that Nehemiah was awake to the dangers with which he was surrounded. The secrecy of his night ride was evidently intended to prevent a premature revelation of his plans. The thorough organisation, the mapping out of the whole line of the wall, and the dividing of the building operations among forty-two bands of workpeople secured equal and rapid progress on all sides. Evidently... read more

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Nehemiah 2:19

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Nehemiah 2:19-20

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 2:11-20

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Nehemiah 2:19

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Nehemiah 2:9-20

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Nehemiah 2:1-20

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Nehemiah 2:19

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Nehemiah 2:1-20

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 2:9-20

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 2:19

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