Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

2:17 Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem. His own heart having been stirred up for the Lord's work, Nehemiah calls on others to join him. suffer derision. A direct reference to the shame brought upon Jerusalem by God's former judgment on it (Jer. 24:9).

2:18 the hand of my God. See also 1:10; 2:8; Ezra 7:6, 9, 28; 8:18, 22, 31, and chart. This recurring expression recognizes that God was orchestrating blessing for his people. The people had to see that their bad situation was not irreversible because God could change things.

2:19 The opponents of the people allege that they are rebelling against the king, an extremely serious charge, one that Artaxerxes had previously believed (Ezra 4:12-13, 19-22). The opponents now include Geshem the Arab, perhaps from Kedar in Arabia; Kedarites had settled close to Judah, east and south (see Isa. 21:16-17; Jer. 49:28-33).

2:20 Nehemiah knows that the king is on his side, but he attributes his authority to the God of heaven. but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem. Nehemiah clearly distinguishes between God's people and the enemies of God who oppose the work. Once he is convinced that they are opposing the work of the Lord, he makes no effort to include them or even to pursue further discussions with them. A "portion" is an allocated share, as given to the tribes by Joshua (Josh. 18:5-6; 19:9); it is also used metaphorically of belonging (2 Sam. 20:1). "Right" is entitlement, and "claim" is literally "memorial," i.e., a claim based in ancient tradition, and possibly referring to the right to worship in Jerusalem.