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They replied, &#8220Let us start rebuilding.&#8221 So they began this good work. <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work. <a href="/esv/nehemiah/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. <a href="/bsb/nehemiah/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. “Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work. <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. <a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/2.htm">New King James Version</a> And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work. <a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king’s words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, “Let’s arise and build.” So they put their hands to the good work. <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king&#8217s words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, &#8220Let us arise and build.&#8221 So they put their hands to the good work. <a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me, and also about the king’s words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, “Let us arise and build.” So they put their hands to the good work. <a href="/lsb/nehemiah/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And I told them how the hand of my God had been good to me and also about the king’s words which he had said to me. Then they said, “Let us arise and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. <a href="/amp/nehemiah/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they thoroughly supported the good work. <a href="/csb/nehemiah/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me, and what the king had said to me. They said, “Let’s start rebuilding,” and their hands were strengthened to do this good work. <a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me, and what the king had said to me. They said, &#8220Let&#8217s start rebuilding,&#8221 and they were encouraged to do this good work. <a href="/asv/nehemiah/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> And I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me, as also of the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for the good work. <a href="/cev/nehemiah/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then I told them how kind God had been and what the king had said. Immediately, they replied, "Let's start building now!" So they got everything ready. <a href="/erv/nehemiah/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> And I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also of the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for the good work. <a href="/gwt/nehemiah/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then I told them that my God had been guiding me and what the king had told me. They replied, "Let's begin to rebuild." So they encouraged one another to begin this God-pleasing work. <a href="/gnt/nehemiah/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> And I told them how God had been with me and helped me, and what the emperor had said to me. They responded, "Let's start rebuilding!" And they got ready to start the work. <a href="/isv/nehemiah/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then I told them how good my God had been to me, and about what the king had told me. They replied, "Let's get out there and build!" So they encouraged themselves to do good. <a href="/msb/nehemiah/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. ?Let us start rebuilding,? they replied, and they set their hands to this good work. <a href="/net/nehemiah/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Then I related to them how the good hand of my God was on me and what the king had said to me. Then they replied, "Let's begin rebuilding right away!" So they readied themselves for this good project. <a href="/nheb/nehemiah/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I told them of the hand of my God which was good on me, as also of the king's words that he had spoken to me. They said, "Let's rise up and build." So they strengthened their hands for the good work. <a href="/wbt/nehemiah/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken to me. And they said, Let us rise and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. <a href="/web/nehemiah/2.htm">World English Bible</a> I told them about the hand of my God which was good on me, and also about the king’s words that he had spoken to me. They said, “Let’s rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And I declare to them the hand of my God that is good on me, and also the words of the king that he said to me, and they say, “Let us rise, and we have built”; and they strengthen their hands for good. <a href="/ylt/nehemiah/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And I declare to them the hand of my God that is good upon me, and also the words of the king that he said to me, and they say, 'Let us rise, and we have built;' and they strengthen their hands for good. <a href="/slt/nehemiah/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I shall announce to them the hand of my God that it was good upon me; and also the king's words who said to me. And they will say, We will rise up and build. And they will strengthen their hands for good.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/nehemiah/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And I shewed them how the hand of my God was good with me, and the king's words, which he had spoken to me, and I said: Let us rise up, and build. And their hands were strengthened in good. <a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And I revealed to them how the hand of my God was with me for good, and the words of the king, which he had spoken to me. And I said: “Let us rise up, and build.” And their hands were strengthened for good. <a href="/nabre/nehemiah/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Then I explained to them how God had shown his gracious favor to me, and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us begin building!” And they undertook the work with vigor. <a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I told them that the hand of my God had been gracious upon me, and also the words that the king had spoken to me. Then they said, “Let us start building!” So they committed themselves to the common good.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then f told them of the hand of my God which was with me for good, and also the king's words that he had spoken to me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. <a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And I revealed to them the hand of my God who was with me for good, also the words of the King that were spoken to me, and they said: “We are standing and we are building!” And they strengthened their hands to work hard.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/nehemiah/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also of the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said: 'Let us rise up and build.' So they strengthened their hands for the good work. <a href="/sep/nehemiah/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And I told them of the hand of God which was good upon me, also about the words of the king which he spoke to me: and I said, Let us arise and build. And their hands were strengthened for the good work. <a href="/parallel/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsQrw7rBvgc?start=349" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/2.htm">Nehemiah Inspects the Walls</a> …17Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned down. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” 18<a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: wā·’ag·gîḏ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To be conspicuous. ">I also told</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">them</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">about</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·w·ḇāh (Adj-fs) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">the gracious</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yaḏ (N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of my God</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">upon me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/637.htm" title="637: wə·’ap̄- (Conj) -- Also, yea. A primitive particle; meaning accession; also or yea; adversatively though.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: diḇ·rê (N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar- (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">had said</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">to me.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: nā·qūm (V-Qal-Imperf.h-1cp) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">“Let us start</a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: ū·ḇā·nî·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cp) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">rebuilding,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: way·ḥaz·zə·qū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">and they set</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yə·ḏê·hem (N-fdc:: 3mp) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">their hands</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: laṭ·ṭō·w·ḇāh (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">to this good work.</a> 19But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ezra/5-2.htm">Ezra 5:2</a> Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak rose up and began to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them. <a href="/haggai/1-14.htm">Haggai 1:14</a> So the LORD stirred the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and began the work on the house of the LORD of Hosts, their God, <a href="/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13</a> For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. <a href="/ezra/7-27.htm">Ezra 7:27-28</a> Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put into the heart of the king to so honor the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, / and who has shown me favor before the king, his counselors, and all his powerful officials. And because the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, I took courage and gathered the leaders of Israel to return with me. <a href="/2_chronicles/36-22.htm">2 Chronicles 36:22-23</a> In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’” <a href="/isaiah/41-6.htm">Isaiah 41:6-7</a> Each one helps the other and says to his brother, “Be strong!” / The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who wields the hammer cheers him who strikes the anvil, saying of the welding, “It is good.” He nails it down so it will not be toppled. <a href="/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19-20</a> But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” <a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a> Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. <a href="/psalms/126-2.htm">Psalm 126:2-3</a> Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” / The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. <a href="/2_corinthians/8-16.htm">2 Corinthians 8:16-17</a> But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you. / For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition. <a href="/1_samuel/14-6.htm">1 Samuel 14:6-7</a> Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” / His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” <a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a> What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-24.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:24</a> The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. <a href="/exodus/35-21.htm">Exodus 35:21</a> And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments. <a href="/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9-10</a> One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good on me; as also the king's words that he had spoken to me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.the hand.<a href="/nehemiah/2-8.htm">Nehemiah 2:8</a> And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.So they strengthened<a href="/2_samuel/2-7.htm">2 Samuel 2:7</a> Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.<a href="/1_chronicles/11-10.htm">1 Chronicles 11:10</a> These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.<a href="/1_chronicles/19-13.htm">1 Chronicles 19:13</a> Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/10-4.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-17.htm">Build</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-5.htm">Building</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-5.htm">Built</a> <a href="/ezra/2-59.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-7.htm">Favorable</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-8.htm">Good</a> <a href="/ezra/7-9.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-8.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/ezra/10-19.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-14.htm">King's</a> <a href="/ezra/5-11.htm">Rebuilding</a> <a href="/ezra/10-4.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/ezra/5-2.htm">Start</a> <a href="/ezra/6-22.htm">Strengthen</a> <a href="/ezra/7-28.htm">Strengthened</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-10.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Words</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-16.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/2-20.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-20.htm">Build</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-20.htm">Building</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-1.htm">Built</a> <a href="/esther/2-10.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/job/33-26.htm">Favorable</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-4.htm">Good</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-17.htm">Gracious</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-2.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-15.htm">King's</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-20.htm">Rebuilding</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-20.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-20.htm">Start</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-19.htm">Strengthen</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-5.htm">Strengthened</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-9.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-4.htm">Words</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-1.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 2</div>1. <a href="/nehemiah/2-1.htm">Artaxerxes, understanding the cause of Nehemiah's sadness, </a> 6. <a href="/nehemiah/2-6.htm">sends him with letters and commission to Jerusalem</a> 9. <a href="/nehemiah/2-9.htm">Nehemiah, to the grief of the enemies, comes to Jerusalem</a> 12. <a href="/nehemiah/2-12.htm">He views secretly the ruins of the walls</a> 17. <a href="/nehemiah/2-17.htm">He incites the Jews to build</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/nehemiah/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me This phrase highlights Nehemiah's acknowledgment of divine favor and guidance. The "gracious hand of my God" signifies God's providence and blessing, a recurring theme in the Old Testament where God's hand represents His power and support (<a href="/ezra/7-6.htm">Ezra 7:6, 9</a>). Nehemiah's success in gaining the king's favor is attributed to God's intervention, emphasizing the belief that God orchestrates events for His purposes. This reflects the biblical principle that God empowers His servants to accomplish His will, as seen in the lives of Joseph (<a href="/genesis/39-2.htm">Genesis 39:2-3</a>) and Daniel (<a href="/daniel/1-9.htm">Daniel 1:9</a>).and what the king had said to me Nehemiah refers to his conversation with King Artaxerxes, where the king granted him permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls (<a href="/nehemiah/2.htm">Nehemiah 2:1-8</a>). This is significant because it shows the fulfillment of God's promise to restore Jerusalem, aligning with prophecies such as <a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28</a>, where God declares that Jerusalem will be rebuilt. The king's support also underscores the theme of God using secular authorities to achieve His divine plans, as seen with Cyrus in <a href="/isaiah/45.htm">Isaiah 45:1-4</a>.“Let us start rebuilding,” they replied The response of the people indicates their readiness and willingness to participate in the rebuilding effort. This collective enthusiasm reflects a unified community spirit, essential for the success of such a monumental task. It also demonstrates the effective leadership of Nehemiah, who inspired confidence and action among the people. This mirrors the call to unity and cooperation found in the New Testament, such as in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">1 Corinthians 1:10</a>, where believers are urged to be united in purpose.and they set their hands to this good work The phrase signifies the commencement of the rebuilding project, highlighting the people's commitment and determination. The term "good work" implies that the task is not only beneficial but also divinely sanctioned. This aligns with the biblical concept that work done in accordance with God's will is inherently good (<a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Ephesians 2:10</a>). The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls is a type of Christ's redemptive work, as both involve restoration and protection of God's people. The physical rebuilding foreshadows the spiritual restoration brought by Jesus, who rebuilds lives and communities through His sacrifice and resurrection.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a> A Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, who is moved by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_of_jerusalem.htm">The People of Jerusalem</a> The Jewish inhabitants who respond to Nehemiah's call to rebuild the city's walls. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_king.htm">The King (Artaxerxes)</a> The Persian ruler who grants Nehemiah permission and resources to rebuild Jerusalem. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city whose walls are in ruins, symbolizing the broken state of the Jewish community. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_gracious_hand_of_god.htm">The Gracious Hand of God</a> A phrase indicating God's favor and providence in Nehemiah's mission.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_favor_in_leadership.htm">God's Favor in Leadership</a> Nehemiah's success begins with recognizing God's gracious hand. Leaders today should seek and acknowledge God's guidance in their endeavors. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_testimony.htm">The Power of Testimony</a> Nehemiah shares his testimony of God's favor and the king's support, inspiring others. Believers can motivate and encourage others by sharing how God has worked in their lives. <a href="/topical/u/unified_action.htm">Unified Action</a> The people's response, "Let us start rebuilding," demonstrates the power of collective action in fulfilling God's purposes. Unity in the body of Christ is essential for effective ministry. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_works.htm">Faith and Works</a> The people's willingness to "set their hands to this good work" reflects the biblical principle that faith without works is dead. Our faith should lead to tangible actions. <a href="/topical/o/overcoming_opposition.htm">Overcoming Opposition</a> Although not detailed in this verse, the broader context of Nehemiah shows that opposition will come, but with God's help, it can be overcome. Believers should be prepared for challenges in their spiritual journeys.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 2</a> <a href="/q/who_were_sanballat,_tobiah,_geshem.htm">Who were Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem in history?</a> <a href="/q/how_can_i_express_my_faith_at_work.htm">How can I express my faith at work?</a> <a href="/q/do_psalm_126_and_nehemiah_4_conflict.htm">Do the joyful descriptions in Psalm 126:2, 5–6 conflict with other biblical accounts (e.g., Nehemiah 4) that depict the return from exile as difficult and fraught with opposition? </a> <a href="/q/does_heavenly_focus_limit_earthly_impact.htm">Can being too heavenly minded hinder earthly effectiveness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nehemiah/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) Then I told them.--Nehemiah relates his providential call, with the king's commission, and the people were thoroughly enlisted in the good cause.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - Then I told them of the hand of my God. Nehemiah sketched the history of his past life, and showed how God's providence had always shielded him and supported him. This, however, would scarcely have had any great effect had he not been able to appeal further to the king's words that he had spoken. These words clearly contained permission to rebuild the wall, and took away the danger of their so doing being regarded as an act of rebellion by the Persians. What others might think was not of very much account. And they said, Let us rise up and build. Nehemiah's address had all the effect he hoped for from it. He was anxious to carry the nation with him, and induce them, one and. all, to engage heartily in the work, which must be accomplished, if it was to be accomplished at all, by something like a burst of enthusiasm. Such a burst he evokes, and its result is seen in the next chapter. Almost the whole people came forward, and set to work with zeal So they strengthened their hands for this good work. The original is briefer, and more emphatic - "And they strengthened their hands for good." They embraced the good cause, took the good part, set themselves to work heartily on the right side. <a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>I also told וָאַגִּ֨יד (wā·’ag·gîḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous them לָהֶ֜ם (lā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> about אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the gracious טוֹבָ֣ה (ṭō·w·ḇāh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good hand יַ֣ד (yaḏ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand of my God אֱלֹהַ֗י (’ĕ·lō·hay) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative upon me, עָלַ֔י (‘ā·lay) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against and וְאַף־ (wə·’ap̄-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_637.htm">Strong's 637: </a> Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though what אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the king הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king had said אָֽמַר־ (’ā·mar-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to me. לִ֑י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> “Let us start נָק֣וּם (nā·qūm) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand rebuilding,” וּבָנִ֔ינוּ (ū·ḇā·nî·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> To build they replied, וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say and they set וַיְחַזְּק֥וּ (way·ḥaz·zə·qū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer their hands יְדֵיהֶ֖ם (yə·ḏê·hem) Noun - fdc | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand to [this] good [work]. לַטּוֹבָֽה׃ (laṭ·ṭō·w·ḇāh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Nehemiah 2:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Nehemiah 2:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Nehemiah 2:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Nehemiah 2:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Nehemiah 2:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Nehemiah 2:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Nehemiah 2:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Nehemiah 2:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Nehemiah 2:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Nehemiah 2:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-18.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 2:18 I told them of the hand (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/2-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 2:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 2:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/2-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 2:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 2:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>