Nehemiah 4:1
Arabic Bible ERV 2009
مُقاوَمَةُ البِناء وَلَمّا سَمِعَ سَنَبَلَّطُ بِأنَّنا عاكِفُونَ عَلَى بِناءِ السُّورِ، غَضِبَ وَاهتاجَ كَثِيراً، وَراحَ يُحَقِّرُ اليَهُودَ وَيَسْخَرُ مِنْهُمْ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes how Sanballat reacted with anger and mockery when he heard that the Jews were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. It highlights the opposition the Jews faced in their efforts to restore their city.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're building a sandcastle, and a mean kid sees it and starts making fun of you. That's what happened here. The Jews were trying to rebuild their home, and Sanballat wasn't happy about it.
Historical Background
Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king, wrote this book. It was written around 445-433 B.C. and focuses on the Jews' efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem after their return from exile. The text reflects the political tension and opposition faced by the returning exiles.
Living It Out Today
In today's context, this verse reminds us that we can expect opposition when we take on big projects, especially ones that aim to restore or improve something. Just as the Jews faced mockery, we might face criticism, but we should persevere.
Topics
oppositionperseverancerestorationfaithdiscouragementleadership
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sanballat angry about the Jews rebuilding the wall?
Sanballat likely saw the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls as a threat to his own power and influence in the region, hence his opposition.
How can this verse help us deal with opposition today?
This verse teaches us to persevere despite opposition, much like the Jews who continued rebuilding despite Sanballat's mockery.
What other biblical characters faced similar opposition?
Characters like Daniel and Esther also faced significant opposition in their efforts to restore and protect their people.
What can we learn about leadership from Nehemiah?
Nehemiah demonstrates strong leadership by persevering against opposition, rallying his people, and staying focused on his goal of restoring Jerusalem.