Nehemiah 7:4
French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)
La ville était spacieuse et grande, mais peu peuplée, et les maisons n'étaient pas bâties.
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes the condition of Jerusalem after it was rebuilt. The city was large and spacious, but it had very few people living there, and many houses were still not built. Nehemiah is not speaking here; the author is describing the situation.
Explained for Children
Imagine a big playground with lots of space for fun, but only a few kids playing and not many swings or slides yet. That's what Jerusalem was like after it was rebuilt: big but not full of life yet.
Historical Background
Nehemiah 7 was written by Nehemiah, a Jewish leader, around 445 BCE. It describes the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The audience was the returning exiles who were rebuilding the city and its walls.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this can be like a newly developed neighborhood where the infrastructure is in place, but not many people have moved in yet. It shows the importance of patience and perseverance in building community.
Topics
rebuildingperseverancecommunityhoperedemptionrenewal
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Nehemiah 7:4 tell us about the state of Jerusalem?
It tells us that while the city of Jerusalem was large and spacious, it lacked population and many houses were not yet built, indicating a city in the early stages of rebuilding.
Why is it significant that the houses were not built?
It shows the ongoing work and challenges faced by the people in rebuilding Jerusalem, highlighting the need for continued effort and resources.
How does this verse relate to the theme of rebuilding?
This verse is a key part of the theme of rebuilding, showing the initial conditions of a city that is in the process of being restored after a period of devastation.
What can we learn about community from Nehemiah 7:4?
We can learn about the importance of perseverance and patience in community building, as well as the need for sustained effort in developing a thriving community.