Matthew Henry on Nehemiah 4:16-23

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

We must watch always against spiritual enemies, and not expect that our warfare will be over till our work is ended. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit, which we ought to have always at hand, and never to have to seek for it, either in our labours, or in our conflicts, as Christians.

Every true Christian is both a labourer and a soldier, working with one hand, and fighting with the other. Good work is likely to go on with success, when those who labour in it, make a business of it.

And Satan fears to assault the watchful Christian; or, if attacked, the Lord fights for him. Thus must we wait to the close of life, never putting off our armour till our work and warfare are ended; then we shall be welcomed to the rest and joy of our Lord.

More for Nehemiah 4:16-23

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 4:1-23This description of the building of the wall of Jerusalem may be taken as representing the life of the Church militant. The chief points are these:— I. THE SPIRIT which pervades and actuates it. "The people had a mind t…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 4:1-23The work and warfare of the Church. I. The weak of the Church. 1. Derided. "And mocked the Jews" (Nehemiah 4:1). 2. Under-estimated. "These feeble Jews" (Nehemiah 4:2). 3. Misrepresented. "If a fox go up, he shall even…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 4:7-23The wisdom of the Christian workman in the hour of peril. We are reminded here of— I. THE PROGRESS OF SIN IN ITS COURSE (Nehemiah 4:8). From sneers the enemies of Israel passed on to plots; from taunts to a mischievous…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 4:7-23EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Precautions of Nehemiah. (b. c. 445.)THE PRECAUTIONS OF NEHEMIAH. (B. C. 445.) When the builders had so far reason to think the design of the enemies broken as to return to their work, yet they were not so secure as to lay down their arms, knowing how rest…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 4:16-23Armed workers. The enemies of the Jews, who meditated an attack upon them, finding that they were aware of their design and well prepared to receive them, withdrew their forces, and the work of restoring the wall went o…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 4:16The half of my servants wrought in the work. Nehemiah divided his "servants" or slaves into two bodies, one of which laboured at the wall, while the other kept guard, fully armed, and held the spears, bows and arrows, s…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 4:17And they which bare burdens, with those that laded. Rather, "both they which bare burdens, as they laded." The builders, or those engaged upon the work, are divided into two classes— Of these, the latter did their work…Joseph S. Exell and contributors