and all of them conspiredThis phrase indicates a unified effort among the enemies of Israel. Historically, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah faced opposition from surrounding groups, including the Samaritans, Ammonites, Arabs, and Ashdodites. The term "conspired" suggests a secretive and deliberate plan, highlighting the intensity of the opposition. This reflects the broader biblical theme of opposition to God's work, as seen in other scriptures like
Psalm 2:1-2, where nations conspire against the Lord and His Anointed.
to come and fight against Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, holds significant religious and political importance as the center of Jewish worship and identity. The enemies' intention to fight against Jerusalem underscores their desire to halt the restoration of the city, which symbolized the re-establishment of Jewish identity and worship. This opposition can be seen as a type of spiritual warfare, prefiguring the ultimate battle between good and evil. The physical attack on Jerusalem can be compared to spiritual attacks on believers, as described inEphesians 6:12, where the struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.
and create a hindrance
The goal of creating a hindrance was to stop the progress of rebuilding the walls, which were crucial for the protection and stability of Jerusalem. This reflects a common tactic of the enemy to disrupt God's plans and discourage His people. The hindrance can be seen as a metaphor for the obstacles believers face in their spiritual journey. Nehemiah's response to this threat, through prayer and strategic planning, serves as a model for overcoming opposition. This aligns with the New Testament teaching inJames 4:7, which encourages believers to resist the devil and stand firm in faith.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
NehemiahThe central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader who is instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. He is known for his strong leadership and deep faith in God.
2.
JerusalemThe holy city of the Jews, Jerusalem is the focal point of Nehemiah's mission. The rebuilding of its walls symbolizes the restoration of the Jewish community and their covenant with God.
3.
Sanballat, Tobiah, and the Arabs, Ammonites, and AshdoditesThese are the adversaries mentioned earlier in
Nehemiah 4. They represent the external opposition to the rebuilding efforts, conspiring to attack and discourage the Jews.
4.
ConspiracyThe act of plotting together, in this context, refers to the enemies' plan to attack Jerusalem and halt the reconstruction efforts.
5.
HindranceThe intended result of the conspiracy, aiming to disrupt and prevent the successful completion of the wall.
Teaching Points
Recognize OppositionJust as Nehemiah faced opposition, believers today should expect resistance when doing God's work. Understanding this helps prepare us for spiritual battles.
Prayer and VigilanceNehemiah's response to opposition was prayer and setting a watch. Believers should likewise combine prayer with practical action to guard against spiritual attacks.
Unity in PurposeThe enemies conspired together, but Nehemiah united the people of Jerusalem in their purpose. Unity among believers is crucial in overcoming challenges.
Faith in ActionNehemiah's faith was demonstrated through his actions. Believers are called to put their faith into practice, trusting God while actively working towards His purposes.
Perseverance in AdversityDespite the conspiracy, Nehemiah and the Jews persevered. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their mission, even when faced with obstacles.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Nehemiah 4:8?
2.How can we prepare for opposition like Nehemiah did in Nehemiah 4:8?
3.What strategies did Nehemiah use to counter threats in Nehemiah 4:8?
4.How does Nehemiah 4:8 relate to Ephesians 6:11 about spiritual warfare?
5.How can we apply Nehemiah's vigilance in our daily spiritual battles?
6.What role does prayer play in facing opposition, as seen in Nehemiah 4:8?
7.What does Nehemiah 4:8 reveal about the nature of opposition to God's work?
8.How does Nehemiah 4:8 illustrate the power of unity among adversaries?
9.What historical context in Nehemiah 4:8 helps us understand the enemies' motives?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 4?
11.What was Nehemiah's role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls?
12.How does Micah 4:8 align with other prophecies about Zion's future when some passages (e.g., Ezekiel 5) predict destruction rather than restoration?
13.How could the entire community realistically gather and hear the Law for hours, as stated in Nehemiah 8:1-3?
14.How does the violent response sanctioned in Esther 8:11 align with broader Old Testament teachings on justice and mercy?What Does Nehemiah 4:8 Mean
and all of themNehemiah notes that every surrounding enemy—Sanballat the Samaritan, Tobiah the Ammonite, the Arabs under Geshem, the Ashdodites, and others—joined forces.
• Scripture shows that opposition to God’s work is often broad-based; seePsalm 2:1-2: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand… against the LORD and against His Anointed.”
• Their unity amplifies the threat, yet it also testifies that the rebuilding was significant enough to alarm them (Nehemiah 2:10, 19).
conspiredThis was not random harassment; it was a deliberate plan.
•Ezra 4:5 records earlier hired counselors who “frustrated their plans” during temple reconstruction, showing a pattern of carefully organized opposition.
•Acts 4:27-28 echoes the idea: “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel to conspire against Your holy servant Jesus…” Evil alliances keep surfacing whenever God’s purposes advance.
to comeThe enemies intended to move from verbal ridicule to physical presence.
•James 4:7 reminds believers, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The threat to “come” demands readiness but not panic.
•2 Chronicles 20:1-4 tells of Moabites, Ammonites, and others coming against Judah, prompting immediate prayer—exactly what Nehemiah’s team will do next (Nehemiah 4:9).
and fightTheir goal was open conflict, not mere intimidation.
•Ephesians 6:12 clarifies that behind human hostility lies a spiritual battle: “our struggle is not against flesh and blood…”
•Exodus 17:8-13 shows Israel’s first post-Exodus battle with Amalek; victory came through both practical defense and intercession—parallel to the builders’ sword-and-trowel approach (Nehemiah 4:17).
against JerusalemThe city represents God’s name and covenant promises; to attack it is to challenge the LORD Himself.
•2 Kings 19:32-34 records God’s assurance against Assyria: “He will not enter this city… I will defend this city and save it.”
•Revelation 21:2 presents the New Jerusalem as the ultimate, secure dwelling of God with His people, showing the long-range significance of protecting Jerusalem here.
and create a hindranceThey aimed to stop the wall, derail worship, and discourage the people.
•1 Thessalonians 2:18, “We wanted to come to you—indeed, Paul wanted again and again—but Satan obstructed us,” highlights that obstruction is a common tactic.
•Galatians 5:7-8 asks, “Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?” Opposition tries to slow or halt obedience, yet God equips His people to persevere.
summaryNehemiah 4:8 reveals a united, calculated assault intended to halt God’s work in Jerusalem. The enemies’ conspiracy exposes the seriousness of spiritual opposition, yet Scripture consistently shows that such plots cannot override the Lord’s sovereign plan. Recognizing the breadth of the threat, the people will respond with watchful prayer and practical readiness, trusting the same God who still defends His purposes and His people today.
(8)
And conspired.--Not fearing the Persian authority, they resolved to attack the city; but it will be seen that they soon abandoned that project.
To hinder it.--Rather,to do it hurt.
Verse 8. -
To hinder it. Rather, "to do it hurt." The word used is a rare one. According to Gesenius, it has the two senses of "error" and "injury."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
and all of themכֻלָּם֙(ḵul·lām)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyconspiredוַיִּקְשְׁר֤וּ(way·yiq·šə·rū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7194:To tie, gird, confine, compact, in love, leagueto comeלָב֖וֹא(lā·ḇō·w)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goand fightלְהִלָּחֵ֣ם(lə·hil·lā·ḥêm)Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3898:To feed on, to consume, to battleagainst Jerusalemבִּירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם(bî·rū·šā·lim)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389:Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israeland createוְלַעֲשׂ֥וֹת(wə·la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213:To do, makea hindrance.תּוֹעָֽה׃(tō·w·‘āh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8442:Mistake, impiety, injury
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OT History: Nehemiah 4:8 And they conspired all of them together (Neh Ne) 
