So the wall was completedThe completion of the wall signifies the fulfillment of Nehemiah's mission, which began with his deep concern for Jerusalem's broken walls (
Nehemiah 1:3-4). This achievement is a testament to Nehemiah's leadership and the people's dedication, despite opposition from surrounding enemies (
Nehemiah 4:1-3, 6:1-14). The wall's completion symbolizes the restoration of Jerusalem's security and the renewal of the Jewish community's identity and faith.
in fifty-two days,
The rapid completion of the wall in just fifty-two days is remarkable, considering the size of Jerusalem and the challenges faced. This swift construction underscores the divine favor and protection over the project, as well as the unity and determination of the people. It reflects the miraculous nature of God's provision and strength, reminiscent of other biblical instances where God enabled His people to achieve great feats (e.g., the crossing of the Red Sea inExodus 14).
on the twenty-fifth of Elul.
Elul is the sixth month in the Hebrew calendar, typically falling around August-September. The completion of the wall during this time is significant as it precedes the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah), a period of reflection and renewal. This timing highlights the spiritual renewal accompanying the physical restoration of the wall. The date also aligns with the agricultural cycle, marking a time of harvest and preparation, symbolizing the fruition of God's promises and the readiness for a new beginning.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
NehemiahThe central figure in the book, Nehemiah was a Jewish leader and cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. He played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.
2.
JerusalemThe city where the wall was rebuilt. It holds significant religious and historical importance for the Jewish people.
3.
The WallThe wall around Jerusalem was rebuilt to protect the city and its inhabitants from enemies. Its completion was a significant achievement for the Jewish community.
4.
ElulThe sixth month of the Hebrew calendar, during which the wall was completed. This month typically corresponds to August-September in the Gregorian calendar.
5.
Enemies of JudahVarious adversaries, including Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, opposed the rebuilding efforts, attempting to thwart Nehemiah's mission.
Teaching Points
Perseverance in the Face of OppositionNehemiah's determination to complete the wall despite significant opposition teaches us the importance of perseverance in our own spiritual and personal endeavors.
The Role of LeadershipNehemiah's leadership qualities, such as prayerfulness, strategic planning, and courage, serve as a model for effective leadership in our communities and churches.
Divine Timing and ProvisionThe completion of the wall in fifty-two days demonstrates God's provision and perfect timing, encouraging us to trust in His plans for our lives.
Community and CooperationThe rebuilding of the wall was a communal effort, reminding us of the power of working together in unity for a common purpose.
Faith in ActionNehemiah's account exemplifies putting faith into action, encouraging believers to actively pursue God's calling in their lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Nehemiah 6:15?
2.How does Nehemiah 6:15 demonstrate God's faithfulness in completing His work?
3.What strategies did Nehemiah use to overcome opposition and finish the wall?
4.How does Nehemiah 6:15 connect to Philippians 1:6 about God's completed work?
5.What can we learn from Nehemiah's perseverance in our personal challenges today?
6.How does the completion of the wall inspire you to trust God's timing?
7.How does Nehemiah 6:15 demonstrate the power of faith in overcoming opposition?
8.What historical evidence supports the completion of the wall in Nehemiah 6:15?
9.How does Nehemiah 6:15 reflect God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 6?
11.In Nehemiah 6:15, how is it historically or archaeologically plausible to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall in just 52 days?
12.In Nehemiah 6:16, are there non-biblical records confirming surrounding nations’ acknowledgment of divine intervention in the wall’s completion?
13.Is the extensive list of names in Nehemiah 10:1–27 historically consistent with known genealogical records, or are there discrepancies?
14.Why do historical records outside the Bible make no clear mention of the extensive work groups listed throughout Nehemiah 3?What Does Nehemiah 6:15 Mean
So the wall• The phrase points back to the entire rebuilding effort that began when Nehemiah first surveyed the broken defenses (Nehemiah 2:17–18).
• It is the very wall that symbolized God’s covenant protection over Jerusalem (Psalm 51:18).
• The focus on “the wall” underscores the restoration not only of stones but of security, identity, and worship (Nehemiah 3; 4:6).
• Opposition had tried to stop construction (Nehemiah 4:7–8; 6:1–2), yet the wall itself now stands as proof that “the God of heaven will give us success” (Nehemiah 2:20).
Was completed• “Completed” stresses finality—no gaps remained (Nehemiah 6:1). The task God began through His servant He brought to full finish, reflecting His nature (Ezra 6:14–15).
• Completion despite threats highlights God’s faithfulness: “Our God will fight for us” (Nehemiah 4:20).
• The word also mirrors other biblical “finishing” moments—Solomon’s temple in1 Kings 6:38 or Jesus’ “It is finished” inJohn 19:30—where divine purposes reach fulfillment.
• Practical takeaway: what God commissions, He equips to complete (Philippians 1:6).
In fifty-two days• Humanly impossible speed, considering the scope of rubble (Nehemiah 4:10).
• Demonstrates supernatural favor: abundant manpower (Nehemiah 3), wise leadership (Nehemiah 4:13–14), and constant prayer (Nehemiah 4:9).
• The brevity undercuts enemy intimidation; when the surrounding nations hear of it, “they were greatly disheartened” (Nehemiah 6:16).
• This timeline encourages believers that God can accelerate His work when people cooperate in faith (Amos 9:13).
On the twenty-fifth of Elul• Elul is the sixth month (August/September). Five days later comes the Feast of Trumpets on 1 Tishri (Leviticus 23:23–25).
• Finishing just before that feast prepared the city for worship gatherings described inNehemiah 8:1–3.
• The date shows historical precision, anchoring the event in real time—reminding us Scripture records verifiable history (Luke 1:1–4).
• Ending Elul with a completed wall signals a season change: from rubble and reproach to celebration and repentance leading into the seventh month’s holy days.
summaryNehemiah 6:15 spotlights God’s power to restore His people. The very wall that once lay in ruin now stands, finished in a breathtaking fifty-two days, stamped with a clear date for all to verify. Opposition melts, faith is strengthened, and the stage is set for renewed worship. The verse assures believers today that when the Lord directs a work, He brings it to full, timely completion—often faster and fuller than anyone could imagine.
(15, 16) The finishing of the wall is recorded in the implest manner: first, with a formal specification of the date and time; then in its effect upon the enemies, and as redounding to the glory of God.
(15)In fifty and two days.--The twenty-fifth day of Elul answers to about our September 15th; and, dating back, the wall began in the latter part of July, soon after Nehemiah's arrival. If we bear in mind that the wall was only partially overthrown, that the materials for restoration were at hand, and that the utmost skill had been shown in organising the bands of workmen, the time will not appear too short. There is no need to adopt the suggestion of Josephus, that the rebuilding occupied two years and four months.
They perceived that this work was wrought of our God.--Not miraculously, but under the Divine sanction and help. By this expression Nehemiah at once triumphs over his foes, and gives the glory where it was due. His own heroic part in the work is utterly forgotten.
Verse 15. -
So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. According to Josephus ('Ant. Jud.,' 11:5, § 8), the work of restoration occupied two years and four months, or 840 days, instead of fifty-two. And this period has been thought so much more probable than the smaller one, that moderns generally have accepted it, while some have even proposed to alter our present text of Nehemiah by the insertion of
u-shnathayim, "and two years," at the end of this verse (Ewald). But the authority of Josephus on matters of remote history is so small, and the whole account of Nehemiah is so harmonious and consistent with itself, that alteration seems quite unnecessary. Nehemiah leaves Susa in Nisan, probably towards the middle or close of the month, for his preparations must have taken him some time. He would be likely to be nearly three months on his journey, and would thus reach Jerusalem about the middle of July - say July 15. He then rested three days, surveyed the wall, laid his plan before the nobles, arranged the working parties, and set to work. It was his object to hasten matters as much as possible; and he may well have commenced the rebuilding within ten days of his arrival. Fifty-two days from July 25 would bring him to Sept. 15, which corresponds, as nearly as may be, to the 25th of Elul. There is no difficulty in supposing that the wall could have been repaired in this space. The materials were ready at hand; the working parties were numerous; the workmen full of zeal. If we estimate the circumference of the wall at four miles, which is probably beyond the truth, and the working parties at forty-two (Ewald), it will follow that each party had, on the average, to repair 168 yards, or at the rate of between three and four yards a day. There was probably no work done on the sabbaths, and there may have been one or two days of interruption, when attack seemed imminent (
Nehemiah 4:13-15); but otherwise the work was carried on without pause from early dawn to dark (
ibid. ver. 21). The wall attained to half its height in a very short time (
ibid. ver. 6), - there was then a brief interruption, - after which came the main work of completing the entire circuit to its full height. It is possible that the fifty-two days are counted from the "return to work (
ibid. ver. 15).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So the wallהַֽחוֹמָ֔ה(ha·ḥō·w·māh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2346:A wall of protectionwas completedוַתִּשְׁלַם֙(wat·tiš·lam)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7999:To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocatein fifty-twoלַחֲמִשִּׁ֥ים(la·ḥă·miš·šîm)Preposition-l, Article | Number - common plural
Strong's 2572:Fiftydays,יֽוֹם׃(yō·wm)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayon the twenty-fifthבְּעֶשְׂרִ֥ים(bə·‘eś·rîm)Preposition-b | Number - common plural
Strong's 6242:Twenty, twentiethof Elul.לֶאֱל֑וּל(le·’ĕ·lūl)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 435:The sixth Jewish month
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OT History: Nehemiah 6:15 So the wall was finished (Neh Ne) 
