Nehemiah 2:17-18 Explained

"Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work." — Nehemiah 2:17-18 (KJV)

The shortest effective speech in Scripture, and a case study in what has to come before one.

Read it in context: The Book of Nehemiah. Also gathered under verses about leadership.

Nehemiah 2:17-18 in context

What does Nehemiah 2:17-18 mean?

The speech has three parts and no rhetoric: here is the situation, here is what God and the king have already done, let us build. He names the problem as 'we' rather than 'you', includes himself in the reproach, and offers evidence before asking for effort. 'Strengthened their hands' is an idiom for committing to a task — the response is not enthusiasm but resolve.

What is the context of Nehemiah 2:17-18?

Nehemiah has arrived from Susa, inspected the ruined wall by night without telling anyone, and secured the king's authority in advance. Only then does he speak. The wall goes up in fifty-two days.

How do I pray Nehemiah 2:17-18?

Pray it before asking anyone for anything. Ask for Nehemiah's order: look first, secure what you can, and speak last. Then check whether you are saying 'you' where he says 'we', which is usually the difference between a complaint and a call.

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