Nehemiah 4:2
And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?
Nehemiah 4:2 · King James Version
Meaning
When considering the verse "And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish which are burned?", it is important to understand the context in which it was spoken. The speaker is questioning the ability and determination of the Jews in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The phrase "feeble Jews" implies a lack of strength and resources, causing doubt in the minds of those observing their efforts. The questions raised suggest skepticism and disbelief in the Jews' ability to accomplish the daunting task of fortifying themselves and reviving the desolate city. Overall, this verse highlights the challenges and obstacles faced by the Jews during their rebuilding process, as they strive to overcome adversity and prove their resilience in the face of doubt and opposition.
Theological Overview
Here, the speaker in Nehemiah 4:2 questions the strength and abilities of the Jews who are rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The term "feeble Jews" may refer to their physical weakness or their lack of military prowess in the eyes of their adversaries. The mention of fortifying themselves could be a reference to the defensive measures the Jews were taking to protect themselves from potential attacks while rebuilding the walls. The idea of sacrificing might allude to their religious practices and seeking divine intervention for their undertaking. The act of reviving stones from heaps of rubble signifies the monumental task of reconstructing the city walls from the destruction of the past. Overall, this verse reflects the doubts and mockery faced by the Jews as they embark on their mission, but also highlights their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Nehemiah 4:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What are these feeble Jews doing? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, seeing they are burned?
World English Bible
He spoke before his brothers and the army of Samaria, and said, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, since they are burned?”
Douay-Rheims
And said before his brethren, and the multitude of the Samaritans: What are the silly Jews doing? Will the Gentiles let them alone? will they sacrifice and make an end in a day? are they able to raise stones out of the heaps of the rubbish, which are burnt?
Geneva Bible (1599)
And sayde before his brethren and the armie of Samaria, thus he sayde, What doe these weake Iewes? wil they fortifie them selues? wil they sacrifice? will they finish it in a day? will they make the stones whole againe out of the heapes of dust, seeing they are burnt?