And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
So I sent messengers back to them with this answer: 'I am doing something very important, so I cannot come down to meet you. Why should this important work stop just so I can leave it and come down to see you?'
Nehemiah is refusing to be distracted from rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, recognizing that his enemies are trying to pull him away from God's important work.
📚 Historical Context
Nehemiah was leading the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Jewish people returned from exile in Babylon. His enemies, including Sanballat and Tobiah, repeatedly tried to lure him away from the construction project through various schemes and distractions. This verse shows Nehemiah's fourth refusal to meet with them, demonstrating his unwavering focus on completing God's work despite opposition.
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