Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.
Then I answered them and said, 'The God of heaven will make us successful. That's why we, His servants, will get up and build. But you have no share, no right, and no remembered place in Jerusalem.'
Nehemiah is boldly telling his opponents that God will help him succeed in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, and that they have no rightful claim or connection to the holy city.
📚 Historical Context
Nehemiah was cupbearer to the Persian king and had received permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls around 445 BC. Local officials like Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were opposing the rebuilding project, likely because a fortified Jerusalem would threaten their political influence in the region. Nehemiah's response shows his confidence in God's backing for this restoration project.
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