And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Notice how Nehemiah shares two sources of authority: the "hand of my God" and the "king's words." This wasn't just a personal mission; it was divinely ordained and officially sanctioned, giving the people a solid foundation for their bold declaration, "Let us rise up and build." Their response, to "strengthen their hands for the good work," shows they embraced both the divine enablement and the royal permission, uniting them for the task.
And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Nehemiah shared his vision and the king's royal endorsement with the Jewish leaders and people, they were deeply moved. He recounted how God's favor had been upon him, bolstering his courage, and also revealed the king's explicit permission for the rebuilding project. This powerful combination ignited their resolve, prompting an immediate, unified commitment to the monumental task.
Nehemiah shared two powerful sources of authority for his mission. What were they, and why were they both crucial?
Nehemiah's successful appeal to the people in verse 18 hinges on him presenting two distinct, yet equally vital, endorsements for rebuilding Jerusalem's walls:
Divine Authority
He first spoke 'of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good.' This wasn't just a casual mention of God's help; it was a testament to God's active, guiding providence in his life and mission. It spoke of past successes, divine favor, and a clear sense that this task was God's will. This divine backing was the ultimate source of Nehemiah's confidence and the foundation for the people's trust.
Royal Sanction
Next, he mentioned 'the words that the king had spoken to me.' This referred to the king's explicit permission and support for the project, including royal letters and guards. This royal decree removed immediate political obstacles and potential accusations of rebellion. It provided a tangible, earthly safeguard that made the undertaking seem feasible and less perilous.
By combining these two elements—God's guiding hand and the king's decree—Nehemiah presented a message of divinely sanctioned opportunity. The people could see that this wasn't just a human endeavor but one blessed from above and authorized by earthly powers.
The people's response was immediate and powerful. What fueled their sudden surge of motivation?
The heart of verse 18 lies in the people's electrifying response: 'And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.' This wasn't a hesitant or reluctant agreement; it was a unified, enthusiastic commitment.
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A Shared Vision
Nehemiah's address didn't just inform; it ignited. By sharing God's past faithfulness and the king's solid backing, he painted a picture of hope and possibility. He tapped into the people's deep longing for security, identity, and restoration, showing them a path forward that was both divinely ordained and practically possible.
Empowered Commitment
The phrase 'strengthened their hands for the good work' signifies more than just starting; it implies a newfound resolve and vigor. They weren't just agreeing to build; they were preparing themselves, encouraging one another, and dedicating their energy to this 'good work.' This collective empowerment turned a potentially overwhelming task into a shared mission, filled with zeal and determination.
Understand the original words
yad elohay · Hebrew Noun
The divine power, guidance, and providential care of God actively working in the lives of His people to accomplish His purposes.
Nehemiah's powerful speech in this verse directly ignites the people's will to rebuild, transforming their despair into determined action. His appeal, grounded in God's favor and the king's official backing, galvanized them against surrounding opposition and the daunting task ahead.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the First Temple, and exiled much of the population, leaving the city walls in ruins.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire, led by Cyrus, overthrew the Neo-Babylonian Empire, ushering in a new era for the exiles in Judah.
538 BC
Cyrus's Decree for Return and Reconstruction
Cyrus permitted the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, marking the first wave of returnees.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah Appointed Governor of Judah
King Artaxerxes I of Persia granted Nehemiah's request to return to Jerusalem, providing letters of authority to rebuild the city walls.
c. 445 BC
Opposition to the Wall Building Begins
Local governors and peoples surrounding Judah, like Sanballat the Horonite, began to mock and threaten the returning Jews as they started rebuilding.
Just as Nehemiah shared how God's hand was upon him, Moses recounts God's awareness of the Israelites' suffering and His plan to deliver them, showing divine initiative in a people's liberation.
1 Samuel 17:45-47Nehemiah explicitly mentions the king's words alongside God's hand; similarly, David declared his reliance on the Lord as he faced Goliath, showing how divine power and a clear calling empower action against opposition.
2 Chronicles 20:3-4The people's enthusiastic response, 'Let us rise up and build,' echoes the unified prayer and commitment of Judah when facing overwhelming odds, highlighting the strength found in collective resolve inspired by God.
Acts 4:23-31Like Nehemiah's report of the king's words and God's favor, the apostles, after facing opposition, reported back to their community, who then prayed for boldness. Their prayer was answered with the Holy Spirit empowering them to speak God's word, mirroring the strengthening of hands for the good work.
pulpitNehemiah 2:18: "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."
Verse 18. - Then I told them of the hand of my God. Nehemiah sketched the history of his past life, and showed how God's providence had always shielded him and supported him. This, however, would scarcely have had any great effect had he not been able to appeal further to…
clarkeNehemiah 2:18: "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."
Then I told them - He opened to them his design and his commission.
Notice how Nehemiah shares two sources of authority: the "hand of my God" and the "king's words." This wasn't just a personal mission; it was divinely ordained and officially sanctioned, giving the people a solid foundation for their bold declaration, "Let us rise up and build." Their response, to "strengthen their hands for the good work," shows they embraced both the divine enablement and the royal permission, uniting them for the task.
After Nehemiah shared his vision and the king's royal endorsement with the Jewish leaders and people, they were deeply moved. He recounted how God's favor had been upon him, bolstering his courage, and also revealed the king's explicit permission for the rebuilding project. This powerful combination ignited their resolve, prompting an immediate, unified commitment to the monumental task.
After Nehemiah shared his vision and the king's royal endorsement with the Jewish leaders and people, they were deeply moved. He recounted how God's favor had been upon him, bolstering his courage, and also revealed the king's explicit permission for the rebuilding project. This powerful combination ignited their resolve, prompting an immediate, unified commitment to the monumental task.
"And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work." — Notice how Nehemiah shares two sources of authority: the "hand of my God" and the "king's words." This wasn't just a personal mission; it was divinely ordained and officially sanctioned, giving t…
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Last reviewed October 2026