The Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 4:14

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

And I looked, and rose up, and said. A particular occasion seems to be spoken of. The allies had joined their forces; the army was advancing; Nehemiah had obtained information of the quarter from which the attack was to be expected; he had posted his men (verse 13); when he "looked, and rose up," and spoke, it was probably as the enemy was coming up to the attack; he then made this short but stirring appeal.

That no conflict followed would seem to show, that "when the enemy approached, and saw from a distance the whole people awaiting them in perfect equipment, order, and spirit," they lost heart and "turned back".

The Lord, which is great and terrible. See the comment on Nehemiah 1:5.

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