Nehemiah 2 15

Nehemiah 2:15 kjv

Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned.

Nehemiah 2:15 nkjv

So I went up in the night by the valley, and viewed the wall; then I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned.

Nehemiah 2:15 niv

so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate.

Nehemiah 2:15 esv

Then I went up in the night by the valley and inspected the wall, and I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned.

Nehemiah 2:15 nlt

So, though it was still dark, I went up the Kidron Valley instead, inspecting the wall before I turned back and entered again at the Valley Gate.

Nehemiah 2 verses

Nehemiah 2 15 Meaning

Nehemiah 2:15 describes a segment of Nehemiah's secret, nocturnal inspection of Jerusalem's ruined walls. It details his ascent in the darkness through a valley route to survey the wall, completing his circuit by returning through the same Valley Gate from which he had started. This verse emphasizes his diligent, thorough, and discreet assessment of the extensive damage, forming a complete reconnaissance before engaging the community.

Nehemiah 2 15 Context

Nehemiah 2:15 is part of Nehemiah's personal reconnaissance of Jerusalem's devastated walls. Having secured King Artaxerxes' permission and resources in Susa, Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem (v. 11) and rested for three days. His first critical action, recounted in verses 12-16, was this secret, nocturnal inspection. He undertook it with only a few chosen companions, primarily to avoid drawing attention from adversaries (like Sanballat and Tobiah mentioned later) or causing premature excitement among the disheartened inhabitants.

Verse 15 specifically describes the middle portion of his survey circuit. He previously exited via the Valley Gate, inspected sections of the wall towards the Dragon's Well and the Dung Gate, noting areas that were impassable due to rubble (v. 13-14). In verse 15, he goes "up" (likely ascending a part of the valley or an incline along the wall's path), meticulously surveys more sections, and then completes a significant loop by returning to his starting point, the Valley Gate. This signifies the methodical and comprehensive nature of his assessment, done under the cover of night to ensure an unfiltered, objective understanding of the task ahead before engaging the people.

Historically, Jerusalem's walls had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC, and earlier attempts at rebuilding faced severe opposition and failed. Nehemiah's strategic secrecy highlights the challenging environment and the wisdom of meticulous preparation before public initiative.

Nehemiah 2 15 Word analysis

• Then I went up: (Hebrew: וָאֶעֱלֶה, va'e'eleh). The verb ‘ālāh means "to ascend," "go up." This implies moving to higher ground or following a rising path along the valley. This might have provided a better vantage point for inspection or was simply the contour of the terrain he traversed. It suggests a deliberate, perhaps challenging, part of his journey.
• in the night: (Hebrew: בַּלַּיְלָה, bal-laylāh). Emphasizes the secrecy, discretion, and strategic timing of his activity. Doing it at night concealed his movements from adversaries, minimized public attention, and allowed for an unhindered, objective assessment of the wall's condition without being observed by the city's inhabitants or potential spies.
• by the valley: (Hebrew: בַגַּיְא, bag-gay’). Refers to a specific valley, likely the Hinnom Valley or possibly the Tyropoeon Valley, which would run alongside sections of Jerusalem’s walls. This route offered natural concealment, enhancing the secrecy of his inspection compared to moving on top of the ruined walls in broad daylight.
• and surveyed the wall: (Hebrew: וָאֲשַׂוֵּר בַּחוֹמָה, va'aśawwēr ba-ḥōmāh). The verb shur means "to look, behold, travel about, spy out, survey." This was no casual glance but a systematic and thorough examination. Nehemiah was assessing the extent of destruction, identifying strategic weaknesses, potential points of repair, and the sheer scale of the task, focusing intently on the fortifications.
• and turned back: (Hebrew: וָאֶשׁוּב, va'ešūḇ). Signifies a reversal of direction or the completion of a specific segment of his journey. It indicates that he covered a certain distance along the wall and then turned to begin his return or complete a circuit. This highlights the methodical nature of his investigation.
• and entered by the Valley Gate: (Hebrew: וָאָבֹוא בְשַׁעַר הַגַּיְא, va'āvō' višʿar hag-gay’). Confirms his return route. The Valley Gate was his starting point (v. 13), and returning to it completes his physical circuit of reconnaissance. It signifies a careful retracing of his path or the conclusion of this phase of the assessment, leading him back into the city.
• and so returned: (Hebrew: וָאֶשּׁוּב, va'ešūḇ). A reiteration of "turned back" or "returned," further emphasizing the completion of his night's full reconnaissance mission. This repetition underscores the methodical and exhaustive nature of his silent investigation before any public pronouncements or actions.

Words-group analysis:

• "I went up in the night by the valley": This phrase paints a picture of Nehemiah's intentional movement: private, concealed, and perhaps arduous. It underlines the strategic use of darkness and terrain for reconnaissance, indicative of a wise leader avoiding unnecessary risks.
• "surveyed the wall": This is the core action and purpose. It speaks to meticulous, first-hand assessment, not relying on hearsay. Nehemiah was engaged in critical intelligence gathering for the immense task ahead, physically inspecting the ruins.
• "turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned": This series of phrases highlights the completion of a circular, comprehensive, and secret journey. It shows the careful execution of his plan to inspect the walls and his methodical return, ensuring no detail was overlooked, and no suspicion aroused.

Nehemiah 2 15 Bonus section

• The solo nature of this segment of the journey (implied by "I went up... and surveyed") emphasizes Nehemiah's personal commitment and willingness to undertake challenging and discreet work for God's purposes. While few men were with him (v. 12), this verse focuses on his individual movement and direct engagement with the ruins.
• This intense preparatory work allowed Nehemiah to speak with authority and a clear vision to the people (Neh 2:17-18) because he had firsthand knowledge of the immense task, building confidence and fostering unity.
• The Valley Gate likely represented one of the most damaged or strategically significant sections for the repair work, as indicated by its mention both as his departure and return point.
• The meticulous preparation described here is a significant lesson for those undertaking any significant work for God: success often depends heavily on quiet, thorough, and Spirit-led groundwork before public action.

Nehemiah 2 15 Commentary

Nehemiah 2:15 exemplifies diligent and discreet leadership in preparation for a God-ordained task. Nehemiah's solo, secret, nocturnal journey around the broken walls was a foundational act of practical wisdom, essential before leading a demoralized populace. His physical 'going up' suggests overcoming an initial obstacle or achieving a higher perspective for thorough evaluation. The use of 'night' and 'valley' speaks volumes of his prudence and determination to gather unfiltered data while minimizing the risk of alerting adversaries or raising false hopes prematurely. His "surveying" was not a mere glance but an in-depth study of the challenges, akin to counting the cost before construction. The complete circuit back to the Valley Gate underscores the exhaustive nature of his reconnaissance. This unseen, often thankless, preparatory work established the credibility and concrete plan necessary for Nehemiah to effectively motivate the people and secure the project's success, highlighting that genuine spiritual leadership combines fervent prayer with meticulous planning and hard, practical work.