Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. New Living Translation 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. English Standard Version 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. Berean Standard Bible so I went up the valley by night and inspected the wall. Then I headed back and reentered through the Valley Gate. Berean Literal Bible And I went up by the valley by night, and I was inspecting the wall, and I turned back and came in through the Gate of the Valley, and I returned. King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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. New American Standard Bible So I was going up at night by the ravine and inspecting the wall. Then I entered the Valley Gate again and returned. NASB 1995 So I went up at night by the ravine and inspected the wall. Then I entered the Valley Gate again and returned. NASB 1977 So I went up at night by the ravine and inspected the wall. Then I entered the Valley Gate again and returned. Legacy Standard Bible So I went up at night by the ravine and inspected the wall. Then I turned and entered the Valley Gate and turned around. Amplified Bible So I went up at night by the ravine [of Kidron] and inspected the wall; then I turned back and entered [the city] by the Valley Gate, and returned. Berean Annotated Bible so I went up the valley by night and inspected the wall. Then I headed back and reentered through the Valley Gate. Christian Standard Bible So I went up at night by way of the valley and inspected the wall. Then heading back, I entered through the Valley Gate and returned. Holman Christian Standard Bible So I went up at night by way of the valley and inspected the wall. Then heading back, I entered through the Valley Gate and returned. American Standard Version Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall; and I turned back, and entered by the valley gate, and so returned. Contemporary English Version So I went down to Kidron Valley and looked at the wall from there. Then before daylight I returned to the city through Valley Gate. English Revised Version Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall; and I turned back, and entered by the valley gate, and so returned. GOD'S WORD® Translation So I went through the valley that night and examined the wall. Then I turned back, entered Valley Gate, and returned. Good News Translation so I went down into Kidron Valley and rode along, looking at the wall. Then I returned the way I had come and went back into the city through the Valley Gate. International Standard Version I traveled the valley by night to inspect the wall, returning through the Valley Gate. NET Bible I continued up the valley during the night, inspecting the wall. Then I turned back and came to the Valley Gate, and so returned. New Heart English Bible Then went I up in the night by the wadi, and viewed the wall; and I turned back, and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned. Webster's Bible Translation Then I went 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleso I went up the valley by night and inspected the wall. Then I headed back and reentered through the Valley Gate. World English Bible Then I went up in the night by the brook and inspected the wall; and I turned back, and entered by the valley gate, and so returned. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand I am going up through the brook by night, and am inspecting the wall, and turn back, and come in through the Valley Gate, and turn back. Berean Literal Bible And I went up by the valley by night, and I was inspecting the wall, and I turned back and came in through the Gate of the Valley, and I returned. Young's Literal Translation and I am going up through the brook by night, and am measuring about the wall, and turn back, and come in through the gate of the valley, and turn back. Smith's Literal Translation And I shall be going up by the torrent in the night, and I shall be watching the walls, and I shall turn back and come into the gate of the valley; and I shall turn back. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I went up in the night by the torrent, and viewed the wall, and going back I came to the gate of the valley, and returned. Catholic Public Domain Version And so I climbed up in the night along the torrent, and I considered the wall. And turning back, I went by the gate of the valley, and I returned. New American Bible I continued on foot up the wadi by night, inspecting the wall all the while, until I once more reached the Valley Gate, by which I went back in. New Revised Standard Version So I went up by way of the valley by night and inspected the wall. Then I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen I went up in the night by the valley and viewed the wall, and turned back and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I was going up by the valley in the night, and I was blocking in the wall, and I would come and I entered by the Gate of the Valley and I returned. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then went I up in the night in the valley, and viewed the wall; and I turned back, and entered by the valley gate, and so returned. Brenton Septuagint Translation And I went up by the wall of the brook by night, and mourned over the wall, and passed through the gate of the valley, and returned. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Nehemiah Inspects the Walls…14Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was no room for the animal under me to get through; 15so I went up the valley by night and inspected the wall. Then I headed back and reentered through the Valley Gate. 16The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews or priests or nobles or officials or any other workers.… Cross References so I went up the valley by night 1 Samuel 26:7 That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Joshua 2:1-2 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. / And it was reported to the king of Jericho: “Behold, some men of Israel have come here tonight to spy out the land.” and inspected the wall. Proverbs 24:30-34 I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. / Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. / I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: … Amos 7:7-8 This is what He showed me: Behold, the Lord was standing by a wall true to plumb, with a plumb line in His hand. / “Amos, what do you see?” asked the LORD. “A plumb line,” I replied. “Behold,” said the Lord, “I am setting a plumb line among My people Israel; I will no longer spare them: Ezekiel 40:3-4 So He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze. He was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. / “Son of man,” he said to me, “look with your eyes, hear with your ears, and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Report to the house of Israel everything you see.” Then I headed back and reentered through the Valley Gate. Nehemiah 3:13 The Valley Gate was repaired by Hanun and the residents of Zanoah. They rebuilt it, installed its doors, bolts, and bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall as far as the Dung Gate. 2 Chronicles 26:9 Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, the Valley Gate, and the angle in the wall, and he fortified them. Nehemiah 1:3 And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” Nehemiah 4:1-3 Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews / before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” / Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!” Nehemiah 6:15-16 So the wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth of Elul. / When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and disheartened, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God. Ezra 4:12-13 Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring its walls and repairing its foundations. / Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer. Ezra 9:9 Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but He has extended to us grace in the sight of the kings of Persia, giving us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and giving us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem. Isaiah 58:12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling. Daniel 9:25 Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Messiah, the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress. Psalm 51:18 In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. Treasury of Scripture 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. the brook. 2 Samuel 15:23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness. Jeremiah 31:38-40 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner… John 18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. Nehemiah 2:13 And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire. Jump to Previous Brook Door Entered Examining Finally Gate Inspected Measuring Night Ravine Stream Turn Turned Turning Valley Valley-Gate Viewed Viewing WallJump to Next Brook Door Entered Examining Finally Gate Inspected Measuring Night Ravine Stream Turn Turned Turning Valley Valley-Gate Viewed Viewing WallNehemiah 2 1. Artaxerxes, understanding the cause of Nehemiah's sadness, 6. sends him with letters and commission to Jerusalem 9. Nehemiah, to the grief of the enemies, comes to Jerusalem 12. He views secretly the ruins of the walls 17. He incites the Jews to build so I went up the valley by night Nehemiah's decision to inspect the walls by night reflects a strategic and cautious approach. The valley mentioned is likely the Kidron Valley, which runs along the eastern side of Jerusalem. Conducting this inspection at night allowed Nehemiah to assess the damage without drawing attention from potential adversaries or causing alarm among the inhabitants. This action demonstrates wisdom and prudence, qualities often associated with effective leadership in the Bible. The nighttime inspection also symbolizes the spiritual vigilance required to discern and address the broken areas in one's life or community. and inspected the wall. Then I headed back and reentered through the Valley Gate. Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahA Jewish leader and cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, tasked with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. 2. The Valley Likely referring to the Kidron Valley, which runs along the eastern side of Jerusalem. 3. The Wall The wall of Jerusalem, which had been broken down and needed repair. 4. The Valley Gate One of the gates of Jerusalem, located in the western part of the city, through which Nehemiah entered and exited during his inspection. 5. Inspection by Night Nehemiah's strategic decision to inspect the wall at night to avoid drawing attention to his plans prematurely. Teaching Points Strategic PlanningNehemiah's inspection of the wall at night underscores the importance of strategic planning and discretion in leadership. Before taking action, assess the situation thoroughly. Courage and Faith Nehemiah's actions demonstrate courage and faith in God's provision. When faced with daunting tasks, trust in God's guidance and strength. Leadership and Initiative Nehemiah took initiative without waiting for others to act. Effective leaders often need to step forward and take the first step. Facing Opposition Anticipate and prepare for opposition when undertaking God's work. Nehemiah's nighttime inspection was a proactive measure to avoid premature confrontation. Community Restoration Nehemiah's mission was not just about physical rebuilding but also about restoring the community's faith and identity. Engage in efforts that build up both physical and spiritual aspects of community life. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 2:15?2. How does Nehemiah 2:15 demonstrate the importance of assessing situations before acting? 3. What can we learn from Nehemiah's nighttime inspection about leadership and discretion? 4. How does Nehemiah 2:15 connect with Proverbs 21:5 on planning and diligence? 5. In what ways can we apply Nehemiah's approach to problem-solving in our lives? 6. How does Nehemiah's inspection reflect faith in action despite challenges and obstacles? 7. What does Nehemiah 2:15 reveal about Nehemiah's leadership qualities and determination? 8. How does Nehemiah 2:15 illustrate the importance of assessing situations before taking action? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Nehemiah 2:15? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 2? 11. What are the names of Jerusalem's gates? 12. What was Nehemiah's role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls? 13. Nehemiah 3:13-14 references the repair of the Valley Gate and Dung Gate; why is there scant historical or archeological data confirming these gate sites? 14. How many were the children of Adin? Four hundred and fifty-four (Ezra 2:15) Six hundred and fifty-five (Nehemiah 7:20) What Does Nehemiah 2:15 Mean so I went up the valley by night• Nehemiah chooses the cover of darkness, not out of fear but out of godly wisdom. Earlier he records, “I set out by night with only a few men” (Nehemiah 2:12). In hostile surroundings, discretion protects the work God has assigned. • Scripture often shows night missions advancing God’s plans—think of the spies in Jericho (Joshua 2) or Paul lowered from Damascus “by night” (Acts 9:25). Each instance highlights trusting obedience coupled with practical caution. • This valley route likely follows the Kidron, a quiet path that lets Nehemiah observe without drawing attention. It reminds us that God sometimes leads His servants through hidden places before public action (compare 1 Kings 17:3–4; Matthew 10:16). and inspected the wall • Nehemiah does not rely on hearsay; he looks “carefully” (Nehemiah 2:13) at every breach. Wise leadership starts with honest assessment—“Be sure to know the condition of your flocks” (Proverbs 27:23). • Jesus affirmed the same principle: “Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost” (Luke 14:28). Planning is faith’s companion, not its rival. • The wall is literal, yet it also pictures the spiritual boundaries that protect God’s people. A broken wall exposes families and churches to enemy attack (Ephesians 6:11). Nehemiah’s inspection challenges us to examine our own defenses (1 Colossians 3:13). Then I headed back • After gathering facts, Nehemiah returns to where the leaders wait (Nehemiah 2:16). He resists the impulse to rush ahead alone, modeling patient stewardship—“A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). • Turning back also signals readiness. Observation without action breeds discouragement, but observation followed by prayerful strategy fuels hope (compare Exodus 18:23; James 1:22). and reentered through the Valley Gate • The Valley Gate anchors the western wall, a practical exit for workers heading to the lower city. By re-entering there, Nehemiah completes the circuit, verifying his findings. • Valleys in Scripture often symbolize humility and dependence—“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil” (Psalm 23:4). Passing this gate again underlines that rebuilding begins with humble trust (1 Peter 5:6). • The closed loop also confirms security: no breach went uninspected, no enemy spotted him. God preserved both the messenger and the message. summary Nehemiah 2:15 records more than a midnight stroll; it showcases Spirit-led leadership. Moving under cover of night, Nehemiah gathers accurate information, measures the damage, then returns through the Valley Gate poised to rally God’s people. His example marries faith with prudence, vigilance with humility, and planning with absolute confidence that the Lord will restore what is broken. (15) By the gate of the valley, and so returned.--The itineration seems to have completed the circuit of the walls.Verse 15. - By the brook. "The brook Kidron," which skirted the city on the east. From this he would be able to "look up at the eastern wall" along its whole length, and see its condition. Following the brook, he was brought to the north-eastern angle of the city; on reaching which he seems to have "turned back" towards the point from which he had started, and skirting the northern wall, to have re-entered by the gate of the valley.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew so Iוָאֱהִ֨י (wā·’ĕ·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be went up עֹלֶ֤ה (‘ō·leh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively the valley בַנַּ֙חַל֙ (ḇan·na·ḥal) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5158: A stream, a winter torrent, a, valley, a shaft by night לַ֔יְלָה (lay·lāh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity and וָאֱהִ֥י (wā·’ĕ·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be inspected שֹׂבֵ֖ר (śō·ḇêr) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7663: To scrutinize, to expect the wall. בַּחוֹמָ֑ה (ba·ḥō·w·māh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2346: A wall of protection Then I headed back וָאָשׁ֗וּב (wā·’ā·šūḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again and reentered וָאָב֛וֹא (wā·’ā·ḇō·w) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go through the Valley הַגַּ֖יְא (hag·gay) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 1516: A valley Gate. בְּשַׁ֥עַר (bə·ša·‘ar) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate Links Nehemiah 2:15 NIVNehemiah 2:15 NLT Nehemiah 2:15 ESV Nehemiah 2:15 NASB Nehemiah 2:15 KJV Nehemiah 2:15 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 2:15 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 2:15 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 2:15 French Bible Nehemiah 2:15 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 2:15 Then went I up in the night (Neh Ne) |
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