Book of Nehemiah - Chapter 4 - Verse 15

In this verse from the Bible, the phrase "And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work," reflects a key theme of the book of Nehemiah. The verse describes a moment when Nehemiah and the people rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem faced opposition from their enemies, but with God's intervention, their plans were foiled. This shows the power of faith in overcoming obstacles and the importance of trusting in God's guidance. Despite facing threats and adversity, Nehemiah and his followers remained steadfast in their mission, returning to their work on the wall with renewed determination. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of challenges, as well as the ultimate triumph of God's will.

One theological interpretation of this verse revolves around the concept of divine intervention. The verse highlights how God made known to the people the plans of their enemies and ultimately thwarted their evil intentions. This emphasizes the belief in God's omniscience and overarching control over all events, even those involving human schemes. This can serve as a reminder to readers of the importance of placing trust in God's providence and recognizing His ability to turn seemingly dire situations in favor of His people.

Additionally, a word study of the term "brought their counsel to nought" reveals that the phrase signifies the act of rendering someone's advice or plans as ineffective or unproductive. This suggests that God has the power to nullify the strategies of the adversaries, ensuring that His will ultimately prevails. By returning each individual to their work on the wall after this revelation, the verse showcases the importance of diligent and faithful service in the face of opposition and the encouragement to continue the work of rebuilding and defending what is important, despite the threats and challenges posed by enemies.