Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Nehemiah 2:15. It’s a really interesting story about a man returning to rebuild a city! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a man who went back into a ruined city he had previously rebuilt. Let's unpack the parts: “Then went I up in the night…” – This tells us it was late at night, likely when it was dark. “…by the brook…” – He traveled by a small stream or river. “…viewed the wall…” - He looked at the remnants of the city walls that had been damaged and destroyed. “…turned back…” – He stopped and decided to go back. “…and entered by the gate of the valley…” - He went through a specific, often fortified entrance into the city. “[so] returned.” – This is the key part! He returned after he’d looked at the ruins. What's the big takeaway? This story illustrates a few important things about faithfulness and perseverance: Responsibility: He took responsibility for rebuilding the city, even though it was damaged. Honesty & Integrity: He returned to rebuild it after examining what was there – showing honesty and a commitment to doing what he promised. Persistence: It shows that even when things seem lost or broken, you have the strength to keep going and try again. In essence, this verse is a reminder that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to look back, learn from the past, and then start building something new. Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this story in more detail?