Definition: Now Tobiah the Ammonite [was] by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 4:3. It's a pretty serious warning! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about protecting property and maintaining order. It’s telling Tobiah to be incredibly careful about what he builds, because if he builds something that could be easily damaged or destroyed, he needs to be prepared for the possibility of someone breaking it down. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Now Tobiah the Ammonite [was] by him…” - This identifies Tobiah as a specific person who was involved in a situation. It’s important to know who this is. “…and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.” – This is the core of the warning. “That which they build…” - This refers to any structure or construction Tobiah has made. It could be anything from houses, temples, or even just a simple storehouse. “…if a fox go up…” - A “fox” represents anyone who might try to damage or destroy the building – perhaps someone stealing materials, vandalizing it, or even trying to collapse it with tools. “he shall even break down their stone wall.” - This is the crucial part! If a fox does go up and causes damage, Tobiah is obligated to take immediate action to repair the wall – meaning to rebuild it if necessary. In short: Tobiah needs to be vigilant about his work and make sure that anything he builds is secure from harm. It’s a warning against carelessness and a call for vigilance. What's the Big Takeaway? This verse emphasizes responsibility and protection. It highlights that as a leader or someone in charge, you have a duty to safeguard what you build, because any potential threat could cause significant damage. It’s about being proactive and prepared! --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Relate it to a specific situation (like a temple or a town)?