17 Then I said to them, "You see the evil case that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come, let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we won't be disgraced."
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we [are] in, how Jerusalem [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more (f) a reproach.
(f) That is, contemned by other nations as though God had forsaken us.
Then said I unto them,.... The priests and princes of the Jews:
you see the distress that we are in; lie open to our enemies, and exposed to their insults:
how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burnt with fire, Nehemiah 1:3,
come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem that we be no more a reproach; to their neighbours about them, who scoffed at them as a defenceless people and frequently came in upon them, and spoiled and plundered them of their goods and substance.
*More commentary available at chapter level.