16 It happened, when all our enemies heard (of it), that all the nations that were about us feared, and were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was worked of our God.
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
This work was wrought of our God - This is an additional reason why we should not wonder at the shortness of the time in which so great a work was done, for God helped them by an especial providence; and this was so very observable, that their carnal enemies could discover it.
And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof,.... That the wall was finished:
and all the Heathen that were about us saw these things; the neighbouring nations, who not only heard with their ears, but saw with their eyes what was done:
they were much cast down in their own eyes; through shame and confusion, because of their own scoffs and jeers; through grief and vexation at the unexpected success of the Jews, and through the fear of them that was fallen upon them, as Jarchi notes:
for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God; his special providence and blessing attending it, as appeared by its being so soon effected.
The news that the wall was finished spread fear among the enemies, viz., among the nations in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem (comp. Nehemiah 4:1; Nehemiah 5:9); they were much cast down, and perceived "that this work was effected with the help of our God." The expression בעניהם יפּלוּ occurs only here, and must be explained according to פּניו יפּלוּ, his countenance fell (Genesis 4:5), and לב יפּל, the heart fails (i.e., the courage) (1-Samuel 17:32): they sank in their own eyes, i.e., they felt themselves cast down, discouraged.
*More commentary available at chapter level.