Nehemiah 2:16

16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews or priests or nobles or officials or any other workers.

Nehemiah 2:16 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 2:16

And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did.
&c.] The rulers of the city of Jerusalem, who seem to be officers of the king of Persia, since they are distinguished from Jewish rulers in the next clause:

neither had I as yet told it to the Jews;
what he came about and designed to do:

nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers;
the principal men among the Jews, both ecclesiastical and civil:

nor to the rest that did the work;
of building and repairing; neither those that were employed in it, nor those that overlooked it.

Nehemiah 2:16 In-Context

14 Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was no room for the animal under me to get through;

15 so I went up the valley by night and inspected the wall. Then I headed back and reentered through the Valley Gate.

16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews or priests or nobles or officials or any other workers.

17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned down. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.”

18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. “Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work.