13 And I went out by night by the valley-gate, even toward the jackal-fountain, and to the dung-gate; and I viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were in ruins, and its gates were consumed with fire. 14 And I went on to the fountain-gate, and to the king's pool; and there was no place for the beast under me to pass. 15 And I went up in the night through the valley, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the valley-gate and returned.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:13-15
Commentary on Nehemiah 2:9-18
(Read Nehemiah 2:9-18)
When Nehemiah had considered the matter, he told the Jews that God had put it into his heart to build the wall of Jerusalem. He does not undertake to do it without them. By stirring up ourselves and one another to that which is good, we strengthen ourselves and one another for it. We are weak in our duty, when we are cold and careless.