Nehemiah 4:4 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: Turn their reproach upon their own head - A prayer of this kind, understood literally, is not lawful for any Christian. Jesus, our great master, has said, "Love your enemies; do good to them that hate you; and pray for them that despitefully use you." Such sayings as the above are excusable in the mouth of a Jew, under severe irritation. See the next verse, Nehemiah 4:5 (note).