1 Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates),
2 Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm.
3 I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”
4 They sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner.
5 In the same way Sanballat for the fifth time sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand.
6 In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king.
7 And you have also set up prophets to proclaim concerning you in Jerusalem, ‘There is a king in Judah.’ And now the king will hear of these reports. So now come and let us take counsel together.”
8 Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say have been done, for you are inventing them out of your own mind.”
9 For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands.
10 Now when I went into the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home, he said, “Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple. Let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you. They are coming to kill you by night.”
11 But I said, “Should such a man as I run away? And what man such as I could go into the temple and live? I will not go in.”
12 And I understood and saw that God had not sent him, but he had pronounced the prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
13 For this purpose he was hired, that I should be afraid and act in this way and sin, and so they could give me a bad name in order to taunt me.
14 Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things that they did, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who wanted to make me afraid.
15 So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.
16 When all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.
17 Moreover, in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them.
18 For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah: and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah as his wife.
19 Also they spoke of his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to make me afraid.
The True Meaning of Nehemiah 6
The book of Nehemiah was written by the prophet Nehemiah, who served as a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. Nehemiah was a man of great faith and determination, tasked with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah faces continued opposition from his enemies as he works to complete the restoration of Jerusalem in this chapter. The chapter foreshadows the schemes and threats that Nehemiah must navigate to ensure the successful completion of his mission, all while maintaining his trust in God’s guidance.
Nehemiah’s unwavering commitment to the task at hand is evident throughout the chapter, as he refuses to be distracted or intimidated by the plots of his adversaries. This passage also highlights the importance of unity and perseverance in the face of adversity, as the people of Jerusalem work together to rebuild the walls despite the challenges they face. Nehemiah inspires the people with his faith and leadership to overcome the obstacles before them as we delve into this chapter, ultimately leading to the successful completion of the wall’s reconstruction. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that can be found in those who trust in the Lord and remain steadfast in their purpose.
Nehemiah 6:1-4
The continuous efforts to undermine Nehemiah’s leadership and the progress of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem are the focus in Nehemiah 6:1-4. The first section of this verse touches on the adversaries of Nehemiah, namely Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of his enemies. These adversaries represent the opposition that Nehemiah faced in his mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Sanballat was a governor of Samaria, Tobiah was an Ammonite official, and Geshem was an Arabian leader. Together, they were threatened by the rising strength and unity of the Jews under Nehemiah’s leadership, which prompted them to conspire against him.
The next section reveals the nature of the adversary’s plan. Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to Nehemiah, inviting him to a meeting in one of the villages in the plain of Ono. Ono was located in a region that was a significant distance from Jerusalem. Their intention was to lure Nehemiah away from his work on the walls under the pretense of peace talks or negotiation, while in reality, planning to ambush him and bring an end to his leadership. This deceitful invitation was a strategy to distract Nehemiah from his important task and prevent the completion of the wall.
Nehemiah’s response showcases his discernment and commitment to the task at hand. Despite being aware of the malicious intent behind the invitation, Nehemiah maintains his focus and refuses to be tricked into a trap. He recognizes that the enemy’s motive is not for peace but to harm him and hinder the work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah’s unwavering dedication to his mission demonstrates his strong faith, wisdom, and leadership qualities. He was not swayed by false offers or threats but remained resolute in carrying out the work assigned to him by God.
This passage in Nehemiah 6 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of discernment and staying focused on God’s work despite facing opposition and distractions. It highlights the reality that when undertaking a significant task for God, there will be adversaries who will try to undermine, deceive, or hinder the progress. Nehemiah’s example teaches us to be vigilant, prayerful, and to rely on God’s guidance when faced with challenges and opposition. This passage echoes the biblical theme of facing trials and tribulations while remaining faithful to God’s calling in a broader context. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who encountered opposition but persevered through faith. One such example is the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis, who faced betrayal by his brothers, slavery, and imprisonment but ultimately rose to a position of power and saved his family. These stories remind us of the importance of trusting in God’s plan and not being deterred by obstacles that may come our way.
Nehemiah 6:5-9
Nehemiah’s enemies threatened and plotted against him as he oversaw the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, a task appointed by God. The verse reads, “Then Sanballat sent his servant to me as before, the fifth time, with an open letter in his hand. Geshem says that among the nations it is reported that you and the Jews plan to rebel, and according to these rumors, you are rebuilding the wall to be their king. And you have also appointed prophets to proclaim concerning you at Jerusalem, saying, ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now these matters will be reported to the king. So come, therefore, and let us consult together.”
This section is crucial as it highlights the tactics used by Nehemiah’s enemies, like Sanballat and Geshem, to intimidate and distract him from his mission. The fabrication of rumors and false accusations was a common strategy employed by those who opposed the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. They sought to create doubt and fear in Nehemiah’s heart, suggesting that his intentions were insincere and disloyal to the king.
Nehemiah’s response to these threats demonstrates his unwavering faith and dedication to the task appointed to him by God. He dismisses the accusations and remains focused on his mission, refusing to be swayed by fear or intimidation. This serves as a timeless lesson for believers to stay steadfast in the face of adversity and trust in God’s protection and guidance.
Furthermore, the mention of prophets being appointed to proclaim Nehemiah as king highlights the importance of discerning true prophets from false ones. False prophets in the Bible often misled people and led them astray from God’s truth. Nehemiah’s discernment and wisdom in rejecting these claims emphasize the significance of testing the spirits, as mentioned in 1 John 4:1, to ensure that the messages we receive align with God’s Word.
Nehemiah’s perseverance against opposition also echoes the challenges faced by many figures in the Bible who were called to carry out God’s work amidst adversity, such as Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt or David facing Goliath. It illustrates the theme of spiritual warfare present throughout the Bible, where believers are called to stand firm in their faith and resist the schemes of the enemy, as stated in Ephesians 6:12.
Nehemiah 6:10-14
We can break down several important sections in Nehemiah 6:10-14 to gain a deeper understanding of the context and the message being conveyed.
Firstly, in verse 10, we see that Shemaiah, a false prophet or a man pretending to be a prophet, tries to deceive Nehemiah by advising him to hide within the temple to protect himself from those who sought to harm him. Shemaiah’s intention was not to genuinely help Nehemiah but rather to cause him to sin by disobeying God’s laws concerning who could enter the temple. It’s important for believers to be discerning about the advice they receive, especially when it goes against God’s word. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking discernment through prayer and being vigilant against deceit from those who pretend to have spiritual authority.
Next, in verse 11, Nehemiah displays wisdom and discernment by recognizing that Shemaiah was not sent by God but was attempting to intimidate Nehemiah into sinning. Nehemiah’s response to Shemaiah’s false prophecy showcases his faithfulness and steadfastness in following God’s will. This passage teaches us about the importance of being grounded in our faith and having the wisdom to discern false teachings or messages that go against God’s word. It also emphasizes the significance of remaining faithful and obedient to God, even in the face of intimidation or persecution.
Moving on to verse 12, we see that Nehemiah recognizes that Shemaiah’s intentions were to stir up fear and cause Nehemiah to act in a way that would discredit his character and leadership. Nehemiah’s refusal to comply with Shemaiah’s scheme demonstrates his commitment to upholding his integrity and staying true to his mission of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in the face of opposition and not allowing fear or intimidation to sway us from the path God has set before us. It highlights the significance of maintaining our integrity and remaining steadfast in our faith, even when faced with adversity.
Finally, in verses 13-14, Nehemiah reflects on the fact that certain individuals, including Shemaiah and Tobiah, were trying to intimidate him out of fear that the Jews would become too powerful and rebel against their oppressors. Despite the threats and schemes of his enemies, Nehemiah prays to God for strength and remains resolute in his determination to complete the rebuilding of the wall. This passage underscores the importance of relying on God’s strength and guidance in the face of adversity. It also demonstrates the power of prayer and the importance of trusting in God to overcome obstacles and opposition. Nehemiah 6:10-14 conveys timeless messages about the significance of discernment, faithfulness, integrity, perseverance, and reliance on God in the face of opposition. We can learn valuable lessons about staying true to our faith, standing firm in our convictions, and trusting in God’s plan for us by studying Nehemiah’s response to challenges and threats. This passage serves as a source of inspiration for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to persevere in fulfilling the purposes that God has placed in their hearts.
Nehemiah 6:15-19
Nehemiah, with the help of the people, completed the great task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem as seen in Nehemiah 6:15-19. This section can be broken down into a few key parts for a deep dive into its meaning.
Firstly, verse 15 states, “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days.” The completion of the wall in such a short period was a remarkable feat that demonstrated the power of unity, determination, and faith. Despite facing opposition, threats, and ridicule from their enemies, Nehemiah and the people persevered with unwavering faith in God and completed the monumental task in record time. This serves as a testament to the effectiveness of working together towards a common goal, relying on God’s strength, and not being deterred by external pressures.
Secondly, in verse 16, we see how the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence because they realized that this work had been done with the help of God. This highlights the divine intervention and protection over Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem. When God’s hand is upon a task, even the enemies are unable to thwart His plans. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God’s faithfulness and protection over His people when they trust in Him. Psalm 118:6 echoes this sentiment, stating, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
Thirdly, Nehemiah mentions the influential people in the opposition who were sending letters to intimidate him. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were persistent adversaries throughout Nehemiah’s mission. Despite their constant threats and attempts to undermine the work, Nehemiah did not waver in his faith and determination to see the walls rebuilt. This serves as a reminder that when we are on a mission aligned with God’s will, we may face opposition, but we can stand firm in the face of challenges with God by our side. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Nehemiah 6:15-19 encapsulates the themes of perseverance, faith, unity, and divine intervention. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God’s plan, staying steadfast in the face of adversity, and working together towards a common goal. Just as Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem overcame obstacles to complete the rebuilding of the walls, we too can draw strength from their example and rely on God’s guidance in our own journeys of faith and purpose.
After Nehemiah 6
Nehemiah and his workers stood back, surveying the completed wall as the sun began to set. The task had been arduous, but their determination and faith had seen them through. Yet, Nehemiah knew their work was not done. The enemies who had sought to undermine their efforts were still lurking, waiting for an opportunity to strike. With a heavy heart, Nehemiah realized that the battle for Jerusalem’s security had only just begun. Nehemiah would face new challenges, both from within and without in the days that followed. His leadership would be tested, his faith would be tried, and the very future of the city he loved would hang in the balance. But Nehemiah was a man of unwavering conviction, and he knew that with God’s guidance, he would find a way to overcome the obstacles that lay ahead.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.