Nehemiah - Chapter 6

Nehemiah 6.1 Now it came to pass when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) Nehemiah 6.2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. Nehemiah 6.3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? Nehemiah 6.4 Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner. Nehemiah 6.5 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; Nehemiah 6.6 Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words. Nehemiah 6.7 And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together. Nehemiah 6.8 Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. Nehemiah 6.9 For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. Nehemiah 6.10 Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee. Nehemiah 6.11 And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in. Nehemiah 6.12 And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. Nehemiah 6.13 Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me. Nehemiah 6.14 My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear. Nehemiah 6.15 So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days. Nehemiah 6.16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God. Nehemiah 6.17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. Nehemiah 6.19 Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

Nehemiah : Chapter 6

Reflections on Nehemiah Chapter 6

Nehemiah chapter 6 plunges us into the heart of the final conspiracies aimed at hindering the work of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. This powerful text illustrates how Nehemiah overcomes sabotage attempts orchestrated by his enemies. Through tactics of distraction, defamation, and intimidation, these adversaries seek to destabilize God's plan.

Nehemiah's Determination

This chapter highlights Nehemiah's unwavering determination, which draws strength from his dependence on divine guidance. Despite challenges and threats, he remains steadfast in his mission. Nehemiah 6 culminates with the completion of Jerusalem's walls, a victory that demonstrates faithfulness to God in the face of opposition.

Themes of Discernment and Perseverance

We invite you to explore with us five biblical passages that resonate with the themes of discernment and perseverance present in this revelatory chapter.

Biblical Passages

Psalm 56:11: "In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust, and will not fear. What can this man do to me?" This verse illustrates Nehemiah's trust in God in the face of the threats and opposition he encounters.

Proverbs 29:25: "The fear of man will form a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be cut off." This passage echoes Nehemiah's refusal to give in to fear in the face of threats from his enemies.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9: "In everything we are troubled, but not afflicted; perplexed, but not discouraged; persecuted, but not helpless; cast down, but not destroyed." These words from Paul illustrate Nehemiah's perseverance in the face of opposition and difficulties.

Ephesians 6:11: "Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the devil's schemes." This verse recalls Nehemiah's vigilance and steadfastness in the face of his enemies' strategies.

James 1:2-3: "Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you undergo various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." This passage reflects Nehemiah's attitude toward trials and opposition.

Conclusion

Nehemiah 6 teaches us the importance of faith and perseverance in our spiritual journey. Like Nehemiah, let us be determined to move forward in our mission, drawing on the strength and wisdom God grants us.