◄ Nehemiah 6 ►
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Sanballat’s Conspiracy 1When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left—though to that time I had not yet installed the doors in the gates— 2Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villagesa on the plainb of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. 3So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?” 4Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave the same reply. 5The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter 6that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshemc agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king, 7and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.” 8Then I sent him this reply: “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.” 9For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God,d strengthen my hands. 10Later, I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his house. He said: “Let us meet at the house of God inside the temple. Let us shut the temple doors because they are coming to kill you— by night they are coming to kill you!” 11But I replied, “Should a man like me run away? Should one like me go into the temple to save his own life? I will not go!” 12I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would sin by doing as he suggested, so they could give me a bad name in order to discredit me. 14O my God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who tried to intimidate me. Completion of the Wall 15So the wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth of Elul.e 16When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and disheartened, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God. 17Also in those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters kept coming to them. 18For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah. 19Moreover, these nobles kept reporting to me Tobiah’s good deeds, and they relayed my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me. Footnotes: 2 a Or in Kephirim 2 b Or in the valley 6 c Hebrew Gashmu, a variant of Geshem; see verse 1. 9 d Hebrew But now; for clarity, my God has been included. 15 e Elul is the sixth month of the Hebrew lunar calendar, usually occurring within the months of August and September. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Nehemiah 6 Summary Sanballat's Conspiracy Verses 1–4 – Repeated Invitations to a Deadly Meeting Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem learn the wall is nearly complete and send four invitations for Nehemiah to meet them on the plain of Ono—an isolated spot perfect for an ambush. Nehemiah answers every time: “I am doing a great work and cannot come down” (6:3). The work presses on. Verses 5–9 – An Open Letter of Accusation A fifth message comes, this time an unsealed letter. It claims Nehemiah is plotting rebellion and intends to crown himself king. Sanballat warns that Artaxerxes will hear. Nehemiah calls the charge a fabrication and prays, “Now strengthen my hands” (6:9). The enemy’s goal is fear; Nehemiah’s response is prayer and persistence. Verses 10–14 – A Secret Plot in the Temple Shemaiah, hired by Tobiah and Sanballat, urges Nehemiah to hide in the temple at night—violating God’s law and discrediting him as governor. Nehemiah discerns the trap, refuses, and prays that God remember the conspirators, including prophetess Noadiah, for their intimidation. Verses 15–16 – The Wall Finished in Fifty-Two Days “On the twenty-fifth day of Elul, the wall was completed in fifty-two days” (6:15). Shocked enemies lose confidence, recognizing the work was done “with the help of our God” (6:16). Verses 17–19 – Tobiah’s Web of Influence Many Judahite nobles are bound to Tobiah by oath and marriage alliances; they praise him to Nehemiah while reporting Nehemiah’s words back to Tobiah. The letters keep coming, aimed at intimidation, yet the governor remains steadfast. Nehemiah 6 is a compelling chapter in the book of Nehemiah, offering a view into Nehemiah's leadership and steadfastness amid adversity. As Nehemiah persists in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, he faces complex stratagems aimed at his life and his mission. It's a narrative on courage, faith, and an unwavering commitment to God's work. Historical Background and Political Climate Artaxerxes I (465–424 BC) rules Persia. Jerusalem is a provincial capital under his authority. Opposition to rebuilding stems from regional governors who fear a fortified Jewish city will diminish their power and tax revenues. Ezra 4:7-23 records an earlier pause on construction due to similar accusations of rebellion—showing the tactic is recycled. Key Personalities • Sanballat the Horonite – governor of Samaria. Extra-biblical Elephantine papyri (c. 407 BC) mention “Governor Sanballat,” matching the biblical figure. • Tobiah the Ammonite – linked by marriage to prominent Judeans (cf. 6:18). “Tobiah” names appear on Ammonite seal impressions from the period. • Geshem (or Gashmu) the Arab – likely controlling trade routes south and east of Judah. Geographical Notes: Ono and the Plain of Ono Identified with modern Kafr ‘Ana/Lod region, about 25 miles northwest of Jerusalem. The plain sits on trade routes to Samaria and the coastal highway—ideal for a quick kidnapping far from Jerusalem’s protection. Open Letters and Persian Administration Unsealed correspondence was public—any courier could read it, spreading rumor before it reached Nehemiah. Similar tactics show up in the Persian archives where regional officials lobby the king (see Ezra 5:6-17). The Tactics of Opposition: Distraction, Slander, Fear 1. Distraction (1–4): four polite invitations mask deadly intent. 2. Slander (5–9): false political charges. Compare Daniel 6, where officials accuse Daniel to trap him. 3. Compromise with Sin (10–13): luring Nehemiah to misuse the temple. Cf. 2 Chronicles 26:16-21, where King Uzziah’s unlawful entry brings judgment. 4. Intimidation (17–19): relentless letters to sap courage—echoed in Psalm 31:13, “Terror is on every side.” Leadership Lessons from Nehemiah • Clear Priorities: “I am doing a great work.” He keeps the main thing the main thing. • Discernment: tests counsel against God’s word; refuses to enter the holy place reserved for priests (Numbers 18:7). • Prayer Reflex: short, steady prayers (6:9, 14) punctuate the narrative. • Transparency: refuses private deals, chooses public accountability. • Integrity under Rumor: instead of defending ego, he stays on mission. The Temple and Respect for God’s Law Only priests could enter the inner sanctuary (Numbers 18:7). Crossing that line would have invalidated Nehemiah’s moral authority. His refusal shows that ends never justify unlawful means—paralleling Jesus’ rejection of Satan’s shortcut offers (Matthew 4:1-10). Archaeological and Extra-Biblical Evidence • Jerusalem Wall: Large stone buttresses and Persian-period pottery along the eastern ridge match Nehemiah’s time. • Elephantine Papyri: Letters from a Jewish military colony in Egypt mention Sanballat and Johanan the high priest—confirming the governors and priests listed in Nehemiah. • Bullae with “Tobia(h)”: Found in Ammon (Jordan), connecting the family to real estates east of the Jordan. The Fifty-Two-Day Completion: A Humanly Impossible Schedule Average city walls of the era took years. Nehemiah’s fast pace suggests: 1. Pre-cut stones from earlier attempts (cf. Ezra 4). 2. Multiple work crews (3:1-32). 3. God’s favor overriding fatigue and threat. Similar rapid works appear in 1 Kings 6:38, where Solomon’s Temple is finished “exactly as specified,” highlighting divine enablement. Spiritual Parallels in Other Scriptures • Persisting through Threats – Acts 4:17-20, the apostles continue preaching despite warnings. • Building Amid Opposition – Haggai 2:4, “Be strong… and work, for I am with you.” • Overcoming Accusation – Revelation 12:10-11 portrays believers conquering “the accuser” by testimony and faithfulness. Practical Application for Today • Stay on Task: Invitations that sound reasonable can still derail God-given assignments. • Guard the Ear-Gate: An “open letter” may be today’s rumor mill or social media storm—discern facts from fearmongering. • Lead by Prayer: Nehemiah’s quick prayers fit tight schedules; constant communion need not be lengthy to be powerful. • Honor Boundaries: Compromise in one visible area can undo years of faithful service. • Build Community Vigilance: Tobiah’s relatives inside Judah show why leaders must cultivate loyalty to God above family or politics. Cross-References Worth Noting • Psalm 27:1-3 – confidence despite surrounded foes. • Proverbs 26:24-26 – hidden hatred exposed by action. • Ephesians 6:11-13 – “stand against the schemes of the devil,” an echo of Nehemiah’s stand. Conclusion Nehemiah 6 shows enemies at their most creative and God’s servant at his most resolute. Distraction, slander, and fear fail because the work is God’s. The wall rises, courage grows, and opponents see the hand of the Lord—proof that faithful leadership partnered with divine help cannot be stopped. Connections to Additional Scriptures Ephesians 6:10-18 The Armor of God passage emphasizes the need for spiritual strength and protection against opposition. Philippians 4:6-7 Encourages believers to present their requests to God through prayer, resulting in peace. James 1:5 Promises wisdom to those who ask God, which is essential for discernment. Teaching Points Opposition and Intimidation Nehemiah's enemies, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, attempt to distract and intimidate him through deceitful invitations and false accusations (Nehemiah 6:2-7). This highlights the reality that opposition often comes when we are doing God's work. Discernment and Focus Nehemiah demonstrates discernment by recognizing the intentions of his enemies and refuses to be distracted from his mission (Nehemiah 6:3-4). His response, I am doing a great work and cannot come down, shows his commitment to God's calling. Prayer and Strength In response to threats, Nehemiah turns to God in prayer, asking for strength (Nehemiah 6:9). This underscores the importance of relying on God's power rather than our own. Completion of the Wall Despite the opposition, the wall is completed in just 52 days, which astonishes the surrounding nations and brings glory to God (Nehemiah 6:15-16). This demonstrates that God's purposes will prevail despite human opposition. Practical Applications Stay Focused on God's Work Like Nehemiah, we must remain focused on the tasks God has given us, resisting distractions and staying committed to His purposes. Discernment in Decision-Making Seek God's wisdom to discern the true intentions of those who may oppose or distract us from our mission. Prayer as a Source of Strength Regularly turn to God in prayer, especially when facing challenges, asking for His strength and guidance. Trust in God's Sovereignty Remember that God is in control, and His plans will succeed despite any opposition we may face. People 1. Nehemiah The central figure in the book, Nehemiah is the governor of Judah and the leader of the effort to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. He is characterized by his strong faith, leadership, and determination to complete the work despite opposition. 2. Sanballat An adversary of Nehemiah, Sanballat is a Samaritan leader who opposes the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. His actions are motivated by political and personal interests, as he seeks to undermine Nehemiah's efforts through intimidation and deceit. 3. Tobiah Another opponent of Nehemiah, Tobiah is an Ammonite official who collaborates with Sanballat. He is involved in attempts to disrupt the construction and spread fear among the workers. 4. Geshem the Arab Also known as Gashmu, Geshem is an ally of Sanballat and Tobiah. He participates in the conspiracy against Nehemiah, aiming to halt the progress of the wall's reconstruction. 5. Shemaiah A false prophet who attempts to deceive Nehemiah by luring him into the temple under the pretense of a threat to his life. Shemaiah's actions are part of the broader scheme to discredit and intimidate Nehemiah. 6. Noadiah A prophetess mentioned briefly in Nehemiah 6:14, Noadiah is one of the prophets who sought to intimidate Nehemiah. Her involvement highlights the spiritual dimension of the opposition Nehemiah faced. Places 1. Jerusalem Jerusalem is the central location in the Book of Nehemiah. It is the city where Nehemiah is leading the effort to rebuild the walls. The significance of Jerusalem in the Hebrew Bible is profound, as it is the city chosen by God for His temple and the center of Jewish worship and identity. 2. The Plain of Ono The Plain of Ono is mentioned in Nehemiah 6:2. It is the location where Sanballat and Geshem attempt to lure Nehemiah away from his work in Jerusalem. The plain is situated northwest of Jerusalem and was likely chosen as a neutral meeting place. The Hebrew root for Ono (אוֹנוֹ) suggests a place of strength or vigor, though in this context, it is a place of potential danger for Nehemiah. Events 1. Plot Against Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:1-4) Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab, along with the rest of their enemies, learn that Nehemiah has rebuilt the wall and that no breach remains, though the doors have not yet been set in the gates. They send a message to Nehemiah, asking him to meet them in the plain of Ono. Nehemiah perceives this as a plot to harm him and sends messengers back, refusing to meet them. This exchange happens four times, with Nehemiah consistently refusing. 2. False Accusations (Nehemiah 6:5-9) On the fifth attempt, Sanballat sends an open letter accusing Nehemiah of planning to rebel and become king, suggesting that this rumor will reach the king. Nehemiah responds by denying the accusations, recognizing that they are trying to frighten and discourage the workers. He prays for strength to continue the work. 3. Deception by Shemaiah (Nehemiah 6:10-14) Nehemiah visits Shemaiah, who is confined to his home. Shemaiah suggests that Nehemiah should hide in the temple to save his life from an impending assassination attempt. Nehemiah discerns that Shemaiah has been hired by Tobiah and Sanballat to intimidate him into sinning by entering the temple unlawfully. Nehemiah prays for God to remember the deeds of his enemies, including the prophetess Noadiah and other prophets who tried to intimidate him. 4. Completion of the Wall (Nehemiah 6:15-16) The wall is completed on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. When their enemies and surrounding nations hear of this, they lose their confidence, recognizing that the work has been accomplished with the help of God. 5. Tobiah’s Influence (Nehemiah 6:17-19) During this time, nobles of Judah send many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah sends letters back. Many in Judah are bound to him by oath because of his familial connections. They speak well of Tobiah to Nehemiah and report Nehemiah’s words back to Tobiah, who continues to send letters to intimidate Nehemiah. Lessons from Nehemiah 6 1. Stand Firm Against Distractions In Nehemiah 6, we see Nehemiah's unwavering focus on his mission despite numerous distractions. When Sanballat and Geshem tried to lure him away from his work, Nehemiah responded, "I am doing a great work and cannot come down" (Nehemiah 6:3). This teaches us the importance of staying committed to our God-given tasks and not allowing distractions to derail us from our purpose. 2. Discern the Truth Nehemiah faced false accusations and deceitful plots, yet he discerned the truth through prayer and wisdom. "For they were all trying to frighten us, thinking, 'Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.' But I prayed, 'Now strengthen my hands'" (Nehemiah 6:9). This reminds us to seek God's guidance to discern truth from falsehood in our lives. 3. Rely on God's Strength Despite the opposition, Nehemiah relied on God's strength to persevere. His prayer, "Now strengthen my hands," is a powerful reminder that our strength comes from the Lord. When we face challenges, we can trust that God will provide the strength we need to overcome them. 4. Be Courageous in the Face of Fear Nehemiah's enemies attempted to intimidate him, but he remained courageous. "Should a man like me run away?" he asked (Nehemiah 6:11). This lesson encourages us to stand firm in our faith and not be swayed by fear, knowing that God is with us. 5. Maintain Integrity Nehemiah's integrity was evident when he refused to hide in the temple to save his life, recognizing it as a trap. "I realized that God had not sent him" (Nehemiah 6:12). This teaches us the importance of maintaining integrity and not compromising our values, even when faced with difficult choices. 6. Trust in God's Justice Nehemiah trusted that God would handle his enemies, saying, "Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things they have done" (Nehemiah 6:14). This lesson reminds us to trust in God's justice and not take matters into our own hands, knowing that He sees all and will act in His perfect timing. 7. Persevere Until Completion Despite the opposition, Nehemiah and his team completed the wall in just 52 days. "So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days" (Nehemiah 6:15). This demonstrates the power of perseverance and the importance of seeing our tasks through to completion, trusting that God will bless our efforts. 8. Inspire Others Through Leadership Nehemiah's leadership inspired others to join in the work, despite the challenges. His example shows us the impact of godly leadership and how it can motivate and encourage others to work towards a common goal. 9. Stay Vigilant Against Deception Nehemiah was vigilant and recognized the deceitful intentions of his enemies. "They were trying to intimidate us, thinking, 'They will become discouraged with the work, and it will not be completed'" (Nehemiah 6:9). This teaches us to be watchful and discerning, aware that deception can come in many forms. 10. Celebrate God's Faithfulness Finally, Nehemiah's story is a testament to God's faithfulness. The completion of the wall was a cause for celebration, as it was a testament to God's provision and protection. This encourages us to celebrate and give thanks for God's faithfulness in our own lives, recognizing His hand in our successes and victories. Topics 1. Conspiracy Against Nehemiah Nehemiah 6 begins with a conspiracy against Nehemiah by Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. They attempt to lure Nehemiah into a meeting in the plain of Ono, intending to harm him. Nehemiah's discernment and refusal to be distracted from his work are central themes. The Hebrew root for "conspiracy" (קֶשֶׁר, ^qesher^) implies a treacherous plot, highlighting the malicious intent of his adversaries. 2. Nehemiah's Response to False Accusations In verses 5-9, Sanballat sends an open letter accusing Nehemiah of rebellion and plotting to become king. Nehemiah responds by denying the accusations and praying for strength. The Hebrew word for "strengthen" (חָזַק, ^chazaq^) emphasizes the need for divine fortitude in the face of slander. 3. The Deception of Shemaiah Verses 10-14 describe the deception by Shemaiah, who tries to frighten Nehemiah into hiding in the temple. Nehemiah recognizes this as a trap and refuses to sin by entering the temple unlawfully. The Hebrew term for "sin" (חָטָא, ^chata^) underscores the moral and religious implications of Shemaiah's proposal. 4. Completion of the Wall The wall is completed in fifty-two days, as noted in verse 15. This accomplishment is attributed to God's help, demonstrating the theme of divine providence and protection. The Hebrew word for "completed" (שָׁלַם, ^shalam^) conveys a sense of fulfillment and peace, reflecting the successful conclusion of the work. 5. Impact on the Enemies In verses 16-19, the completion of the wall causes fear among the enemies, as they perceive that the work was accomplished with God's help. The Hebrew root for "fear" (יָרֵא, ^yare^) indicates a reverential awe, acknowledging the power of God working through Nehemiah and the Israelites. Themes 1. Opposition and Intimidation Nehemiah 6 highlights the persistent opposition Nehemiah faced from external enemies. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem attempted to intimidate Nehemiah through deceit and threats. The Hebrew root for "intimidate" (יָרֵא, yare) suggests causing fear or dread, which is evident in their tactics. Nehemiah 6:9 states, "For they all were trying to frighten us, thinking, 'Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.' But I prayed, 'Now strengthen my hands.'" 2. Discernment and Wisdom Nehemiah demonstrates discernment and wisdom in recognizing the deceitful intentions of his adversaries. He refuses to meet with them, understanding their plot to harm him. Nehemiah 6:2-3 says, "Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: 'Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.' But they were planning to harm me, so I sent messengers to them, saying, 'I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?'" 3. Prayer and Dependence on God Throughout the chapter, Nehemiah's response to opposition is rooted in prayer and reliance on God. He seeks divine strength and guidance, as seen in Nehemiah 6:9, "But I prayed, 'Now strengthen my hands.'" This theme underscores the importance of prayer in overcoming challenges. 4. Integrity and Commitment to God's Work Nehemiah's unwavering commitment to completing the wall despite opposition reflects his integrity and dedication to God's work. He remains focused on his mission, refusing to be distracted or deterred. Nehemiah 6:15-16 records the completion of the wall, "So the wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth of Elul. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God." 5. False Prophecy and Deception The chapter also addresses the theme of false prophecy and deception. Nehemiah encounters a false prophet, Shemaiah, who attempts to lure him into sin by hiding in the temple. Nehemiah discerns the deceit and refuses to act against God's law. Nehemiah 6:12-13 states, "I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me." Prayer Points Pray for discernment to recognize and resist distractions and opposition in your life. Ask God for strength and perseverance to continue His work despite challenges. Thank God for His faithfulness and sovereignty, trusting that His purposes will prevail. Pray for courage to stand firm in your faith and commitments, just as Nehemiah did. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Nehemiah 6:15, how is it historically or archaeologically plausible to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall in just 52 days? 2. In Nehemiah 6:1–2, is there any external evidence indicating the historicity of Sanballat and Geshem’s plot in the plain of Ono? 3. How does the temple-advice incident in Nehemiah 6:10–13 align with other biblical laws forbidding unauthorized entry into sacred spaces? 4. In Nehemiah 6:12, what historical or textual basis supports Nehemiah’s claim that God revealed the prophet’s deception? 5. In Nehemiah 6:16, are there non-biblical records confirming surrounding nations’ acknowledgment of divine intervention in the wall’s completion? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Nehemiah 6 teach us about the importance of discernment in leadership? 2. In what ways did Nehemiah display courage in the face of opposition? 3. How does Nehemiah’s response to Sanballat’s letter in verses 5-9 reflect his trust in God? 4. How would you react to false accusations like the ones Nehemiah faced? 5. What does Nehemiah's refusal to enter the temple signify about his understanding of God's law? 6. In what ways can you apply Nehemiah's persistence and faith in your life when facing challenges? 7. What does the quick completion of the wall teach us about the outcomes when God’s work is undertaken faithfully? 8. How can the relationship between Tobiah and some in Jerusalem inform us about conflicts of interest within the church community? 9. How can you maintain your integrity when facing external and internal pressures like Nehemiah did? 10. What strategies did Nehemiah's enemies use to try to stop his work, and how did he counteract them? 11. What can we learn from Nehemiah about prayer in difficult times? 12. Why do you think Nehemiah's enemies were disheartened when the wall was completed? 13. How can Nehemiah's experiences help believers today handle intimidation and coercion? 14. What does Nehemiah's commitment to God's work despite distractions teach about dedication to divine calling? 15. How does Nehemiah's behavior contrast with the behavior of his adversaries? 16. How can this chapter inform us about handling gossip or slander in our lives? 17. In what ways can we discern when advice given to us, as Nehemiah did with Shemaiah, is not from God? 18. How do Nehemiah's actions in this chapter reflect his faith in God's sovereignty and protection? 19. Why was the completion of the Jerusalem wall significant in the context of Nehemiah's story and for the Israelites? 20. How can you identify when someone or something is a distraction from your purpose or calling, as Nehemiah did with Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem? 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