Nehemiah 6:13

He 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.

Study Bible

He was hired
This phrase indicates a deliberate act of conspiracy against Nehemiah. The Hebrew root for "hired" is "שָׂכַר" (sakar), which implies a transactional relationship, often involving payment for services. In the historical context of Nehemiah, this hiring was a strategic move by Nehemiah's enemies to undermine his leadership and the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. It reflects the persistent opposition faced by those who stand firm in their God-given missions.

so that I would be intimidated
The intention behind hiring was to instill fear in Nehemiah. The Hebrew word for "intimidated" is "יָרֵא" (yare), which can mean to fear or be afraid. This tactic of intimidation is a common tool used by adversaries to halt progress and sow doubt. In a broader scriptural context, fear is often depicted as a weapon of the enemy, but believers are encouraged to stand firm in faith, as God has not given a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

do as he suggested
This phrase reveals the manipulative nature of the plot. The suggestion was likely a trap, designed to lead Nehemiah into compromising his integrity. The Hebrew verb "עָשָׂה" (asah) means to do or make, indicating an action that would have been contrary to Nehemiah's principles. This highlights the importance of discernment and wisdom in leadership, as Nehemiah needed to see through deceitful counsel.

sin
The ultimate goal of the enemy's plot was to cause Nehemiah to sin. The Hebrew word "חָטָא" (chata) means to miss the mark or to transgress. In the context of Nehemiah's mission, sin would have not only been a personal failing but also a setback for the community's spiritual and physical restoration. This underscores the biblical principle that sin has broader implications beyond the individual, affecting the community and God's work.

and then they would give me a bad name
The phrase "give me a bad name" indicates the intent to tarnish Nehemiah's reputation. The Hebrew "שֵׁם רָע" (shem ra) translates to a bad or evil name. Reputation was crucial in the ancient Near Eastern context, as it affected one's ability to lead and influence. This reflects the biblical theme of the importance of a good name, as seen in Proverbs 22:1, which states that a good name is more desirable than great riches.

to discredit me
The ultimate aim was to discredit Nehemiah, undermining his authority and the work he was doing. The Hebrew root "חָרַף" (charaph) can mean to reproach or defame. This reflects the broader spiritual battle faced by God's people, where the enemy seeks to discredit and discourage. However, Nehemiah's reliance on God and his steadfastness serve as an inspiration for believers to remain faithful and trust in God's vindication.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader who is dedicated to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He is known for his strong leadership and unwavering faith in God.

2. Shemaiah
A false prophet who was hired to intimidate Nehemiah. His role was to deceive Nehemiah into sinning, thereby discrediting him.

3. Jerusalem
The city where the events take place. The rebuilding of its walls is symbolic of the restoration of the Jewish people and their faith.

4. Sanballat and Tobiah
Adversaries of Nehemiah who sought to undermine his efforts and leadership through various schemes, including hiring false prophets.

5. The Temple
The place where Shemaiah suggested Nehemiah should hide, which would have been a sin for Nehemiah as a layperson to enter the temple's inner sanctum.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Leadership
Nehemiah's ability to discern the true intentions behind Shemaiah's prophecy is crucial for leaders today. We must seek wisdom and discernment to recognize deceit and manipulation.

Fear of God Over Fear of Man
Nehemiah's refusal to be intimidated by threats teaches us to prioritize our reverence for God over the fear of human opposition.

Integrity in Action
Nehemiah's commitment to maintaining his integrity, even under pressure, is a powerful example for believers to uphold their values and convictions.

The Power of Prayer
Throughout Nehemiah, prayer is a key element of his leadership. This passage reminds us of the importance of seeking God's guidance in challenging situations.

Resisting Temptation
Nehemiah's experience underscores the need to resist temptation and remain steadfast in our faith, even when it seems easier to compromise.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nehemiah's response to Shemaiah's intimidation reflect his trust in God, and how can we apply this trust in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we develop discernment to recognize deceit and manipulation in our personal and professional lives?

3. How does the fear of man manifest in our daily decisions, and what steps can we take to prioritize the fear of God instead?

4. What role does prayer play in Nehemiah's leadership, and how can we incorporate prayer more effectively into our decision-making processes?

5. How can we maintain our integrity and resist temptation when faced with pressure to compromise our values?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 31:13
This verse speaks of slander and conspiracy against the righteous, similar to the plots against Nehemiah.

Proverbs 29:25
Highlights the danger of fear of man, which Nehemiah resisted by trusting in God rather than succumbing to intimidation.

Matthew 10:28
Jesus teaches about fearing God rather than man, a principle Nehemiah exemplified in his response to threats.