Nehemiah 6:18
For 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.
For many in Judah
This phrase highlights the widespread influence and connections that existed within the community of Judah. Historically, Judah was the southern kingdom of Israel, and its people were known for their strong tribal and familial ties. The mention of "many" suggests a significant portion of the population, indicating that the alliances and relationships described were not isolated but rather pervasive. This reflects the complex social and political networks that were common in ancient Israelite society.

were bound by oath to him
The concept of being "bound by oath" underscores the seriousness and solemnity of the commitments made. In ancient Hebrew culture, oaths were sacred and binding, often invoking the name of God as a witness. This phrase suggests a formal and possibly legal agreement, indicating that these alliances were not merely casual but carried significant weight and obligation. The use of oaths in this context reveals the deep intertwining of personal, familial, and political relationships in the governance and social structure of Judah.

since he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah
This part of the verse provides insight into the familial connections that played a crucial role in the political landscape of the time. Being a "son-in-law" implies a marriage alliance, which was a common practice to strengthen ties between families and clans. Shecaniah and Arah are mentioned to establish the lineage and legitimacy of these connections. In the ancient Near East, family lineage was a critical factor in determining one's social and political standing, and this relationship would have been significant in the context of Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and its community.

and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah
This phrase continues to elaborate on the network of alliances through marriage. Jehohanan's marriage to Meshullam's daughter further cements the interconnectedness of influential families. Meshullam and Berechiah are names that appear elsewhere in the book of Nehemiah, indicating their involvement in the rebuilding efforts and the community's leadership. These marriages were strategic, serving to unify and stabilize the community by linking prominent families together, which was essential for the success of Nehemiah's mission to restore Jerusalem.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who played a crucial role in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

2. Judah
The region where Jerusalem is located, representing the remnant of the Jewish people who returned from exile.

3. Shecaniah son of Arah
A notable family in Judah, indicating the interconnectedness of influential families through marriage.

4. Jehohanan
The son of Tobiah, who married into another influential family, showing the political alliances formed through marriage.

5. Meshullam son of Berechiah
Another influential family in Judah, highlighting the network of relationships that could impact Nehemiah's mission.
Teaching Points
The Influence of Relationships
The passage highlights how personal and familial relationships can influence community dynamics and leadership. Believers should be mindful of how their relationships impact their faith and community.

The Challenge of Compromise
Nehemiah faced challenges due to the alliances formed through marriage. Christians today must be vigilant against compromising their values and beliefs for the sake of social or political gain.

Faithfulness to God's Commands
Despite external pressures, Nehemiah remained committed to God's mission. Believers are called to prioritize obedience to God over societal expectations or pressures.

The Power of Community
The interconnectedness of families in Judah shows the power of community influence. Christians should strive to build communities that encourage and uphold godly values.

Discernment in Leadership
Nehemiah's situation required discernment to navigate complex social and political landscapes. Christian leaders today need wisdom to lead effectively amidst diverse influences.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do the familial alliances described in Nehemiah 6:18 reflect the broader social and political challenges Nehemiah faced in rebuilding Jerusalem?

2. In what ways can personal relationships impact our faith and commitment to God's mission, as seen in the alliances in Judah?

3. How does Nehemiah's response to these alliances inform our understanding of maintaining faithfulness to God's commands in the face of compromise?

4. What lessons can we learn from Nehemiah about the importance of community influence and how it can be used for both positive and negative outcomes?

5. How can we apply the principles of discernment and wisdom in leadership from Nehemiah's experience to our own lives and communities today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 10
This chapter discusses the issue of intermarriage with foreign nations, which was a significant concern for the Jewish community returning from exile. The alliances mentioned in Nehemiah 6:18 can be seen in light of these broader concerns about maintaining the purity and distinctiveness of the Jewish people.

Nehemiah 13
Later in Nehemiah, we see the consequences of these alliances, as Nehemiah takes action against those who have intermarried with foreign nations, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God's commands.

Proverbs 29:25
This verse speaks to the fear of man being a snare, which relates to the political and social pressures Nehemiah faced from those who were bound by oath to Tobiah.
HinderersHomilistNehemiah 6:1-19
Nehemiah's HeroismJohn McNeill.Nehemiah 6:1-19
PersistencyHomiletic CommentaryNehemiah 6:1-19
The Witness to the TruthW. Ritchie.Nehemiah 6:1-19
Trial and VictoryW. Clarkson Nehemiah 6:10-19
The Good Work Finished in Spite of Man by the Power of GodR.A. Redford Nehemiah 6:15-19
People
Arah, Berechiah, Delaiah, Gashmu, Geshem, Jehohanan, Johanan, Mehetabel, Meshullam, Noadiah, Sanballat, Shecaniah, Shechaniah, Shemaiah, Tobiah, Tobijah
Places
Hakkephirim, Jerusalem, Ono
Topics
Agreement, Arah, Berechiah, Berechi'ah, Berekiah, Bound, Daughter, In-law, Jehohanan, Jehoha'nan, Johanan, Judah, Law, Married, Meshullam, Meshul'lam, Oath, Shecaniah, Shecani'ah, Shechaniah, Son-in-law, Sworn, Wife
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 6:16

     5630   work, divine and human
     8728   enemies, of Israel and Judah
     8754   fear
     8820   self-confidence

Library
June 18. "I am Doing a Great Work, So that I Cannot Come Down" (Neh. vi. 3).
"I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down" (Neh. vi. 3). When work is pressing there are many little things that will come and seem to need attention. Then it is a very blessed thing to be quiet and still, and work on, and trust the little things with God. He answers such trust in a wonderful way. If the soul has no time to fret and worry and harbor care, it has learned the secret of faith in God. A desperate desire to get some difficulty right takes the eye off of God and His glory. Some
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Hindrances to Revivals.
Text.--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 vi. 3. THIS servant of God had come down from Babylon to rebuild the temple and re-establish the worship of God at Jerusalem, the city of his fathers' sepulchres. When it was discovered by Sanballat and certain individuals, his allies, who had long enjoyed the desolations of Zion, that now the temple, and the holy city were about to be rebuilt, they raised a great
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion

Sharon. Caphar Lodim. The Village of those of Lydda.
Between Lydda and the sea, a spacious valley runs out, here and there widely spreading itself, and sprinkled with villages. The holy page of the New Testament [Acts 9:35] calls it Saron: and that of the Old calls the whole, perhaps, or some part of it, 'the plain of Ono,' Nehemiah 6:2, 11:35; 1 Chronicles 8:12... The wine of Sharon is of great fame, with which they mixed two parts water: and remarkable is that they say concerning the houses of Sharon. R. Lazar saith, "He that builds a brick house
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin Not. And if any Man Sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,",
1 John ii. 1.--"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father,", &c. Christ Jesus came by water and by blood, not by water only, but by blood also, and I add, not by blood only but by water also, chap. v. 6. In sin there is the guilt binding over to punishment, and there is the filth or spot that defileth the soul in God's sight. To take away guilt, nothing so fit as blood for there is no punishment beyond blood, therefore
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Exhortations to Christians as they are Children of God
1 There is a bill of indictment against those who declare to the world they are not the children of God: all profane persons. These have damnation written upon their forehead. Scoffers at religion. It were blasphemy to call these the children of God. Will a true child jeer at his Father's picture? Drunkards, who drown reason and stupefy conscience. These declare their sin as Sodom. They are children indeed, but cursed children' (2 Peter 2:14). 2 Exhortation, which consists of two branches. (i) Let
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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