Nehemiah 6:19

Moreover, these nobles kept reporting to me Tobiah's good deeds, and they relayed my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.

Study Bible

Moreover, they kept reporting to me
This phrase indicates a continuous action, suggesting that the reports were persistent and possibly intended to wear down Nehemiah's resolve. The Hebrew root for "reporting" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to declare or make known. This implies a deliberate effort to influence Nehemiah's perception of Tobiah. Historically, this reflects the political intrigue common in ancient Near Eastern courts, where information was a tool of power and manipulation.

Tobiah’s good deeds
Tobiah, an Ammonite official, is portrayed throughout Nehemiah as an adversary. The mention of his "good deeds" is ironic, as it contrasts with his actions against Nehemiah. The Hebrew word for "good" is "טוֹב" (tov), which can mean good, pleasant, or agreeable. This suggests that Tobiah's deeds were presented in a favorable light, possibly to sway public opinion or to create a false narrative of his character. This reflects the timeless tactic of using propaganda to undermine opponents.

and telling him what I said
This phrase indicates a breach of trust and confidentiality. The Hebrew root "אָמַר" (amar) means to say or speak, highlighting the betrayal involved in relaying Nehemiah's words to Tobiah. This act of espionage underscores the internal challenges Nehemiah faced, not just from external enemies but from those within his own community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment and vigilance in leadership.

And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me
The act of sending letters was a common means of communication in the ancient world, often used for official or formal purposes. The Hebrew word for "intimidate" is "יָרֵא" (yare), which means to fear or be afraid. Tobiah's letters were intended to instill fear and disrupt Nehemiah's mission. This reflects the broader theme of spiritual warfare, where the enemy uses fear as a weapon to deter God's people from fulfilling their divine purpose. Nehemiah's response to such intimidation is a testament to his faith and reliance on God for strength and courage.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader who is instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He faces opposition from various adversaries, including Tobiah.

2. Tobiah
An Ammonite official who opposes Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. He is known for his attempts to undermine Nehemiah through intimidation and deceit.

3. Jerusalem
The city whose walls Nehemiah is working to rebuild. It is a central place of worship and identity for the Jewish people.

4. Letters of Intimidation
These are the means by which Tobiah attempts to instill fear and disrupt Nehemiah's work. They represent the broader theme of opposition faced by those doing God's work.

5. Jewish Nobles
Some of the Jewish leaders who were in communication with Tobiah, reporting Nehemiah's words to him and praising Tobiah's deeds, thus creating internal conflict and division.

Teaching Points

Perseverance in the Face of Opposition
Nehemiah's experience teaches us the importance of steadfastness and reliance on God when facing opposition in our spiritual and daily lives.

Discernment and Wisdom
Nehemiah demonstrates discernment by recognizing the true intentions behind Tobiah's actions. We are called to seek God's wisdom to discern truth from deception.

The Danger of Divided Loyalties
The Jewish nobles' divided loyalties serve as a warning against compromising our commitment to God for personal or political gain.

The Power of Prayer and Faith
Nehemiah's account encourages us to turn to prayer and faith as our primary resources when confronted with challenges and threats.

Community and Accountability
The importance of a supportive and accountable community is highlighted, as internal division can weaken efforts to fulfill God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nehemiah's response to Tobiah's intimidation reflect his faith and leadership qualities?

2. In what ways can we identify and address divided loyalties in our own lives, similar to the Jewish nobles' situation?

3. How can the example of Nehemiah inspire us to persevere in our personal and communal spiritual endeavors despite opposition?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are discerning truth from deception in our daily interactions?

5. How can we foster a supportive and accountable community that aligns with God's purposes, as seen in Nehemiah's leadership?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 4
This chapter describes similar opposition faced by the Jews during the rebuilding of the temple, highlighting a recurring theme of external and internal opposition to God's work.

Philippians 1:28
Paul speaks about not being frightened by opponents, which parallels Nehemiah's resolve in the face of intimidation.

Proverbs 29:25
This verse warns about the fear of man being a snare, which is relevant to the intimidation tactics used by Tobiah.