made us afraid. Sought to make them afraid, but Nehemiah had no fear. See Nehemiah 6:11 . NOW. Some codices, with three (and one in margin) early printed editions, read "Thou". hands. Some codices, with six early printed editions, read "hand". read more
4. The attacks against Nehemiah 6:1-14Nehemiah recorded three separate plots the Jews’ enemies instigated to frustrate his effective leadership. read more
The plot to discredit Nehemiah 6:5-9Sanballat sent his "open letter" (Nehemiah 6:6) to all the Jews, not just to Nehemiah. Its purpose was doubtless to create division among the Jews who might begin to wonder if their leader’s motive really was as Sanballat suggested."Another proof of Sanballat’s dishonest intentions is that he sent an open letter, i.e., not sealed, as was the custom in those days. With the open letter, which could be read by anyone on the way, he was responsible for the... read more
Attempts of Sanballat to hinder the completion of the Walls2. Ono] near Lod (Ezra 2:33), now Kefr Ana, some 25 m. from Jerusalem. 5. An open letter] in order that its contents might reach and intimidate others. 6. According to these words] better, ’and so forth’ (and so in Nehemiah 6:7), the quotation from the letter in Nehemiah 6:6 ending with king.10. Who was shut up] perhaps meaning ’ceremonially unclean’: cp. Jeremiah 36:5. Shemaiah probably hoped that Nehemiah would conclude that only for... read more
(9) Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.—The answer sent was that the thing was not true, and that the report itself did not exist. The reflection in Nehemiah’s journal was that they sought to make him afraid. Quoting this, he adds the prayer that he recorded when he wrote it. It is one of those sudden, interjectional petitions which abound in the narrative, and is all the more remarkable from the absence of the words “O God,” which are here inserted. read more
A Great Work Nehemiah 6:3 There are three thoughts in these words: a work greatness and elevation. They are exactly the three thoughts which every earnest man has about religion. They are exactly the three things which a man needs. An object a feeling that his object is worthy and a sense of height, which lifts him up, and does him good. 'I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.' It is so essential that you should feel the greatness and the dignity of the 'work' to which you are... read more
WISE AS SERPENTSNehemiah 6:1-19OPEN opposition had totally failed. The watchful garrison had not once permitted a surprise. In spite of the persistent malignity of his enemies, Nehemiah had raised the walls all round the city till not a breach remained anywhere. The doors had yet to be hung at the great gateways, but the fortification of Jerusalem had proceeded so far that it was hopeless for the enemy to attempt any longer to hinder it by violence. Accordingly the leading antagonists changed... read more
CHAPTER 6 1. The attempt to entice Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:1-4 ) 2. The attempt to intimidate him (Nehemiah 6:5-9 ) 3. The attempt through a false prophet (Nehemiah 6:10-14 ) 4. The wall finished (Nehemiah 6:15-16 ) 5. The conspiracy between Jewish nobles and Tobiah (Nehemiah 6:17-19 ) Nehemiah 6:1-4 . Defeated in all previous efforts to hinder the work and to do harm to the builders of the wall, the enemies made new attempts to make them cease from the work. Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem... read more
FURTHER SUBTLE OPPOSITION (vv. 1-14) Chapter 5 has been practically a parenthesis in this book, for Nehemiah had to delay the building of the wall in order to deal with serious problems inside. However, this did not take a protracted period of time, for Nehemiah was firm and decisive in acting promptly for the Lord. Since the enemy had been repulsed in their efforts to stop the work of the Lord, they resorted to a more deceitful way of accomplishing their ends. They were alarmed by the fact... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 6:1-19
The wall completed (6:1-7:73)With the wall nearing completion, the enemies saw that their only hope lay in getting rid of Nehemiah himself. They tried to draw him out into the country where they could murder him, but Nehemiah was aware of their tricks (6:1-4). They then spread rumours, by means of an open letter, that Nehemiah was planning a revolt against Persia, but their efforts came to nothing (5-9).The enemies thought of yet another plan. They tried to make Nehemiah act in a way that would... read more