Nehemiah 6 is the sixth chapter of theBook of Nehemiah in theOld Testament of theChristianBible,[1] or the 16th chapter of the book ofEzra-Nehemiah in theHebrew Bible, which treats thebook of Ezra and the book of Nehemiah as one book.[2] Jewish tradition states thatEzra is the author of Ezra-Nehemiah as well as theBook of Chronicles,[3] but modern scholars generally accept that a compiler from the 5th century BCE (the so-called "Chronicler") is the final author of these books.[4] This chapter records the continuing opposition to Nehemiah from sources both external (Sanballat,Tobiah, and their allies) and internal (the prophetessNoadiah and the rest of the prophets).[5]
A page containing the Latin text of Nehemiah 3:8–7:61 in the Codex Gigas (English: Giant Book), the largest extant medieval manuscript in the world (from 13th century).
As a leader, Nehemiah holds his motives and conduct blameless, but at the same time, he must understand and deal wisely with the opposition 'who seek to compromise God's work'.[9]
1 Now it happened when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it (though at that time I had not hung the doors in the gates),2 that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, "Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono." But they thought to do me harm.[10]
Sanballat hoped that Nehemiah would follow the logical action against the rumors of threats, the way he and his allies would do, that is, 'given to ambition, opportunistic maneuvering, and dedicated to self-preservation', but Nehemiah 'refused to become distracted by the ploy of politics' and kept his devotion to God.[13]
Then Sanballat sent his servant to me as before, the fifth time, with an open letter in his hand.[14]
Sanballat sent his fifth letter as anopen letter, because he is 'well aware of the possibility that popular sentiment will stand behind a claim to restore an independent Judah', and uses it to launch an accusation that Nehemiah is sponsoring prophetic supports (indicating the importance of prophetic authority in Ezra–Nehemiah).[15]
In it was written, "It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king."[16]
Then I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel. He was confined to his home. He said, "Let’s set up a time to meet in the house of God, within the temple. Let’s close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you. It will surely be at night that they will come to kill you."[18]
"Confined to his home": fromHebrew:עָצ֑וּר,‘ā-tsūr, "a secret informer",[19] or "shut in" (KJV: "shut up"), but the reason for his confinement is not stated, althoughBDB 783s.v.עָצַר suggests that 'it had to do with the fulfillment of a vow or was related to an issue of ceremonial uncleanness'.[20]
The establishment of fortifications does not provide full security, as continued opposition remains in place;[21] dangers can always threaten the community of faith, but ... the godly character of the people is the greatest defense against the threats.[22]
So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.[23]
"Elul": The month inHebrew calendar, which is the same as the Assyrian monthU-lu-lu and corresponds to the end of August and beginning of September in theGregorian calendar.[24]
"Fifty and two days" would cover a period from July 25 to September 15, which may correspond to the 25th of Elul.[25] TheJerusalem Bible suggests that the completion date may have been early October, 445 BC.[26]
Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.[27]
"The nobles" (from Hebrew:חֹרֵ֤י,ḥō-rê)[28] were the leaders of the Jews; they continued to have correspondence withTobiah, apparently because there were intermarriages with Tobiah's family. Tobiah continues to be a threat as he is closely related to the people with whom Nehemiah must deal later (seeNehemiah 13).[15]
Moreover, they kept reporting to me his good deeds and then telling him what I said. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.[29]
The nobles of Judah acted as intermediaries: they "endeavoured to convince Nehemiah that Tobiah’s professions of goodwill were sincere ... and on the other hand they communicated to Tobiah all that Nehemiah said and did". Anglican commentatorH. E. Ryle suggests that their aim was to supply Tobiah with "material for charges against Nehemiah to be made before thePersian king, or for slanders to the Jewish people".[24]
^Exell, Joseph S.; Spence-Jones, Henry Donald Maurice (Editors).On "Nehemiah 6". In:ThePulpit Commentary. 23 volumes. First publication: 1890. Accessed 24 April 2019.
^Jerusalem Bible (1966), footnotej at Nehemiah 6:15
Fensham, F. Charles (1982).The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah. New international commentary on the Old Testament (illustrated ed.). Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.ISBN978-0802825278. RetrievedOctober 28, 2019.
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