Neh 6:6 | KingComments | STEP | In close connection with the previous method, the enemy uses a new means: an open letter. This means is an attempt to intimidate. According to the enemy’s view, it is now necessary to consult, because accusations have been made against Nehemiah. They present themselves as his protectors, as people who want to help him refute the accusations. Surely they need to talk to each other about that. If this is no reason to talk, what else could then be a reason!? If the world cannot persuade the devoted Christian to compromise, it will spread an evil rumor about him and attribute false motives to him. The letter expresses the suspicion that Nehemiah is only building the wall in order to rebel against the ruling authority and then become king himself. If this becomes known, so the inference asserts, all confidence in him will be lost. And let Nehemiah remember that this rumor is widespread: “It is reported among the nations”, and that there are also witnesses: “Gashmu”. He must now feel compelled to contact his enemies to discuss how to stop this evil. This trick of the enemy contains the fabricated accusation that Nehemiah would act proudly and for his own benefit. He would like to present himself as king. People like Abimelech and Absalom have done this ( ; ). These sons of God-fearing fathers have claimed kingship and brought destruction upon the people. The letter speaks of a certain tactic Nehemiah would follow to present himself as king to the people. He would have appointed prophets for this purpose. This would give the coveted kingship the appearance that it was a matter of God’s will. The imagination of the enemy goes far. He knows how to respond to people’s feelings in order to get them to do what he wants. These enemies themselves appear to be familiar with the use of (false) prophets to serve their cause ( ).

‏ Nehemiah 6:6

A New Trick of the Enemy

In close connection with the previous method, the enemy uses a new means: an open letter. This means is an attempt to intimidate. According to the enemy’s view, it is now necessary to consult, because accusations have been made against Nehemiah. They present themselves as his protectors, as people who want to help him refute the accusations. Surely they need to talk to each other about that. If this is no reason to talk, what else could then be a reason!?

If the world cannot persuade the devoted Christian to compromise, it will spread an evil rumor about him and attribute false motives to him. The letter expresses the suspicion that Nehemiah is only building the wall in order to rebel against the ruling authority and then become king himself. If this becomes known, so the inference asserts, all confidence in him will be lost. And let Nehemiah remember that this rumor is widespread: “It is reported among the nations”, and that there are also witnesses: “Gashmu”. He must now feel compelled to contact his enemies to discuss how to stop this evil.

This trick of the enemy contains the fabricated accusation that Nehemiah would act proudly and for his own benefit. He would like to present himself as king. People like Abimelech and Absalom have done this (Jdg 9:1-6; 2Sam 15:10). These sons of God-fearing fathers have claimed kingship and brought destruction upon the people.

The letter speaks of a certain tactic Nehemiah would follow to present himself as king to the people. He would have appointed prophets for this purpose. This would give the coveted kingship the appearance that it was a matter of God’s will. The imagination of the enemy goes far. He knows how to respond to people’s feelings in order to get them to do what he wants. These enemies themselves appear to be familiar with the use of (false) prophets to serve their cause (Neh 6:14).