Neh 6 | MHM | STEP | The Plot of Sanballat, &c. This section describes two clever plots by Nehemiah’s enemies, led by Sanballat, to stop him from finishing the wall of Jerusalem. First, they tried to lure him into a trap by pretending to arrange a meeting. Then, they attempted to frighten him with false accusations. Nehemiah responded with wisdom, prayer, and courage, refusing to let fear or deception distract him from God’s work. His example teaches us how to resist temptation and remain focused on God’s mission. v. 1 : The enemies learned that most of the wall was finished, though the gates were not yet in place. They realized they had to act quickly if they wanted to stop Nehemiah . When God’s work is close to completion, opposition often becomes more desperate.

‏ Nehemiah 6

The Plot of Sanballat, &c.

This section describes two clever plots by Nehemiah’s enemies, led by Sanballat, to stop him from finishing the wall of Jerusalem. First, they tried to lure him into a trap by pretending to arrange a meeting. Then, they attempted to frighten him with false accusations. Nehemiah responded with wisdom, prayer, and courage, refusing to let fear or deception distract him from God’s work. His example teaches us how to resist temptation and remain focused on God’s mission.

v. 1: The enemies learned that most of the wall was finished, though the gates were not yet in place. They realized they had to act quickly if they wanted to stop Nehemiah . When God’s work is close to completion, opposition often becomes more desperate.

v. 2: Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to Nehemiah, inviting him to meet them in a village. They pretended to want peaceful talks, but they actually planned to harm him . Nehemiah understood their true intentions and wisely avoided the trap.

v. 3: Nehemiah sent back a reply, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” . He stayed focused on his mission and refused to let distractions or flattery pull him away from his work.

v. 4: The enemies sent the same message four times, but Nehemiah gave them the same answer each time . He remained firm and consistent, teaching us to resist repeated temptations with the same determination and resolve.

v. 5–7: Sanballat tried another tactic. He sent an open letter accusing Nehemiah of planning to rebel against the Persian king and make himself king of Judah. He claimed this was widely reported and that Nehemiah should meet him to discuss the accusations (Nehemiah 6:5-7 ^a). This false rumor was meant to scare Nehemiah into stopping the work or leaving Jerusalem.

– –

v. 8–9: Nehemiah replied boldly, denying the accusations and saying, “No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart” (Nehemiah 6:8 ^b). He recognized that their real goal was to weaken his hands and stop the work. Instead of giving in to fear, he prayed, “Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands” (Nehemiah 6:9 ^c). When we face lies or intimidation, we should trust God to give us strength and stay focused on our mission.

–

Shemaiah's Plot Defeated

In this passage, Nehemiah’s enemies attempt another scheme to stop the work on the wall. This time, they use deception and fear, trying to trick him into hiding in the temple to save his life. Their goal was to ruin his reputation and stop the people from working. Nehemiah, however, resisted the temptation with wisdom and courage, relying on God to expose their plans. This story reminds us to stay firm in our duty and not be distracted by fear or false advice, even when it seems convincing.

v. 10: Nehemiah visited Shemaiah, a man who pretended to be a prophet. Shemaiah advised him to hide in the temple because enemies were planning to kill him at night . This seemed like a reasonable warning, but it was actually a trap designed to make Nehemiah look cowardly and sinful.

v. 11: Nehemiah immediately refused the advice. He asked, “Should such a man as I flee?” He knew it was not right for him, as the leader of the people, to abandon his work or hide in fear. He firmly declared, “I will not go in” . This shows us that courage and faith are essential when facing temptation.

v. 12: Nehemiah realized that Shemaiah was not sent by God, but was hired by his enemies to frighten him into sinning. If he had followed Shemaiah’s advice, it would have given his enemies an opportunity to spread rumors and damage his reputation . Nehemiah’s wisdom and trust in God allowed him to see through their plan.

v. 13: The enemies wanted to make Nehemiah afraid so that he would act foolishly and give them a reason to accuse and mock him . This is a reminder that fear can lead us to make poor decisions if we do not stay focused on God’s truth.

v. 14: Nehemiah prayed to God, asking Him to judge those who had tried to harm him, including Shemaiah and the false prophetess Noadiah. He said, “My God, think upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works” . Instead of seeking revenge, Nehemiah entrusted the situation to God, who judges righteously.

The Completion of the Wall

This section describes how Nehemiah and the people finished rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, even though their enemies tried many times to stop them. The work was completed quickly, showing what can be done when people work together with determination and faith. However, Nehemiah still faced trouble from some of his own people, who were secretly helping his enemies. This teaches us that even after success, challenges and temptations can remain, and we must stay alert and faithful to God.

v. 15: The wall was finished in just fifty-two days, even though the people likely rested on the sabbaths . Many people worked together, cheerfully and with energy. The threats from their enemies only made them work harder, wanting to finish before any attack could come. This shows that when we work with all our heart, much can be accomplished in a short time.

v. 16: When the enemies heard that the wall was finished, they were deeply discouraged and ashamed. They realized that their plans had failed and that the work was done by God’s help . Even those who did not believe in God could see that His hand was in the success of the Jews. When God’s people prosper, it is clear to everyone that it is the Lord’s doing (Psalm 126:2 ^d).

v. 17: Despite this great victory, Nehemiah discovered that some of the nobles of Judah were still secretly communicating with Tobiah, one of the main enemies . They wrote friendly letters to him and welcomed his letters in return. This was a sad and disappointing thing for Nehemiah to see.

v. 18: Many people in Judah had made secret agreements with Tobiah because of family connections through marriage . This shows the danger of forming close ties with those who do not follow God, as it can lead to divided loyalties and even betrayal.

v. 19: These nobles even tried to convince Nehemiah that Tobiah was a good man, and they reported everything Nehemiah said back to him. Tobiah then sent letters to Nehemiah to try to frighten and discourage him. Even after the wall was finished, Nehemiah still had to deal with opposition and betrayal from within his own people (Proverbs 28:4 ^e).