Nehemiah 6:1-19
Q.1. What was the next strategy of the enemy? How persistent were they? How did they malign Nehemiah? How did he respond? – (Neh.6:1-9)
Judah’s enemies sent messengers on no fewer than four occasions, in order to stop the building of the wall (Neh.6:4). They tried to take out Nehemiah, by inviting him to the plain of Ono on the coast – … But they were planning to harm me (Neh.6:2). Nehemiah refused to be lured from his project – … I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you? (Neh.6:3). When that strategy didn’t succeed, they made up false stories, distorting his purpose – ‘You are leading a rebellion as their future king’ (Neh.6:6-7). Nehemiah replied that they were inventing such false stories, in order to discourage the workers (Neh.6:9).
Q.2. How did the enemy try to ‘white ant’ the project? How plausible was their next line of attack? What place did prayer have in the mission? – (Neh.6:9-14)
Next, the enemies of Judah hired false prophets from their Jewish countrymen (Neh.6:12-13). They planned to remove Nehemiah, under the guise that they were protecting him behind closed doors in the temple. That would stop the completion of the project (Neh.6:10). He responded – … Should a man like me flee? And could one such as I go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in (Neh.6:11). Nehemiah prayed for discernment, courage, and the steadfastness needed to complete the task – … But now, O God, strengthen my hands … Remember, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these works of theirs, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the rest of the prophets who were trying to frighten me (Neh.6:9 & 14).
Q.3. How long did it take to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem? What message did its completion send to their enemies? How did the mixed marriages undermine God’s work? – (Neh.6:15-19)
It took less than two months of work for the walls to be rebuilt. Even their enemies – … recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God (Neh.6:16). Did all opposition then cease? No. The intermarriage by Jews with the people of the land gave Tobiah an opportunity to undermine God’s work. Some of the nobles had links with the enemy and gave updates to their opponents. Letters were also sent to dishearten Nehemiah – they were speaking about his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. Then Tobiah sent letters to frighten me (Neh.6:19). However, Nehemiah refused to be deflected from his high calling from God.