Nehemiah 6:1–14 (November 25th, 2025)
- Brian Lee
- Nov 25
- 3 min read
Summary
Nehemiah 6:1–14 records one of the most intense moments of spiritual and political resistance during the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. The wall is almost finished.
"I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it" (v. 1)
And that is precisely when opposition becomes most deceptive and cunning. Instead of open threats, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem begin a psychological campaign to lure Nehemiah away, intimidate him, and undermine his integrity.
First, they invite Nehemiah to meet them at Ono.
"Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm (v. 2).
Ono was a politically neutral but strategically dangerous place. Nehemiah discerns their intent: “they intended to do me harm,” and he refuses repeatedly (vv. 2–4). Then they escalate by sending an open letter, which is a public accusation, claiming Nehemiah is planning to rebel and crown himself king (vv. 5–7). This is clearly a slander aimed at destroying Nehemiah's credibility with the public sphere, especially in the Persian court. Nehemiah does answer:
Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say have been done, for you are inventing them out of your own mind.” (v. 8)
Then he prays for strength.
Finally, they attempt a religious entrapment. Shemaiah, bribed by Nehemiah’s enemies, urges him to hide inside the temple (v. 10), suggesting danger. But this would have violated God’s law (Numbers 18:7). Nehemiah recognizes this as a trap to discredit him morally. He refuses:
“Should such a man as I run away?” (v. 11).
The passage ends by revealing that the prophets and counselors had been hired to frighten him:
"Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, according to these things that they did, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who wanted to make me afraid" (v. 14)
Nehemiah’s discernment, dependence on prayer, and integrity under pressure model how God’s people remain steadfast when pressure grows stronger precisely at the brink of completion.
Who is God?
God protects His people by giving them discernment and strength in the face of deception.
Nehemiah never outmuscled his enemies. He out-discerned them through God’s wisdom. The Bible shows us that God’s help comes as discernment (v. 2), clarity (v. 8), and strength (v. 9). Our God guards His people not only from physical danger but from moral compromise and spiritual confusion.
What is our Guilt?
We are easily shaken by fear, flattery, public opinion, and threats. As a result, we often compromise integrity to preserve comfort or reputation.
The enemies designed their attacks to provoke fear (vv. 9, 13). Fear exposes our impulse to flee, to hide, or to bend God’s Word to protect ourselves. We can be tempted to use religious language for self-preservation, just as Shemaiah did.
We often prefer safety over obedience, reputation over righteousness, and shortcuts over the long road of faithfulness.
How does Grace Shine?
Grace appears as God’s enabling strength that keeps His people from giving in to fear, lies, and moral compromise. Grace preserves them for His mission.
Nehemiah’s steadfastness is not mere leadership grit. It is a result of God's abounding grace. Every attempt to destroy him only highlights God’s sustaining hand. Grace shines in the way God keeps Nehemiah from deception (v. 2), from slander (v. 8), from fear (v. 9), and from sin (v. 13).
Christ is the ultimate Nehemiah, who resisted every satanic temptation, refused every shortcut to glory, and completed the work the Father gave Him. Through Christ, God strengthens His people so that fear does not rule us, compromise does not define us, and lies do not derail us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, you know how easily we are shaken. Fear rises quickly, and lies creep in. So, we are tempted to compromise. Let us be aware of this, O Lord.
Strengthen our hands just as you strengthened Nehemiah’s.
Grant us discernment to recognize deception, courage to refuse what dishonors you, and integrity to walk in your ways even when pressure increases.
Please protect us from snares that would distract or discourage us from your mission. Help us to fix our eyes on Christ, who resisted every temptation and finished the work for our salvation.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
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