Nehemiah 6:1–19

Explore the Bible 
Dean, School of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

BE FAITHFUL IN ADVERSITY

Nehemiah 6:1–19

I give a thematic title to each chapter when teaching Nehemiah. Our passage this week, Nehemiah 6, is titled “Ono; O Yes.” Ono Valley (6:2) was in the lowlands between Jerusalem and the coastal plains of the Philistines. “O yes” refers to the celebration when the outer walls were sealed, providing a measure of physical security for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Phase one of the rebuilding project was completed in 52 days (6:15).

Emotional highs and lows can take a toll on leaders. In order to establish firm footing, a leader must find stability and security in the faithfulness of God. In this chapter Nehemiah faced distraction, accusation, celebration and disappointment. He remained faithful to his tasks by trusting that God was accomplishing this major task.

When Falsely Accused (1–9)

Geshem, an Arab, conspired with Sanballat to dissuade Nehemiah from leading the rebuilding project. On four occasions they sent him an invitation to leave Jerusalem to confer with them. Nehemiah was aware of their plans to harm him so he remained at his post overseeing the construction. Attempt No. 5 was an open letter of accusation suggesting Nehemiah planned to declare himself king in the walled city of Jerusalem. Regardless of the accusations and intimidation he faced, the governor was determined to fulfill his task.

Jesus taught His disciples to thrive in the midst of false accusation, anticipating that enemies of Christ would use this tactic: “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven” (Matt. 5:11–12).

When Promised False Security (10–14)

Shemaiah, another conspirator with Sanballat, attempted to intimidate Nehemiah into taking refuge in the inner courts of the temple where only Levites and priests are allowed: “Let us meet at the house of God inside the temple. Let us shut the temple doors because they are coming to kill you … tonight” (6:10).

The governor would have none of it. He was well versed in the Law, knowing Aaron’s sons had been put to death for their insolence within the tabernacle (Lev. 10:1–2). Certainly Nehemiah knew the great King Uzziah had been sentenced to a life of leprosy for burning incense within the holy place in the first temple (2 Chron. 26:16–23). He was determined not to sin against God by taking refuge in the second temple.

When Factions Arise (15–19)

Nehemiah was fully aware God had granted him favor to relocate from Persia, to receive all the materials for rebuilding the walls and to continue the work without interruption until it was done. The public intimidation tactics ceased but the whispering conspiracy continued.

Tobiah, an Ammonite ally of Sanballat, had inside information about activities within the city. Intermarriage with Jerusalem aristocracy (6:17–18) and the family of Eliashib the priest (13:4) allowed him the influence to undermine Nehemiah’s leadership. This access would continue for years, leading to a significant encounter when Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem for his second tour of duty as governor (13:6–9).

The Bible is replete with factions which fracture the focus of God’s people. Moses faced opposition from a wide variety of individuals, including his wife and his siblings. Jesus’ disciples seem to have argued regularly, often over who was the best disciple. The church members at Corinth were at odds over their favorite teachers and practices.

Wise leaders face accusation, intimidation and infiltration with care and confidence. Nehemiah was a godly civil servant who was careful to honor God in all he did and confident God was able to complete the work He had begun: “They realized this task had been accomplished by our God” (6:16).