1
When Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had finished rebuilding the wall, so that there was no breach left in it—though up to that time I had not yet set up the doors in the gates—
2
Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together in Kephirim, in the plain of Ono!” But they intended to harm me.
3
So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work. I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go to you?”
4
Four times they sent me a message like this, and each time I gave them the same answer.
5
Then, in the same way, for the fifth time Sanballat sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand.
6
In it was written: “Among the nations it is reported, and Gashmu says it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel; therefore you are rebuilding the wall. Moreover, according to these reports, you intend to become their king.
7
You have even appointed prophets to proclaim concerning you in Jerusalem, saying, ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now such a report will be heard by the king. So come, let us consult together.”
8
But I sent word to him, saying, “Nothing like what you are saying has happened. You are making it up in your own mind.”
9
For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be completed.” But I strengthened myself all the more.
10
When I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah son of Mehetabel, because he was unable to come, he said, “Let us meet in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors, for men are coming to kill you; yes, tonight they are coming to kill you.”
11
But I said, “Should a man like me run away? And who, being like me, could go into the temple and live? I will not go in!”
12
Then I knew that God had not sent him. He had spoken this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
13
He had been hired for this, so that I would be afraid and do as he said, and so sin. Then they would have a reason to give me a bad name and reproach me.
14
My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their deeds, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who wanted to frighten me.
15
Then the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.
16
When all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid. They were greatly put to shame, and they realized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.
17
In those days also the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and in return letters came to them from him,
18
for many in Judah were bound by oath to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Johanan had taken as wife the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah.
19
They also kept speaking in my presence of all Tobiah’s good deeds, and they kept reporting my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.
🧱🕵️⚔️ Summary of Nehemiah 6 – The Final Disturbance: The Enemy’s Strategy to Bring Down the Leader
Nehemiah 6 shows the enemy’s final attack on Nehemiah, no longer with weapons or physical threats, but with personal intimidation, slander, and spiritual manipulation. Because the building of the wall was nearly complete, Sanballat and Tobiah shifted from attacking the people to targeting the leader directly. But Nehemiah remained steadfast, watchful, and dependent on God, until the wall of Jerusalem was finished in only 52 days!
📌 1. The Enemy Wanted to Trap Nehemiah Through a Peaceful Invitation (verses 1–4)
➡️ Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and the other enemies invited Nehemiah to meet them at Ono
➡️ But it was a trap to harm him
➡️ Nehemiah firmly refused:
“I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down!”
➡️ They sent that message 4 times, but Nehemiah was not shaken
🎯 A leader who is focused will not be shaken by the enemy’s subtle tactics.
📌 2. Slander and Psychological Terror (verses 5–9)
➡️ Sanballat sent an open letter:
“You want to rebel and become king in Judah”
➡️ The slander was meant to make the people and the king of Persia suspicious
➡️ Nehemiah answered:
“What you are saying is not true — it is the invention of your own mind.”
➡️ But he prayed:
“Now, O God, strengthen my hands!”
🎯 The enemy often attacks identity and motivation — but God strengthens the pure in heart.
📌 3. The False Prophet Tries to Trap Nehemiah (verses 10–14)
➡️ A “prophet” named Shemaiah told Nehemiah to hide in the house of God
➡️ The purpose: to trap him into sin, because only the priests were allowed to enter
➡️ Nehemiah realized this was a spiritual trap from Tobiah and Sanballat
➡️ He said:
“A man like me, should I run away?”
🎯 Not everyone who speaks in God’s name is truly from God. Be alert to spiritual manipulation.
📌 4. The Work Is Finished in 52 Days! (verses 15–16)
➡️ The wall was completed on the 25th of Elul — only 52 days!
➡️ The enemies became afraid and lost confidence, because they realized that God was with this work
🎯 Remarkable results happen when we are faithful, courageous, and do not compromise with intimidation.
📌 5. Tobiah Continues to Influence from Within (verses 17–19)
➡️ Some nobles of Judah were in secret correspondence with Tobiah
➡️ They praised Tobiah before Nehemiah and reported Nehemiah’s words to Tobiah
➡️ Tobiah kept sending letters to frighten them
🎯 Sometimes the greatest threat comes from within the people themselves, but leaders must remain strong and steadfast.
📖 Main Teaching
- When God’s work is nearly finished, attacks on the leader will increase
- Diplomatic temptation, slander, and spiritual manipulation are subtle but deadly tactics of the enemy
- True leaders do not run away, are not easily deceived, and always stay watchful in prayer
- A great work can only be completed with steadfastness of heart and God’s intervention
- Be wary of an enemy within, even among believers
✨ Spiritual Meaning (New Testament)
“Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
➡️ Nehemiah stood against slander and deceit, not only physical attacks
“Let us not grow weary in doing good… in due time we will reap.”
➡️ After all the pressure, the wall was finished — the result of Nehemiah’s faithfulness
“Blessed is the one who endures trial…”
➡️ Nehemiah is an example of one who did not give in to moral and spiritual pressure
“Wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
➡️ Nehemiah knew how to read the situation wisely and remained sincere and focused
🕊️ “I am doing a great work; I cannot come down.” – Nehemiah 6:3
🕊️ “What you are saying is not true — you are making it up in your own mind.” – Nehemiah 6:8
🕊️ “Now, O God, strengthen my hands.” – Nehemiah 6:9
🕊️ “The wall was finished in fifty-two days.” – Nehemiah 6:15
