King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, [There is] a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.
Complete Jewish Bible:
"moreover, that you have also appointed prophets to proclaim about you in Yerushalayim, 'There is a king in Y'hudah!'A report along these lines is now going to be made to the king. Come now, therefore, and let's discuss this."
Berean Standard Bible:
and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.”
American Standard Version:
And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And thou hast also appointed{H5975} prophets{H5030} to preach{H7121} of thee at Jerusalem{H3389}, saying{H559}, There is a king{H4428} in Judah{H3063}: and now shall it be reported{H8085} to the king{H4428} according to these words{H1697}. Come{H3212} now therefore, and let us take counsel{H3289} together{H3162}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 26:24
- ¶ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
Proverbs 26:26
- [Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the [whole] congregation.
2 Samuel 15:10
- But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.
2 Samuel 15:12
- And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, [even] from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
Nehemiah 6:12
- And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
Nehemiah 6:13
- Therefore [was] he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and [that] they might have [matter] for an evil report, that they might reproach me.
1 Kings 1:7
- And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped [him].
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Nehemiah 6:7
Nehemiah 6:7 is a verse set within the broader context of Nehemiah's leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The historical setting is around the 5th century BCE, during the reign of the Persian king Artaxerxes I, who had appointed Nehemiah as the governor of Judah.
In this verse, Nehemiah's adversaries, specifically Sanballat and Tobiah, are attempting to undermine his efforts by spreading a rumor that he is planning to rebel against the Persian king by setting himself up as a new king in Judah. This claim is a serious accusation, as it would imply treason against the ruling empire, which could lead to severe repercussions, including the loss of Persian support and protection.
The verse highlights several themes:
1. **False Accusations**: Nehemiah's enemies are using slander as a tactic to discredit him and disrupt the rebuilding project. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the righteous suffering from false accusations.
2. **Political Intrigue**: The verse illustrates the political complexities of the time, with Nehemiah having to navigate the delicate balance between his loyalty to the Persian crown and his commitment to the people of Judah.
3. **Prophetic Role**: The mention of prophets being appointed suggests the importance of religious authority alongside political leadership. These prophets may have been false prophets or individuals coerced into spreading the rumor, contrasting with the authentic prophetic voices that feature prominently in the Bible.
4. **Unity and Counsel**: The invitation to "take counsel together" is a ruse, an attempt to lure Nehemiah into a trap. However, it underscores the value of wise counsel in leadership, a recurring theme in the book of Nehemiah.
5. **Divine Protection**: Implicit in the verse is the understanding that Nehemiah's enemies are not just contending with him but with the God of Israel, who has called Nehemiah to this task. The verse hints at the theme of divine protection and providence overruling human schemes.
In summary, Nehemiah 6:7 captures a moment of crisis in the reconstruction of Jerusalem, where Nehemiah faces political sabotage through false reports designed to provoke the Persian king against him. It underscores the challenges of leadership, the importance of discerning truth from falsehood, and the need for divine guidance in the face of adversity. Nehemiah's resolve to continue the work despite these threats demonstrates his faith and dedication to the task given to him by God.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H5975
There are 495 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָמַד
Transliteration: ʻâmad
Pronunciation: aw-mad'
Description: a primitive root; to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. - Strong's Number: H5030
There are 288 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָבִיא
Transliteration: nâbîyʼ
Pronunciation: naw-bee'
Description: from נָבָא; a prophet or (generally) inspired man; prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. - Strong's Number: H7121
There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: קָרָא
Transliteration: qârâʼ
Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. - Strong's Number: H3389
There are 600 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם
Transliteration: Yᵉrûwshâlaim
Pronunciation: yer-oo-shaw-lah'-im
Description: rarely יְרוּשָׁלַיִם; a dual (in allusion to its two main hills (the true pointing, at least of the former reading, seems to be that of יְרוּשָׁלֵם)); probably from (the passive participle of) יָרָה and שָׁלַם; founded peaceful; Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine; Jerusalem. - Strong's Number: H559
There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָמַר
Transliteration: ʼâmar
Pronunciation: aw-mar'
Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. - Strong's Number: H4428
There are 1922 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מֶלֶךְ
Transliteration: melek
Pronunciation: meh'-lek
Description: from מָלַךְ; a king; king, royal. - Strong's Number: H3063
There are 754 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְהוּדָה
Transliteration: Yᵉhûwdâh
Pronunciation: yeh-hoo-daw'
Description: from יָדָה; celebrated; Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory; Judah. - Strong's Number: H8085
There are 1072 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁמַע
Transliteration: shâmaʻ
Pronunciation: shaw-mah'
Description: a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.); [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. - Strong's Number: H1697
There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דָּבָר
Transliteration: dâbâr
Pronunciation: daw-baw'
Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. - Strong's Number: H3212
There are 938 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָלַךְ
Transliteration: yâlak
Pronunciation: yaw-lak'
Description: a primitive root (compare הָלַךְ); to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses); [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. - Strong's Number: H3289
There are 74 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָעַץ
Transliteration: yâʻats
Pronunciation: yaw-ats'
Description: a primitive root; to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve; advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. - Strong's Number: H3162
There are 139 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יַחַד
Transliteration: yachad
Pronunciation: yakh'-ad
Description: from יָחַד; properly, a unit, i.e. (adverb) unitedly; alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal.