Nehemiah 6:10

KJV

¶ Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who [was] shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Afterward I came {H935} unto the house {H1004} of Shemaiah {H8098} the son {H1121} of Delaiah {H1806} the son {H1121} of Mehetabeel {H4105}, who was shut up {H6113}; and he said {H559}, Let us meet together {H3259} in the house {H1004} of God {H430}, within {H8432} the temple {H1964}, and let us shut {H5462} the doors {H1817} of the temple {H1964}: for they will come {H935} to slay {H2026} thee; yea, in the night {H3915} will they come {H935} to slay {H2026} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

One day, when I went to the house of Sh'ma'yah the son of D'layah, the son of M'heitav'el, where he was confined, he said, "Let's meet together in the house of God, inside the temple, and let's shut the doors of the temple. For they are going to come and try to assassinate you; yes, they will come at night to kill you."

Berean Standard Bible

Later, I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his house. He said: “Let us meet at the house of God inside the temple. Let us shut the temple doors because they are coming to kill you— by night they are coming to kill you!”

American Standard Version

And I went unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 6:10 describes a pivotal moment where Nehemiah faces a deceptive plot orchestrated by his adversaries, Sanballat and Tobiah, through a supposed prophet named Shemaiah. Shemaiah, feigning confinement, attempts to lure Nehemiah into seeking refuge within the Temple, claiming it is to save his life from imminent attack. This cunning scheme was designed to compromise Nehemiah's integrity, induce fear, and discredit his leadership by causing him to violate Mosaic law and appear cowardly, thereby undermining the nearly completed work on Jerusalem's walls.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 6:10 is situated at a critical juncture in the book of Nehemiah, immediately following the near completion of Jerusalem's walls. Chapters 4-6 detail the escalating opposition Nehemiah faced from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. Their initial tactics involved ridicule and scorn ([Nehemiah 4:1-3](/nehemiah/4-1 "Nehemiah 4:1-3 - Mockery of the Builders")), followed by threats of armed attack ([Nehemiah 4:7-8](/nehemiah/4-7 "Nehemiah 4:7-8 - Threats of Attack")), and repeated attempts to lure Nehemiah away from the work for a meeting in the plain of Ono, which he shrewdly refused ([Nehemiah 6:1-4](/nehemiah/6-1 "Nehemiah 6:1-4 - Attempts to Lure Nehemiah")). Having failed to stop the physical construction or remove Nehemiah through external means, their strategy shifts to internal subversion and psychological warfare, culminating in the false prophecy of Shemaiah and the subsequent attempt by Noadiah and other prophets to intimidate Nehemiah ([Nehemiah 6:14](/nehemiah/6-14 "Nehemiah 6:14 - Nehemiah's Prayer Against False Prophets")). This verse marks a desperate, last-ditch effort to discredit Nehemiah before the walls are fully dedicated.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-exilic period was one of rebuilding not just physical structures but also national and spiritual identity for the returning Jews. The walls of Jerusalem were more than mere fortifications; they symbolized the restoration of God's people, their security, and their distinctness. Prophets played a significant role in ancient Israel, acting as divine messengers, but there was also a pervasive problem of false prophets who spoke "a vision of their own heart" ([Jeremiah 23:16](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16 - False Prophets Speak Their Own Vision")) for personal gain or to please powerful figures. The Temple was the sacred center of Jewish worship, with strict rules governing who could enter its various courts. Only priests were permitted into the Holy Place (the `heikhal`), where Shemaiah proposed they meet. For Nehemiah, a governor and a layman, to enter this sacred area would have been a grave violation of Mosaic law, specifically concerning the sanctity of the priesthood and the Temple ([Numbers 18:7](/numbers/18-7 "Numbers 18:7 - Duties of the Priests and Levites")). Such an act would not only be a sin against God but also a public display of fear and disrespect for divine ordinances, severely damaging his credibility and authority among the people and giving his enemies a potent accusation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Nehemiah and broader biblical narratives. **Deception and Treachery** are paramount, as Shemaiah's "prophecy" is a calculated lie, designed to exploit Nehemiah's commitment to the work and his concern for his life. This highlights the insidious nature of spiritual warfare, where enemies often use seemingly legitimate means to undermine faith and integrity. The theme of **Fear vs. Faith** is starkly presented; Shemaiah's message aims to induce paralyzing fear, prompting Nehemiah to abandon his trust in God's protection for a humanly devised, yet unlawful, escape. Nehemiah's steadfast refusal exemplifies unwavering **Integrity of Leadership**, demonstrating that true leaders prioritize obedience to God over personal safety or popular opinion, setting a vital example for their followers. Finally, the underlying theme of **Divine Protection** is subtly woven throughout, as Nehemiah's ultimate reliance on God, rather than human schemes, underscores the conviction that God is the ultimate refuge for His servants, even amidst dire threats ([Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shut up (Hebrew, _ʿāṣūr_):** This word, derived from the root `עָצַר` (`'atsar`), meaning "to restrain, detain, confine," describes Shemaiah's state. It suggests he was secluded, possibly feigning ritual impurity, a prophetic trance, or even house arrest to lend an air of urgency and divine authenticity to his message. His confinement would make it seem as though he was receiving a direct, unadulterated revelation from God, making his warning more compelling and difficult to dismiss.
* **House of God, within the temple (Hebrew, _bêṯ hāʾĕlōhîm bəṯôḵ hahêḵāl_):** This phrase refers specifically to the main sanctuary of the Temple, the Holy Place. While the "house of God" could broadly refer to the entire Temple complex, "within the temple" (`bəṯôḵ hahêḵāl`) specifies the inner sanctum accessible only to priests. This detail is crucial, as it highlights the gravity of Shemaiah's proposition: he was not suggesting a meeting in a general court, but in a sacred area forbidden to Nehemiah, a layman.
* **Slay thee (Hebrew, _lahărōg ʾōṯəḵā_):** The repetition of this phrase ("they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee") serves to intensify the perceived threat and instill maximum fear. It emphasizes the urgency and immediacy of the danger, designed to panic Nehemiah into a rash, compromising decision. The Hebrew conveys a direct and brutal intent, leaving no room for misinterpretation of the proposed peril.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who [was] shut up;":** This clause establishes the setting and introduces Shemaiah, a key figure in the plot. His lineage is noted, possibly to lend him an air of legitimacy or to identify him precisely as a known individual. The detail that he "was shut up" immediately raises questions about his status—was he genuinely confined, or was this a staged isolation to enhance the credibility of his "prophecy"? Nehemiah's visit indicates he was seeking counsel or information, perhaps expecting a genuine prophetic word.
* **"and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple:":** This is the core of Shemaiah's deceptive proposal. He suggests a clandestine meeting in the most sacred part of the Temple, emphasizing the need to "shut the doors" for secrecy and protection. This proposal is designed to appear as an urgent, life-saving measure, but it carries a hidden trap: compelling Nehemiah to violate divine law by entering a forbidden area.
* **"for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.":** This final clause provides the justification for Shemaiah's urgent advice. The repeated warning of imminent, nocturnal assassination is a fear-mongering tactic. The specificity of "in the night" adds to the sense of immediate danger and vulnerability, pressing Nehemiah to act quickly and without careful deliberation.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 6:10 employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Shemaiah, presented as a prophet, is in fact a deceiver, using the guise of divine revelation to serve the enemies of God's work. The very place he suggests for refuge, the Temple, would become a source of Nehemiah's spiritual downfall had he complied. There is a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as the intense threat of death here anticipates Nehemiah's later prayer for God to remember the wicked deeds of his enemies and false prophets ([Nehemiah 6:14](/nehemiah/6-14 "Nehemiah 6:14 - Nehemiah's Prayer Against False Prophets")). **Contrast** is evident between Shemaiah's fear-inducing counsel and Nehemiah's unwavering courage and discernment, highlighting the difference between human schemes and divine wisdom. Finally, the repeated phrase "slay thee" functions as **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the immediate danger to create a sense of panic and urgency, designed to overwhelm Nehemiah's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 6:10 serves as a powerful testament to the spiritual warfare inherent in God's work and the necessity of unwavering discernment and integrity. It illustrates that opposition to God's kingdom often comes not only from external threats but also from internal subversion, disguised as spiritual counsel or well-meaning advice. The passage underscores the critical importance of evaluating all counsel, even from those claiming spiritual authority, against the clear revelation of God's Word and the principles of righteous living. Nehemiah's refusal to compromise his integrity, even when faced with a perceived threat to his life, highlights that true security is found in obedience to God, not in human schemes or violations of divine law. This episode resonates with broader biblical themes of resisting temptation, discerning false prophets, and trusting in God's sovereign protection amidst adversity.

* [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Testing a Prophet")
* [Matthew 4:5-7](/matthew/4-5 "Matthew 4:5-7 - Jesus' Temptation in the Temple")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Shemaiah's deception offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world filled with conflicting voices and pressures. We are constantly faced with situations designed to instill fear, compromise our values, or tempt us to take shortcuts that violate God's principles. Like Nehemiah, we must cultivate spiritual discernment, carefully weighing advice—even from seemingly trusted or "spiritual" sources—against the unchanging truth of God's Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. True courage is not the absence of fear, but the resolve to obey God despite it, understanding that our integrity and witness are more valuable than temporal safety or personal gain. This passage challenges us to consider what compromises we might be tempted to make when under pressure and reminds us that our ultimate refuge and security are found in steadfast obedience to God, who is faithful to protect those who walk in His ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between genuine counsel and deceptive advice, especially when it comes from seemingly spiritual sources?**
* **What are the "temples" or "forbidden places" in my life where I might be tempted to compromise my integrity for perceived safety or advantage?**
* **In what areas of my life am I currently facing pressure or fear that might lead me to compromise my faith or convictions?**
* **How does Nehemiah's example of prioritizing obedience over personal safety challenge my own approach to difficult situations?**

### FAQ
**Why was Shemaiah "shut up," and what was the significance of this?**

Answer: The text states Shemaiah "was shut up" (KJV), which could imply various things. He might have been genuinely confined due to ritual impurity, illness, or even house arrest. However, given the context of the plot, it's more likely he was feigning seclusion to enhance the credibility of his "prophecy." Being "shut up" would suggest he was receiving a direct, urgent, and unadulterated divine revelation, making his warning seem more legitimate and pressing. This isolation was a deliberate tactic to create an atmosphere of urgency and authenticity around his false message, making it harder for Nehemiah to question its source or intent.

**Why was it a sin for Nehemiah, a layman, to enter the Temple's inner sanctuary (the Holy Place)?**

Answer: According to Mosaic Law, only priests were permitted to enter the Holy Place (`heikhal`), the main sanctuary of the Temple, where Shemaiah proposed they meet. Laypersons, even a governor like Nehemiah, were strictly forbidden from entering this sacred area. To do so would be a direct violation of God's commands regarding the sanctity of the Temple and the distinct roles of the priesthood ([Numbers 18:7](/numbers/18-7 "Numbers 18:7 - Duties of the Priests and Levites")). Such an act would not only be a sin against God but also a public display of disrespect for divine ordinances, undermining Nehemiah's authority, discrediting him in the eyes of the people, and providing his enemies with a legitimate accusation of impiety.

**How did Nehemiah know Shemaiah was a false prophet and that his advice was a trap?**

Answer: Nehemiah's discernment was rooted in several factors. First, Shemaiah's advice contradicted God's established law regarding Temple access for laypersons. Nehemiah knew that a true prophet of God would never counsel a violation of God's own commands. Second, Nehemiah recognized the fear-mongering nature of the message—it was designed to make him act out of panic, not faith. Third, Nehemiah was a man of prayer and deep spiritual insight, consistently seeking God's will. He understood that fleeing into the Temple out of fear would be an act of cowardice, a betrayal of his leadership, and a sign of distrust in God's protection, thereby bringing shame upon himself and the work. He explicitly states in 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." This indicates a divine revelation of Shemaiah's true motives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's steadfast refusal to compromise his integrity and his reliance on God's protection in the face of deceptive threats powerfully foreshadow the perfect example of Jesus Christ. Just as Nehemiah was tempted to flee into the Temple out of fear, Jesus faced similar temptations to abandon His mission for personal safety or worldly glory. In the wilderness, Satan tempted Jesus to throw Himself down from the Temple pinnacle, promising divine protection ([Matthew 4:5-7](/matthew/4-5 "Matthew 4:5-7 - Jesus' Temptation in the Temple")), a subtle attempt to make Him act presumptuously and compromise His divine trust. Jesus, the ultimate Son of God, consistently refused to compromise His Father's will, even when facing the ultimate threat of death on the cross. He did not seek refuge in a physical temple, for He Himself is the true Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple")). Unlike Shemaiah's false promise of safety, Jesus offers genuine refuge and eternal security to all who trust in Him, having conquered sin, death, and the schemes of the enemy through His obedient sacrifice ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Nehemiah's integrity points to the sinless perfection of Christ, who, though tempted in every way, never sinned ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")), providing the ultimate example and the only true means of salvation and spiritual security.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.