Nehemiah 6:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore was he hired {H7936}, that I should be afraid {H3372}, and do so {H6213}, and sin {H2398}, and that they might have matter for an evil {H7451} report {H8034}, that they might reproach {H2778} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

He had been hired to frighten me into following his suggestion and thus sin, so that they would have material for their unfavorable report about me and could taunt me with it.

Berean Standard Bible

He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would sin by doing as he suggested, so they could give me a bad name in order to discredit me.

American Standard Version

For this cause 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 6:13 exposes the insidious, multi-layered plot orchestrated by Nehemiah's adversaries—Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem—who hired the false prophet Shemaiah. Their objective was to instill fear in Nehemiah, coercing him into committing a grave sin by unlawfully entering the temple's inner sanctuary. This calculated act would not only compromise his integrity and spiritual standing but also provide their enemies with irrefutable "matter for an evil report," enabling them to publicly discredit, shame, and effectively halt the divinely appointed work of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax of the specific deceptive plot detailed in [Nehemiah 6:10-12](/nehemiah/6-10 "Nehemiah 6:10-12 - Shemaiah's Deceitful Prophecy"). Shemaiah, a supposed prophet, attempts to lure Nehemiah into the temple's inner sanctuary under the guise of protecting him from an imminent assassination attempt. Nehemiah, however, discerning the true nature of the counsel, recognizes that entering the sanctuary as a layman would be a direct violation of God's law, a sin that would not only defile him but also provide his enemies with the perfect pretext to discredit his leadership and undermine the entire rebuilding effort. The preceding verses in [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - Continued Opposition") highlight the escalating intensity and varied forms of opposition Nehemiah faced, from open threats and ridicule to subtle traps and psychological warfare, all aimed at stopping the work.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was a monumental task in the post-exilic period, symbolizing the restoration of Israel's identity and security under Persian rule. This project faced relentless opposition from neighboring officials like Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, who viewed a strong Jerusalem as a threat to their regional influence. Culturally, the sanctity of the temple was paramount. Only priests were permitted to enter the Holy Place, and only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - Entering the Most Holy Place"); [Numbers 18:7](/numbers/18-7 "Numbers 18:7 - Priestly Duties")). For a layman like Nehemiah to enter would be an act of sacrilege, punishable by death or expulsion. Furthermore, reputation and honor were critical in ancient Near Eastern societies; an "evil report" or "reproach" (Hebrew: _cherpah_) was a powerful weapon, capable of destroying a person's standing and influence within the community. The use of a "hired" prophet also points to the prevalence of mercenary religious figures who would manipulate divine authority for personal gain or political ends, a phenomenon frequently condemned in the Old Testament (e.g., [Micah 3:11](/micah/3-11 "Micah 3:11 - Prophets for Hire")).

* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 6:13 encapsulates several critical themes. It vividly portrays the **deception and treachery** employed by adversaries who seek to undermine God's work, even resorting to false prophecy to achieve their ends. The primary aim was to induce **fear as a weapon**, demonstrating how opponents attempt to paralyze and manipulate leaders by instilling terror. Nehemiah's discernment and refusal to comply underscore the theme of **integrity and obedience** to God's law, even under extreme duress. His commitment to righteousness prevented him from falling into a trap designed to make him "sin." Finally, the verse highlights the destructive power of **slander and reproach**, revealing the enemies' ultimate goal to create a public scandal, ruin Nehemiah's reputation, and thereby discredit the entire rebuilding effort and the God he served. This tactic of character assassination is a recurring theme in biblical narratives of opposition to God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hired (Hebrew, שָׂכַר, _sakhar_):** This verb denotes a mercenary relationship, indicating that Shemaiah was paid or otherwise compensated to deliver his deceptive counsel. It strips away any pretense of divine inspiration, revealing the purely transactional and malicious nature of his involvement. It signifies a betrayal of prophetic integrity for material or political gain, highlighting the corruption at the heart of the plot.
* **Afraid (Hebrew, יָרֵא, _yare'_):** While _yare'_ can mean a reverent fear of God, here it refers to human fear—a paralyzing dread or intimidation. The enemies' goal was to make Nehemiah succumb to this fear, leading him to abandon his post or make a rash decision that would compromise his mission and integrity. This fear was intended to break his resolve and force him into a compromising position.
* **Evil Report (Hebrew, שֵׁם רַע, _shem ra'_):** Literally meaning "bad name" or "bad reputation." This phrase emphasizes the enemies' desire to publicly defame Nehemiah. By forcing him to sin (entering the temple), they would have concrete "matter" or evidence to circulate a damaging report, destroying his credibility among the people and before the Persian authorities.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, חֶרְפָּה, _cherpah_):** This noun signifies deep shame, disgrace, insult, or humiliation. It implies public scorn and mockery. The enemies sought not just to discredit Nehemiah but to utterly humiliate him, making him an object of derision and thereby undermining the morale and trust of those working with him on the walls.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore [was] he hired,"**: This clause immediately reveals the sinister, premeditated nature of the plot. Shemaiah was not acting on divine impulse or genuine concern but as a paid agent, a tool in the hands of Nehemiah's adversaries, Sanballat and Tobiah. This highlights the calculated and corrupt means by which the opposition operated.
* **"that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin,"**: This unpacks the multi-stage objective of the enemies' scheme. First, they aimed to induce fear in Nehemiah, hoping to break his resolve. Second, this fear was intended to compel him to "do so"—that is, to follow Shemaiah's counsel and flee into the temple. Third, the ultimate consequence of this action would be "sin," as a layman entering the sacred inner sanctuary was a grave violation of Levitical law, an act of sacrilege.
* **"and [that] they might have [matter] for an evil report, that they might reproach me."**: This final clause reveals the ultimate, strategic goal behind the entire plot. By causing Nehemiah to sin, his enemies would gain tangible "matter" or evidence to create a damaging "evil report"—a public accusation that would ruin his reputation. This "evil report" would then serve as the basis to "reproach" him, subjecting him to public shame, ridicule, and disgrace, thereby discrediting his leadership, demoralizing the people, and providing justification for stopping the rebuilding of the walls.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 6:13 effectively employs several literary devices to convey the depth of the adversaries' malice and Nehemiah's integrity. **Irony** is prominent, as a supposed "prophet" (a messenger of God) is hired to deliver a message designed to lead God's servant into sin, a direct perversion of divine communication. This highlights the deceptive nature of spiritual warfare. The verse also uses **cause-and-effect parallelism** to meticulously lay out the enemies' plan: "hired" leads to "afraid," which leads to "sin," which in turn provides "matter for an evil report," culminating in "reproach." This logical progression underscores the calculated and strategic nature of the opposition. Furthermore, the use of strong, emotionally charged words like "afraid," "sin," "evil report," and "reproach" creates a sense of **pathos**, emphasizing the intense psychological and reputational pressure Nehemiah faced.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 6:13 offers profound theological insights into the nature of spiritual warfare and the character required for leadership in God's work. It reveals that opposition to God's kingdom often extends beyond physical threats to include psychological manipulation, character assassination, and attempts to induce spiritual compromise. The enemies understood that if they could make Nehemiah sin, they could discredit not only him but also the divine authority behind his mission. This underscores the theological truth that integrity and obedience are paramount in serving God, as compromise can provide ammunition for those who seek to undermine His purposes. Nehemiah's discernment and steadfastness stand as a testament to the power of relying on God's law and wisdom in the face of cunning deception.

* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")
* [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober-Minded")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 6:13 provides a timeless blueprint for understanding the tactics of spiritual adversaries and the importance of unwavering integrity. In our own lives and ministries, we often face opposition that seeks to instill fear, leading us to compromise our convictions or God's commands. This verse calls us to cultivate profound spiritual discernment, enabling us to recognize deceptive counsel, whether it comes from external pressures or internal temptations disguised as self-preservation. Like Nehemiah, we must prioritize obedience to God's Word above all else, understanding that even seemingly small compromises can provide "matter for an evil report" that discredits our witness and hinders God's work through us. Our steadfastness in the face of slander and fear not only protects our integrity but also glorifies God, demonstrating His power to sustain His servants through any trial.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What fears might be subtly influencing my decisions or tempting me to compromise my faith or integrity?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize deceptive counsel or false narratives in my life or community?**
* **In what ways might my integrity (or lack thereof) provide "matter for an evil report" concerning my witness for Christ?**
* **How does Nehemiah's response to fear and temptation encourage me to stand firm in my own challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why was entering the temple inner sanctuary a sin for Nehemiah?**

Answer: For Nehemiah, a layman and governor, entering the inner sanctuary (the Holy Place) of the temple would have been a grave sin because it was strictly forbidden by God's law. According to the Mosaic Law, only priests, consecrated from the tribe of Levi and the lineage of Aaron, were permitted to enter the Holy Place to perform sacred duties. Laypersons, under no circumstances, were allowed to cross this boundary. [Numbers 18:7](/numbers/18-7 "Numbers 18:7 - Priestly Duties") explicitly states, "But you and your sons with you shall attend to your priesthood for everything at the altar and inside the veil; and you shall perform service. I give your priesthood as a gift for service, and the outsider who comes near shall be put to death." This prohibition was designed to protect the holiness of God and the sanctity of His dwelling place. Nehemiah's act would have been an act of sacrilege, a direct challenge to God's established order, and an affront to the priestly office.

**Who was Shemaiah, and why did he agree to this?**

Answer: Shemaiah was presented as a prophet, specifically "the son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel" ([Nehemiah 6:10](/nehemiah/6-10 "Nehemiah 6:10 - Shemaiah's Deceit")). However, Nehemiah quickly discerned that he was a false prophet, "hired" by Sanballat and Tobiah. His motivation was likely mercenary, as the text explicitly states he "was hired" (Nehemiah 6:13), suggesting he was paid to deliver this deceptive prophecy. He acted as a pawn in the enemies' scheme, using his supposed spiritual authority to manipulate Nehemiah. His counsel was not from God but designed to lead Nehemiah into sin and public disgrace, thereby undermining the entire rebuilding effort.

**How did Nehemiah discern the plot?**

Answer: Nehemiah discerned the plot through a combination of spiritual insight, knowledge of God's law, and an understanding of his adversaries' character. First, he knew God's law: as a layman, he was forbidden to enter the temple's inner sanctuary. A true prophet of God would never advise an act of sin or sacrilege. Second, he recognized the counsel as inconsistent with his own character and calling: "Should such a man as I flee? And who is there that, being such as I, would go into the temple to save my life?" ([Nehemiah 6:11](/nehemiah/6-11 "Nehemiah 6:11 - Nehemiah's Refusal")). He understood that fleeing out of fear would be a betrayal of his leadership and trust in God. Third, he perceived the true motive behind the "prophecy," stating, "I perceived that God had not sent him, but that he had pronounced the prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him" ([Nehemiah 6:12](/nehemiah/6-12 "Nehemiah 6:12 - Nehemiah's Discernment")). His spiritual discernment allowed him to see through the religious facade to the malicious intent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's steadfastness in the face of cunning deception and attempts to lead him into sin foreshadows the perfect integrity of Jesus Christ. Like Nehemiah, Jesus faced relentless opposition from religious and political adversaries who sought to trap Him, discredit His ministry, and find "matter for an evil report" to reproach Him ([Matthew 22:15-22](/matthew/22-15 "Matthew 22:15-22 - Paying Taxes to Caesar")). False witnesses were brought against Him ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")), and He was constantly slandered and accused of blasphemy or being in league with demons ([John 8:48](/john/8-48 "John 8:48 - Accusations Against Jesus"); [Mark 3:22](/mark/3-22 "Mark 3:22 - Beelzebul Accusation")). Yet, unlike Nehemiah, who resisted sin, Jesus was utterly sinless, incapable of being led astray ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrew/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). He perfectly fulfilled the law that Nehemiah sought to uphold. Ultimately, Jesus bore the ultimate "reproach" and "evil report" on the cross, where He, the innocent Lamb of God, was publicly shamed and executed, not for His own sin, but for ours ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus"); [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His perfect obedience and willingness to endure shame secured our salvation, demonstrating that God's work, fulfilled in Christ, cannot be ultimately thwarted by any human or demonic plot.

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.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 20:10

For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, [say they], and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, [saying], Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.

Jeremiah 18:18

¶ Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

Proverbs 29:5

¶ A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

James 4:17

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin.

Nehemiah 6:6

Wherein [was] written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith [it, that] thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Titus 2:8

Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.