Nehemiah 6:14

KJV

My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

KJV (with Strong's)

My God {H430}, think {H2142} thou upon Tobiah {H2900} and Sanballat {H5571} according to these their works {H4639}, and on the prophetess {H5031} Noadiah {H5129}, and the rest {H3499} of the prophets {H5030}, that would have put me in fear {H3372}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My God, remember Toviyah and Sanvalat according to their deeds, also the prophet No'adyah and the other prophets trying to intimidate me.

Berean Standard Bible

O my God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who tried to intimidate me.

American Standard Version

Remember, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 6:14 captures Nehemiah's impassioned prayer for divine intervention and justice against his relentless adversaries, including the political schemers Tobiah and Sanballat, and the spiritual deceivers, the prophetess Noadiah and other false prophets. This profound petition reveals Nehemiah's unwavering faith and dependence on God amidst intense opposition, appealing to the Lord to remember and act decisively upon the wicked deeds of those who sought to instill fear, compromise his integrity, and undermine the sacred work of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. It powerfully encapsulates his deep trust in God as the ultimate vindicator, protector, and sovereign director of His redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed as the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls approaches its triumphant completion, as noted in [Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Completion of the Wall"). Chapters 4 through 6 meticulously document the escalating and diverse tactics employed by Nehemiah's formidable enemies, primarily Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. Their initial opposition began with scorn and mockery ([Nehemiah 4:1-3](/nehemiah/4-1-3 "Nehemiah 4:1-3 - Enemies Mock the Builders")), progressed to a concerted military conspiracy to attack Jerusalem ([Nehemiah 4:7-8](/nehemiah/4-7-8 "Nehemiah 4:7-8 - Conspiracy Against Jerusalem")), followed by cunning attempts to lure Nehemiah away from the city for an ambush ([Nehemiah 6:1-4](/nehemiah/6-1-4 "Nehemiah 6:1-4 - Attempts to Lure Nehemiah Away")). The opposition then escalated to slanderous letters designed to discredit him before the Persian king, accusing him of rebellion ([Nehemiah 6:5-9](/nehemiah/6-5-9 "Nehemiah 6:5-9 - Sanballat's Slanderous Letter")). The immediate preceding context of [Nehemiah 6:10-13](/nehemiah/6-10-13 "Nehemiah 6:10-13 - Shemaiah's Deceit") reveals the enemies' most insidious tactic: hiring false prophets, including Shemaiah and the "prophetess Noadiah," to deliver intimidating messages, coerce Nehemiah into compromising his integrity by fleeing into the temple (which would have been a sacrilege for a non-priest), and ultimately "put him in fear." Nehemiah's prayer in [Nehemiah 6:14](/nehemiah/6-14 "Nehemiah 6:14 - Nehemiah's Prayer Against Enemies") is a direct, resolute response to these multifaceted spiritual, psychological, and political attacks, demonstrating his consistent and unwavering practice of turning to God in every crisis.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events recounted in Nehemiah transpire in the mid-5th century BCE, during the post-exilic period when Judah was a province under the vast Persian Empire. Jerusalem, still vulnerable and partially rebuilt after the Babylonian destruction, was viewed with suspicion and hostility by neighboring governors and peoples. Sanballat, the governor of Samaria, Tobiah, an influential Ammonite official, and Geshem, an Arab chieftain, perceived the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls as a significant political threat. They feared the re-establishment of a strong, independent Jewish state that could challenge their regional authority or disrupt their vested interests. In the ancient Near East, the role of "prophets"—both genuine and fraudulent—was a common and powerful feature of political and religious life. False prophets were frequently employed by rulers or powerful individuals to manipulate public opinion, deliver fabricated divine messages, or sow fear and confusion among adversaries. Instilling fear (Hebrew _yare'_) was a well-known psychological tactic in ancient warfare and political maneuvering, aiming to break an opponent's morale, resolve, or integrity without direct military confrontation. Nehemiah's prayer acknowledges this complex cultural reality, appealing to a higher divine authority who transcends and judges all human and spiritual machinations.

* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Sovereignty and Justice:** Nehemiah's appeal to God to "think upon" his adversaries reflects a profound belief in God as the ultimate, righteous judge who actively oversees human affairs. This theme underscores God's commitment to His people and His work, assuring that He sees all actions, both righteous and wicked, and will bring about His perfect justice. It is a testament to the conviction that God's purposes cannot be ultimately thwarted by human malice, as seen in the successful completion of the wall in [Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Completion of the Wall").
* **Spiritual Warfare:** The explicit mention of "the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets" elevates the conflict beyond mere political or physical opposition to a profound spiritual battle. It highlights the enemy's strategy of using deception and false spiritual authority to sow fear, undermine faith, and disrupt God's plans, as further detailed in [Nehemiah 6:10-13](/nehemiah/6-10-13 "Nehemiah 6:10-13 - Shemaiah's Deceit"). This demonstrates that opposition to God's work often has a spiritual root, requiring spiritual discernment and response.
* **Perseverance and Faithfulness Amidst Intimidation:** Despite relentless threats, slander, and insidious attempts to instill fear, Nehemiah models unwavering commitment to God's calling. His prayer in this verse is not one of despair but of resolute trust that God will vindicate His servant and His work, enabling the successful completion of the wall, as recorded in [Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Completion of the Wall"). His steadfastness serves as an inspiration for believers facing similar pressures.
* **The Power of Prayer:** Throughout the book of Nehemiah, prayer serves as Nehemiah's primary defense and offensive strategy against the enemy's schemes. From his initial lament and petition in [Nehemiah 1:4-11](/nehemiah/1-4-11 "Nehemiah's Prayer for Jerusalem") to his specific prayers against opposition (e.g., [Nehemiah 4:4-5](/nehemiah/4-4-5 "Nehemiah 4:4-5 - Nehemiah's Prayer Against Enemies")), this verse stands as another powerful testament to his consistent habit of bringing his burdens and adversaries before God, demonstrating absolute reliance on divine intervention rather than human strength or cunning.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Think thou upon (Hebrew, זָכַר, _zâkar'_):** While the literal meaning of _zâkar_ is "to remember" or "to recall," in this specific context, especially when directed toward God concerning the actions of adversaries, it carries a much stronger connotation of remembering for the purpose of active intervention, often implying judgment, retribution, or holding accountable. Nehemiah is not merely asking God to recall the past deeds of his adversaries but to actively engage with them based on their wicked actions against His servant and His divinely appointed work. It is a fervent plea for divine justice and vindication, trusting God to execute His perfect will.
* **Works (Hebrew, מַעֲשֶׂה, _maʻăseh'_):** This term refers to an "action," "deed," or "transaction," encompassing both good and bad activities. In Nehemiah 6:14, the reference to "these their works" specifically highlights the cumulative effect of the adversaries' malicious deeds—their mockery, conspiracy, deceit, slander, and attempts at spiritual manipulation. Nehemiah is appealing to God to judge them not merely for their intentions but for the tangible, harmful "works" they have carried out against God's people and His sacred project.
* **Put me in fear (Hebrew, יָרֵא, _yârêʼ'_):** This verb signifies "to fear," "to dread," or "to be terrified," and in its causative form, "to frighten." In Nehemiah 6:14, it precisely emphasizes the psychological and spiritual tactic employed by the enemies: to cause terror or dread in Nehemiah. Their ultimate goal was to paralyze him with fear, hoping that he would compromise his integrity, flee from his post, or abandon the project entirely, thereby halting the work of God. It highlights the enemy's strategy to attack Nehemiah's resolve, his trust in God's protection, and his commitment to the divine mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works":** Nehemiah begins with a deeply personal and intimate address, "My God," establishing a profound relationship of trust and dependence with the divine. He then appeals for God to "think upon" (i.e., actively deal with and hold accountable) Tobiah and Sanballat, who were the chief political adversaries orchestrating much of the opposition. The crucial phrase "according to these their works" underscores that Nehemiah's plea is based on the observable, persistent, and malicious actions of his enemies—their mockery, conspiracy, deceit, slander, and relentless efforts to undermine God's project and His faithful servant. This is a prayer for righteous retribution based on clearly observed wickedness and injustice.
* **"and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets":** This clause broadens the scope of Nehemiah's petition to include those who waged spiritual warfare against him. The specific mention of "prophetess Noadiah" and "the rest of the prophets" indicates that the opposition was not solely political or physical but also involved insidious spiritual deception. These false prophets were tools used to manipulate, demoralize, and coerce Nehemiah, attempting to break his resolve through fabricated divine messages and intimidation, aiming to make him sin or abandon his post.
* **"that would have put me in fear":** This concluding phrase clarifies the shared, overarching objective of all these adversaries, both political and spiritual. Their ultimate aim was to instill debilitating fear in Nehemiah, hoping to cause him to compromise his faith, flee from danger, or abandon the divinely appointed task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. Nehemiah keenly discerns this insidious tactic and prays for God's intervention against it, demonstrating his awareness of the profound spiritual dimension of the conflict and his resolute refusal to succumb to intimidation, instead placing his trust in God's protective power.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs **Apostrophe**, as Nehemiah directly addresses God in a personal and fervent prayer ("My God"), creating a profound sense of intimacy and immediate appeal to divine authority. The careful listing of "Tobiah and Sanballat" alongside "the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets" serves as a form of **Enumeration**, systematically cataloging the various facets of the opposition, from prominent political leaders to spiritual deceivers. This highlights the comprehensive and multi-pronged nature of the threats Nehemiah faced, emphasizing the pervasive reach of the enemy's schemes. The phrase "put me in fear" uses **Hyperbole** to underscore the intense psychological pressure and the pervasive nature of the intimidation tactics employed by the enemies, aiming to completely paralyze Nehemiah's will and disrupt the sacred work. This prayer, born out of a deep understanding of the spiritual and physical threats, is a profound act of **Supplication**, demonstrating Nehemiah's consistent reliance on divine intervention rather than personal retaliation or despair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah's prayer for divine remembrance and judgment against his adversaries aligns with a consistent biblical theme: God is the righteous judge who sees all actions, both good and evil, and will ultimately bring justice. This is not a prayer for personal vengeance but an appeal to God's character as the one who vindicates His servants and protects His work. It underscores the profound truth that opposition to God's people and purposes is ultimately opposition to God Himself, and He will hold those accountable who defy Him. This also highlights the spiritual dimension of all work undertaken for God, where unseen forces often operate through human agents to hinder divine plans. The confidence that God "thinks upon" the wicked implies His active engagement in history, ensuring that righteousness will ultimately prevail and that His kingdom purposes will not be thwarted by human or spiritual malice. It is a prayer rooted in a deep understanding of God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to His people.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [Psalm 7:8-9](/psalm/7-8-9 "Psalm 7:8-9 - God Judges the Righteous")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Leave Vengeance to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 6:14 provides a powerful and enduring model for believers facing opposition in their walk of faith or service to God. It teaches us that when we encounter resistance, intimidation, or spiritual attacks while pursuing God's will, our first and most potent response should be fervent prayer. Instead of succumbing to fear, retaliating in the flesh, or becoming discouraged, we are called to bring our adversaries and their insidious schemes before the Lord, trusting in His perfect justice and His unwavering commitment to His purposes. This prayer reminds us that God sees every hidden motive and every overt act of opposition, and He is fully capable of dealing with it in His time and in His way. Our role is to remain steadfast in faith, discerning the spiritual nature of the conflict, and continuing faithfully in the work He has assigned us, knowing that He is our ultimate protector and vindicator. Nehemiah's example encourages us to cultivate a habit of immediate and fervent prayer when faced with challenges, confident that God hears and acts on behalf of His children and His kingdom, ensuring that His will prevails despite all opposition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when faced with intimidation or opposition in my walk of faith or service?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to take matters into my own hands rather than entrusting them to God's justice and timing?**
* **How can I better discern the spiritual dimensions of the challenges I face, recognizing that not all opposition is merely human?**
* **What specific fears are hindering me from fully pursuing God's calling, and how can I bring those fears before God in prayer, following Nehemiah's courageous example?**

### FAQ
**Why does Nehemiah pray for God to "think upon" his enemies rather than praying for their conversion or repentance?**

Answer: Nehemiah's prayer to "think upon" (Hebrew, _zâkar_) his enemies, particularly in this context, is a plea for divine justice and accountability, not necessarily a curse or a prayer for their immediate destruction. It's an appeal to God as the righteous judge to deal with those who actively and persistently oppose His work and His people, especially when their actions are characterized by deceit, intimidation, and spiritual manipulation. While the Bible certainly encourages prayer for enemies and their repentance (e.g., [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), there are also numerous instances where righteous individuals appeal to God for vindication and justice against those who persistently defy Him and His purposes (e.g., many psalms, such as [Psalm 7:9](/psalm/7-9 "Psalm 7:9 - God Judges the Wicked")). Nehemiah's primary concern is the progress of God's work and the protection of His people, and he trusts God to administer justice perfectly, knowing that God's justice is always righteous, whether it ultimately leads to repentance, restraint, or judgment. This prayer acknowledges God's sovereignty over all human actions and His commitment to upholding righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's prayer in [Nehemiah 6:14](/nehemiah/6-14 "Nehemiah 6:14 - Nehemiah's Prayer Against Enemies") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the nature of spiritual warfare in the New Covenant. Just as Nehemiah faced relentless opposition and intimidation from external foes and false prophets seeking to "put him in fear" and deter him from building the physical wall, Jesus Himself endured the schemes of religious leaders, the political powers of His day, and the spiritual forces of darkness who sought to undermine His mission and ultimately crucify Him. The cross, though appearing as a defeat to human eyes, was God's ultimate act of "thinking upon" the works of sin and Satan, decisively judging them and securing a complete victory over all principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Believers, as followers of Christ, are called to participate in building God's spiritual kingdom, which is the Church, and like Nehemiah, we will face spiritual opposition from "the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). However, our ultimate trust is in Christ, who has already triumphed over every foe. We pray for God's justice, knowing that He will ultimately "think upon" every unrighteous deed and bring all things into submission under Christ's feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")). Our perseverance amidst intimidation is rooted not in our own strength but in the finished work of Christ and the promise of His glorious return, when all enemies will be finally subdued, and His righteous kingdom fully established for eternity ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return")).

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

Nehemiah 13:29

Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.

2 Timothy 4:14

Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

2 Timothy 4:15

Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

Ezekiel 13:16

[To wit], the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and [there is] no peace, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 13:17

¶ Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,

Jeremiah 14:15

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

Matthew 7:15

¶ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.