Nehemiah 6:17

KJV

Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and [the letters] of Tobiah came unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover in those days {H3117} the nobles {H2715} of Judah {H3063} sent {H1980} many {H7235} letters {H107} unto Tobiah {H2900}, and the letters of Tobiah {H2900} came {H935} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

During this same period of time, the nobles of Y'hudah sent many letters to Toviyah, and Toviyah kept sending them replies.

Berean Standard Bible

Also in those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came back to them.

American Standard Version

Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 6:17 unveils a deeply troubling internal betrayal within Judah, revealing that even as the physical walls of Jerusalem neared completion, a more insidious spiritual and political battle raged. This verse exposes a secret, extensive correspondence between the "nobles of Judah" and Tobiah, a primary adversary of Nehemiah and God's work. This clandestine communication highlights a profound compromise of loyalty and integrity among those who should have been Nehemiah's staunchest allies, underscoring the persistent nature of opposition and the painful reality of treachery from within.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 6:17 appears at a critical juncture in the narrative, immediately following the miraculous completion of Jerusalem's walls in a mere fifty-two days ([Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Completion of the Wall")). Prior to this, Nehemiah had faced a relentless barrage of external threats and deceptive plots from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, ranging from ridicule and armed attacks ([Nehemiah 4:7-8](/nehemiah/4-7 "Nehemiah 4:7-8 - Conspiracy Against Nehemiah")) to cunning traps and false accusations ([Nehemiah 6:1-9](/nehemiah/6-1 "Nehemiah 6:1-9 - Attempts to Lure Nehemiah")). The completion of the wall signaled a decisive victory over these overt enemies. However, Nehemiah 6:17 pivots to expose a new, more disheartening challenge: opposition from within the very community of Judah. This internal treachery, revealed through the secret correspondence, demonstrates that the spiritual warfare against God's restorative work was far from over, shifting from external assault to internal subversion. It sets the stage for further internal reforms Nehemiah would need to undertake, particularly those addressed in [Nehemiah 13](/nehemiah/13 "Nehemiah 13 - Nehemiah's Further Reforms").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is post-exilic Jerusalem, under the dominion of the Persian Empire. Nehemiah, the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I, had been granted permission to return and rebuild Jerusalem's walls. The "nobles of Judah" were members of the Jewish elite, holding positions of influence and often wealth. Their correspondence with Tobiah the Ammonite official, a persistent adversary, was highly problematic. Tobiah was not merely a foreign enemy but had established deep ties within Jerusalem's elite through intermarriage, particularly with the family of Eliashib the high priest ([Nehemiah 13:4-5](/nehemiah/13-4 "Nehemiah 13:4-5 - Tobiah's Room in the Temple")). This network of alliances likely motivated the nobles' actions, driven by political expediency, economic interests, or fear of reprisal from powerful neighbors like Tobiah. Such intermarriages and alliances blurred the lines between loyalty to God's covenant people and pragmatic, self-serving relationships with adversaries, reflecting a broader challenge to the purity and distinctiveness of the restored community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Nehemiah and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **internal treachery and disloyalty**, revealing that the greatest threats to God's work can often come from within His own people, driven by compromise and divided loyalties. This contrasts sharply with Nehemiah's unwavering **integrity and perseverance** in the face of relentless opposition. The secret correspondence underscores the theme of **persistent opposition** to God's purposes, demonstrating that even when overt attacks fail, the enemy shifts tactics to clandestine subversion and corruption. Furthermore, it speaks to the ongoing reality of **spiritual warfare**, where the battle is not just against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces that seek to undermine God's kingdom from all angles, as later described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - The Nature of Spiritual Warfare"). The actions of the nobles serve as a stark warning about the dangers of **compromise and corruption** among leaders, emphasizing the critical need for discernment and unwavering faithfulness in those entrusted with God's work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nobles (Hebrew, _ḥorim_):** This term refers to the leading men, freemen, or prominent citizens of Judah. Their status implies a responsibility to lead and protect the community, making their secret correspondence with Tobiah a profound betrayal. It highlights how positions of influence can be leveraged for personal gain or fear, undermining the very people they are meant to serve.
* **Sent many letters (Hebrew, _ʾiggərôt rabbôt shālḥû_):** The phrase "many letters" emphasizes the frequency, volume, and sustained nature of this communication. This was not a one-off mistake but an ongoing, deliberate, and concerted effort by the nobles to maintain ties with Tobiah. The sheer quantity of correspondence underscores the depth of their complicity and the well-established nature of their betrayal, indicating a systematic subversion rather than isolated incidents.
* **Tobiah (Hebrew, _ṭôbiyyāh_):** Tobiah was a prominent Ammonite official and a consistent, bitter adversary of Nehemiah and the rebuilding project. His name, ironically meaning "Yahweh is good," stands in stark contrast to his actions. The fact that the nobles were corresponding with him, rather than exposing him or standing against him, reveals a dangerous alignment with an enemy of God's people, likely driven by political ambition, economic ties, or fear of his influence and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover in those days":** This phrase connects the verse directly to the preceding narrative, specifically the period immediately following the completion of the wall. It signifies that despite the monumental achievement of rebuilding the physical defenses, the spiritual and political struggle was far from over. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the opposition, even as Nehemiah's primary task was accomplished.
* **"the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah":** This clause reveals the shocking identity of the betrayers – the "nobles," the very leaders and influential figures within Judah. The phrase "many letters" highlights the deliberate and sustained nature of their communication with Tobiah, indicating a deep-seated conspiracy and a profound compromise of their loyalty to Nehemiah and God's work. Their actions were not accidental but a calculated effort to maintain ties with an enemy.
* **"and [the letters] of Tobiah came unto them":** This reciprocal statement confirms that the correspondence was a two-way street, implying an established relationship and a mutual exchange of information or favors. It underscores the active participation of Tobiah in this scheme, using internal elements to undermine Nehemiah. This suggests a well-orchestrated plot, with both parties benefiting from the clandestine communication, likely at the expense of Nehemiah's leadership and the integrity of the community.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 6:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most striking is **Irony**, as the "nobles of Judah," who should be Nehemiah's staunchest allies and guardians of the community, are revealed as secret collaborators with the enemy, Tobiah. This betrayal from within is a bitter twist after Nehemiah successfully thwarted numerous external threats. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this verse hints at the deeper, systemic corruption and challenges that Nehemiah would later confront, particularly in [Nehemiah 13](/nehemiah/13 "Nehemiah 13 - Nehemiah's Reforms Against Corruption"), where he directly addresses Tobiah's presence within the temple precincts and the issue of intermarriage. The simple, factual statement of the correspondence also functions as a form of **Understatement**, as the mundane act of "sending letters" masks a profound and dangerous conspiracy that threatened to unravel all of Nehemiah's hard-won progress. Finally, the verse creates a stark **Contrast** between Nehemiah's unwavering integrity and single-minded devotion to God's work, and the compromised loyalties and self-serving actions of the nobles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 6:17 serves as a powerful theological statement about the pervasive nature of spiritual opposition and the painful reality that it often manifests not just from external foes but also from within the very community of faith. This internal treachery, driven by divided loyalties, self-interest, or fear, poses a unique and often more damaging threat than overt attacks. It highlights the constant need for vigilance, discernment, and unwavering integrity, particularly among leaders. The verse reminds us that the battle for God's kingdom is multifaceted, requiring not only physical defense but also spiritual purity and faithfulness against subtle forms of compromise and subversion. It underscores the biblical truth that true loyalty to God's purposes must supersede personal gain, political expediency, or social alliances.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalm/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")
* [Acts 20:29-30](/acts/20-29 "Acts 20:29-30 - Paul's Warning to the Ephesian Elders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 6:17 offers a timeless and sobering lesson for believers and leaders in every generation. It reminds us that the greatest threats to God's work and the integrity of His people often arise not from obvious external enemies, but from subtle, internal compromises and divided loyalties within the community itself. This passage calls us to a profound level of spiritual discernment, urging us to be vigilant against hidden agendas, self-serving motives, and the insidious creep of worldly influence that can corrupt even those in positions of leadership. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any areas where personal gain, fear, or social acceptance might tempt us to compromise our unwavering loyalty to Christ and His mission. Like Nehemiah, we are called to persevere with integrity, trusting that God will expose hidden plots and ultimately bring His purposes to fruition, even when faced with betrayal from unexpected sources. Our faithfulness is tested not only by overt opposition but by the quiet whispers of compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we identify and address "internal" opposition or compromised loyalties within our spiritual communities or personal lives today?**
* **What temptations might lead believers, especially those in leadership, to compromise their loyalty to God's work for personal gain, social acceptance, or fear?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate unwavering integrity, discernment, and a singular focus on God's mission, even when faced with subtle pressures or potential betrayal?**

### FAQ

**Who were these "nobles of Judah" and why were they corresponding with Tobiah?**

Answer: The "nobles of Judah" were the prominent, influential, and often wealthy leaders within the Jewish community in Jerusalem during Nehemiah's time. Their correspondence with Tobiah, a known adversary of God's people and the rebuilding project, was a profound act of disloyalty. Their motivations were likely complex:
1. **Political Expediency:** Tobiah was a powerful Ammonite official with significant regional influence. Maintaining ties with him might have been seen as a pragmatic way to secure their own positions or protect their interests, even if it meant undermining Nehemiah.
2. **Economic Ties:** There may have been existing trade or economic relationships that predated Nehemiah's arrival, which these nobles wished to preserve.
3. **Intermarriage and Family Alliances:** As revealed in [Nehemiah 13:4-5](/nehemiah/13-4 "Nehemiah 13:4-5 - Tobiah's Room in the Temple"), Tobiah had married into prominent Jewish families, including that of Eliashib the high priest. This created familial and social ties that blurred loyalties and provided a direct conduit for communication and influence.
4. **Fear or Intimidation:** Tobiah and his allies had consistently threatened Nehemiah and the builders. Some nobles might have been intimidated and sought to appease him.
5. **Personal Gain or Discontent with Nehemiah:** There could have been personal ambitions or discontent with Nehemiah's strict reforms and leadership style, leading some nobles to seek an alternative power base or to actively work against him.

**How did Nehemiah discover this secret correspondence?**

Answer: The text of Nehemiah does not explicitly state the exact method by which Nehemiah uncovered this secret correspondence. However, given Nehemiah's character and the context, several possibilities are likely:
1. **Vigilance and Intelligence Network:** Nehemiah was an astute and vigilant leader. He had established a strong network of loyal supporters and guards to protect the work and gather intelligence ([Nehemiah 4:9](/nehemiah/4-9 "Nehemiah 4:9 - Nehemiah's Prayer and Watchfulness")). It's plausible that one of his trusted individuals intercepted a letter or reported suspicious activity.
2. **Volume of Correspondence:** The phrase "many letters" suggests a high volume of communication. Such frequent exchanges, even if clandestine, would be difficult to keep entirely secret in a relatively small community.
3. **Divine Revelation/Discernment:** Nehemiah was a man of deep prayer and spiritual discernment. It is entirely possible that God revealed this treachery to him, just as He guided Nehemiah in other challenging situations.
4. **Openness of Tobiah's Advocates:** The verse implies that the nobles were actively "speaking well of him" (Tobiah) to Nehemiah, and reporting Nehemiah's words back to Tobiah ([Nehemiah 6:19](/nehemiah/6-19 "Nehemiah 6:19 - Nobles' Support for Tobiah")). This overt advocacy for Tobiah, even if the letters were secret, would have raised Nehemiah's suspicions and prompted investigation.

**What was the ultimate goal of Tobiah and the nobles in this correspondence?**

Answer: The ultimate goal of Tobiah and the nobles in this secret correspondence was to undermine Nehemiah's authority, disrupt the rebuilding work, and ultimately remove him from his position or discredit him in the eyes of the Persian king. For Tobiah, it was about stopping the restoration of Jerusalem's strength, which threatened his regional power and influence. He sought to destabilize the Jewish community from within, using the nobles as his agents. For the nobles, their goal was likely to protect their own status, wealth, and alliances, which they perceived as being threatened by Nehemiah's reforms and unwavering dedication to God's law. By corresponding with Tobiah, they aimed to:
1. **Discredit Nehemiah:** By spreading rumors or false accusations, as seen in [Nehemiah 6:5-7](/nehemiah/6-5 "Nehemiah 6:5-7 - Sanballat's Open Letter"), they hoped to turn the people or the Persian authorities against him.
2. **Sow Discord:** Create internal divisions and undermine morale, making it harder for Nehemiah to lead effectively.
3. **Maintain Personal Influence:** Ensure their own positions and economic interests were protected, even if it meant aligning with an enemy of their own people.
4. **Stop the Work:** Ultimately, prevent the full restoration of Jerusalem, which represented a resurgence of Jewish identity and strength.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 6:17, with its stark revelation of internal betrayal, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the life and mission of Jesus. Just as Nehemiah faced treachery from within his own people, the "nobles of Judah," so too did Jesus, the ultimate builder of God's eternal kingdom, experience the most painful betrayal from one of His closest disciples, Judas Iscariot ([John 13:21](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal")). This internal opposition, often more insidious than external threats, sought to undermine His divine work. Yet, unlike Nehemiah, whose work was a temporal restoration, Jesus's mission was to build a spiritual house, the church, upon Himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). His unwavering integrity and resolute commitment to His Father's will, even in the face of betrayal and crucifixion, ensured the ultimate triumph of His redemptive work. The "letters" of conspiracy against Nehemiah pale in comparison to the ultimate conspiracy against the Son of God, yet His victory on the cross disarmed all principalities and powers, both external and internal ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Christ, the faithful leader, perfectly endured the ultimate betrayal to establish a kingdom that cannot be shaken and a church that the gates of hell will not prevail against ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). His perfect sacrifice and resurrection ensure that despite any internal compromise or external opposition, His body, the church, will ultimately fulfill its divine purpose, guided by His eternal headship ([Ephesians 1:22](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")).

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 13:28

And [one] of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, [was] son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.

Nehemiah 5:7

Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.

Micah 7:1

¶ Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: [there is] no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit.

Micah 7:6

For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies [are] the men of his own house.

Matthew 24:10

And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

Matthew 24:12

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Nehemiah 3:5

And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.