Nehemiah 6:17

Translation
King James Version
Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.
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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.
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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.
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Berean Standard Bible
Also in those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came back to them.
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American Standard Version
Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.
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World English Bible Messianic
Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And in these dayes were there many of the princes of Iudah, whose letters went vnto Tobiah, and those of Tobiah came vnto them.
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Young's Literal Translation
Also, in those days the freemen of Judah are multiplying their letters going unto Tobiah, and those of Tobiah are coming in unto them;
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See also
Nehemiah 13:28Nehemiah 5:7Micah 7:1Micah 7:6Matthew 24:10Matthew 24:12Nehemiah 3:5
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Opposition to the Rebuilding of Jerusalem
Opposition to the Rebuilding of Jerusalem View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 12,419 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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, a monumental achievement celebrated in Nehemiah 6:15. 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) to cunning traps and false accusations (Nehemiah 6:1-9). The completion of the wall signaled a decisive victory over these overt enemies. However, Nehemiah 6:17 pivots sharply 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.
  • 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). 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 in a foreign-dominated land.
  • 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. 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, chôr', H2715): This term (H2715) refers to the leading men, freemen, or prominent citizens of Judah. Derived from a root meaning "white or pure," it figuratively denotes nobility in rank. Their status implied 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 and contradicting the inherent purity suggested by the word's root.
  • Letters (Hebrew, ʼiggereth', H107): This word (H107) specifically denotes an epistle or written communication. The mention of "many letters" emphasizes the frequency, volume, and sustained nature of this clandestine communication. This was not a one-off mistake but an ongoing, deliberate, and concerted effort by the nobles to maintain ties with Tobiah, indicating a systematic subversion rather than isolated incidents. The very act of exchanging letters implies a degree of intimacy and trust that should have been reserved for allies, not adversaries.
  • Came (Hebrew, bôwʼ', H935): This primitive root (H935) means "to go or come" in a wide variety of applications. Its use here, in conjunction with "sent," indicates the reciprocal nature of the communication. The letters of Tobiah "came" to them, confirming that this was a two-way street, implying an established relationship and a mutual exchange of information or favors. This underscores the active participation of Tobiah in this scheme, using internal elements to undermine Nehemiah, and suggests a well-orchestrated plot with both parties benefiting from the clandestine communication.

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, demonstrating that even as Nehemiah's primary task was accomplished, new, more insidious challenges emerged.
  • "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, 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.

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 that seek to undermine our devotion.

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, 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). 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). 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, 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). 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). 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). 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). 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).

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Commentary on Nehemiah 6 verses 15–19

Nehemiah is here finishing the wall of Jerusalem, and yet still has trouble created him by his enemies.

I. Tobiah, and the other adversaries of the Jews, had the mortification to see the wall built up, notwithstanding all their attempts to hinder it. The wall was begun and finished in fifty-two days, and yet we have reason to believe they rested on the sabbaths, Neh 6:15. Many were employed, and there was room for them; what they did they did cheerfully, and minded their business because they loved it. The threats of their enemies, which were intended to weaken them, it is likely, quickened them to go on with their work the more vigorously, that they might get it done before the enemy came. Thus out of the eater came forth meat. See what a great deal of work may be done in a little time if we would set about it in earnest and keep close to it. When the enemies heard that the wall was finished before they thought it was well begun, and, when they doubted not but to put a stop to it, they were much cast down in their own eyes, Neh 6:16. 1. They were ashamed of their own confidence that they should cause the work to cease; they were crest-fallen upon the disappointment. 2. They envied the prosperity and success of the Jews, grieved to see the walls of Jerusalem built, while, it may be, the kings of Persia had not permitted them thus to fortify the cities of Samaria. When Cain envied his brother his countenance fell, Gen 4:5. 3. They despaired of ever doing them the mischief they designed them, of bringing them down and making a prey of them; and well they might, for they perceived, by the wonderful success, that the work was wrought of God. Even these heathens had so much sense as, [1.] To see a special providence of God conversant about the affairs of the church when they did remarkably prosper. They said among the heathen, The Lord has done great things for them; it is his doing, Psa 126:2. God fighteth for Israel and worketh with them. [2.] To believe that God's work would be perfect. When the perceived that the work was of God they expected no other than that it would go on and prosper. [3.] To conclude that, if it were of God, it was to no purpose to think of opposing it; it would certainly prevail and be victorious.

II. Nehemiah had the vexation, notwithstanding this, to see some of his own people treacherously corresponding with Tobiah and serving his interest; and a great grief and discouragement, no doubt, it was to him. 1. Even of the nobles of Judah there were those who had so little sense of honour and their country's good as to communicate with Tobiah by letter, Neh 6:17. They wrote with all the freedom and familiarity of friends to him, and welcomed his letters to them. Could nobles do a thing so mean? Nobles of Judah so wicked a thing? It seems great men are not always wise, not always honest. 2. Many in Judah were in a strict but secret confederacy with him to advance the interest of his country, though it would certainly be the ruin of their own. They were sworn unto him, not as their prince, but as their friend and ally, because both he and his son had married daughters of Israel, Neh 6:18. See the mischief of marrying with strangers; for one heathen that was converted by it ten Jews were perverted. When once they became akin to Tobiah they soon became sworn to him. A sinful love leads to a sinful league. 3. They had the impudence to court Nehemiah himself into a friendship with him: "They reported his good deeds before me, represented him as an intelligent gentleman and well worthy my acquaintance, an honest gentleman and one that I might confide in." We are indeed required to speak ill of no man, but never to speak well of bad men. Those that forsake the law praise the wicked, Pro 28:4. 4. They were so false as to betray Nehemiah's counsels to him; they uttered Nehemiah's words to him, perverting them, no doubt, and putting false constructions upon them, which furnished Tobiah with matter for letters to put him in fear and so drive him from his work and discourage him in it. Thus were all their thoughts against him for evil, yet God thought upon him for good.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–19. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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