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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Nehemiah 6:15–19. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
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Summary
Nehemiah 6:18 exposes a critical internal challenge to Nehemiah's successful rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls: the pervasive and insidious influence of Tobiah the Ammonite within the Judean elite. This influence was not merely political but deeply rooted in strategic marital alliances, specifically through Tobiah's own marriage into the family of Shechaniah and his son Johanan's marriage into the family of Meshullam. The verse reveals a network of compromise and divided loyalties among prominent Judeans, demonstrating that opposition to God's work can arise from within the community through subtle, deeply entrenched relationships, posing a threat as formidable as any external adversary.
Context
Literary Context
Nehemiah 6:18 appears at a pivotal moment in the narrative, immediately following the triumphant completion of Jerusalem's wall in a remarkably short 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15-16). Prior to this, Nehemiah had faced relentless external opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, including ridicule, threats of attack, and various deceptive ploys like invitations to parley in Ono, false accusations of rebellion, and even a deceptive prophecy from Shemaiah (Nehemiah 6:1-14). While the wall's completion disheartened the external enemies, Nehemiah 6:17-19 then pivots to reveal a new, more insidious threat: the ongoing communication and internal support Tobiah enjoyed from within Judah itself. This verse specifically explains the deep-seated nature of Tobiah's influence, providing the underlying reason why his plots were so persistent and why Nehemiah faced such entrenched opposition, revealing that external threats were often enabled by internal compromise.
Historical & Cultural Context
The post-exilic period (mid-5th century BCE) saw the returning Jewish community striving to re-establish their identity and covenant fidelity in the land of Judah under Persian imperial oversight. In this ancient Near Eastern context, alliances, particularly through marriage, were fundamental for securing political, economic, and social stability. However, for the Jewish people, intermarriage with foreign nations was strictly prohibited by Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 7:3-4) due to the inherent spiritual danger of idolatry and syncretism. Tobiah the Ammonite was a powerful official in the Transjordan region, a long-standing adversary of Israel, whose family had historical ties of enmity with the Jewish people. His strategic marriages into influential Judean families, such as Shechaniah (whose family was likely prominent, though not necessarily priestly for this specific individual) and Meshullam (who ironically was actively involved in rebuilding the wall, as seen in Nehemiah 3:4), provided him with legitimate access and significant leverage within Jerusalem's elite circles, enabling him to undermine Nehemiah's work from the inside out.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of internal compromise and divided loyalties. While external enemies like Sanballat and Tobiah present overt opposition, this verse unveils a more subtle and dangerous form of resistance stemming from within the community itself, where personal gain or social standing superseded covenant faithfulness. Secondly, it highlights the peril of unholy alliances through intermarriage. The strategic marriages described here are not merely social arrangements but covenant violations that granted an enemy of God's people a legitimate foothold. This issue is a recurring concern in the post-exilic period, as seen in Ezra 9:1-2 and later addressed forcefully by Nehemiah himself in Nehemiah 13:23-27. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of discernment and integrity in leadership. Nehemiah consistently had to discern who was truly committed to God's work and who was secretly aligned with adversaries (e.g., Nehemiah 6:12). This verse explains why such discernment was so crucial, as powerful figures within the community were compromised by personal interests and worldly connections, making the spiritual battle as much an internal one as an external one.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word, when used in this context, implies a binding commitment or oath of allegiance. While baʻal primarily means "master" or "owner," its usage here in the phrase "sworn unto him" (literally "masters of oath to him") indicates that these Judeans had entered into a formal, perhaps solemn, agreement or pledge of loyalty with Tobiah. This suggests a deep-rooted, contractual relationship that directly contradicted their primary allegiance to God and the national interests of the returning exiles. It highlights the profound nature of these compromised ties, going beyond mere acquaintance to a formal, binding pledge.
This term denotes a male relative by marriage, specifically the husband of one's daughter or sister. In ancient Near Eastern societies, such relationships were foundational for forming political and social alliances. Tobiah's status as the "son in law of Shechaniah" signifies a direct and legitimate familial connection, granting him significant access and influence within a prominent Judean family. This was not a casual link but a formal bond that integrated him into the social fabric of Judah, despite his foreign and adversarial status, and in violation of the Mosaic Law against intermarriage.
The mention that Tobiah's son Johanan "had taken the daughter of Meshullam" further emphasizes the strategic use of marriage to solidify power and influence. The exchange of daughters in marriage was a common practice to forge alliances between families, tribes, and even nations. Here, it demonstrates a second generation of intermarriage, reinforcing Tobiah's entrenchment within the Judean elite and expanding his network of compromised loyalties. The focus is not just on Tobiah's direct ties but on the perpetuation of these unholy alliances through his offspring, indicating a concerted, long-term strategy of infiltration.
Verse Breakdown
"For [there were] many in Judah sworn unto him"
This opening clause immediately reveals the core problem: Tobiah's influence was not merely external but had permeated deeply within the Judean community. The phrase "many in Judah" suggests a significant number of individuals, implying that this was not an isolated incident but a widespread issue among the elite. The term "sworn unto him" indicates formal oaths or binding agreements, implying a betrayal of loyalty to Nehemiah's mission and, by extension, to God's covenant with Israel. These individuals had pledged allegiance to an enemy, likely for personal gain or political expediency, compromising their integrity.
"because he [was] the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah"
This clause provides the primary explanation for Tobiah's internal influence. His marriage to the daughter of Shechaniah, a prominent figure (as "Arah" is mentioned in the list of those who returned with Zerubbabel in Ezra 2:5), granted him legitimate familial ties within Judah. This intermarriage, forbidden by Mosaic Law, provided Tobiah with a powerful network, intelligence, and a base of support that allowed him to operate effectively from within Jerusalem's social and political circles, undermining the spiritual and national restoration.
"and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah"
This second part of the explanation further solidifies and expands the scope of Tobiah's influence. It reveals that the pattern of intermarriage extended to the next generation, with Tobiah's son, Johanan, marrying into another influential Judean family, that of Meshullam. Meshullam is notably mentioned as one of the wall builders in Nehemiah 3:4 and Nehemiah 3:30, adding a layer of irony and highlighting the depth of compromise. This second marriage alliance demonstrates a concerted effort by Tobiah to entrench his family's influence within Judah, creating a powerful network of compromised loyalties that posed a constant threat to Nehemiah's work.
Literary Devices
Nehemiah 6:18 employs several literary devices to convey its significant message. The primary device is Exposition, as the verse explicitly reveals a crucial piece of information that explains the persistent and insidious nature of Tobiah's opposition. Up to this point, the reader has perceived Tobiah primarily as an external foe; this verse pulls back the curtain to expose his deep internal connections and the systemic nature of his influence. There is also a strong element of Irony, particularly with the mention of Meshullam. Meshullam is recorded as a diligent builder of the wall, yet his family is simultaneously allied through marriage with the chief adversary of the rebuilding project. This stark contrast underscores the moral and spiritual compromise prevalent among some Judean leaders. Furthermore, the verse uses Foreshadowing, hinting at the broader issue of intermarriage and foreign influence that Nehemiah would later confront directly and forcefully in Nehemiah 13. The precise naming of familial connections and individuals like Shechaniah, Arah, Johanan, Meshullam, and Berechiah serves as Specific Detail, lending credibility and weight to the exposition, grounding the theological point in concrete historical realities.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Nehemiah 6:18 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of spiritual warfare and the integrity of God's people. It underscores that the greatest threats to God's work often come not from overt, external enemies, but from subtle, internal compromises and divided loyalties within the community itself. The strategic intermarriages, though culturally expedient for social or political gain, represented a profound spiritual betrayal, prioritizing worldly alliances and personal benefit over covenant faithfulness. This compromise allowed an enemy of God to gain a legitimate foothold, corrupting the community from within and undermining its mission. The verse highlights the constant need for vigilance, discernment, and unwavering allegiance to God, warning against the dangers of syncretism and the insidious way worldly relationships can undermine divine purposes. It reminds us that purity of heart and singularity of devotion are paramount in serving God effectively, for true spiritual strength is compromised when the boundaries of faith are blurred.
Reflection and Application
Nehemiah 6:18 offers a timeless and sobering lesson for believers today. It challenges us to look beyond obvious external threats and to critically examine the subtle compromises and unholy alliances that may exist within our own lives and communities. Just as Tobiah gained influence through familial ties, worldly values and relationships can subtly infiltrate our hearts and churches, eroding our singular devotion to Christ. This verse calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that not all who appear to be "within" are truly aligned with God's purposes. It demands unwavering loyalty to God's truth and mission, even when it means standing against popular opinion or challenging deeply entrenched, yet compromised, relationships. Our ultimate allegiance must be to Christ alone, guarding against any partnership or influence that would dilute our faith or divert us from His will. The integrity of our witness and the effectiveness of our service depend on our uncompromised devotion to God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was intermarriage such a significant problem in Nehemiah's time?
Intermarriage with foreign peoples was a recurring and severe problem for the Israelites throughout their history, explicitly forbidden by God's law, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:3-4. The primary reason for this prohibition was not racial or ethnic purity, but spiritual purity. These foreign nations often worshipped other gods, and intermarriage inevitably led to syncretism and idolatry, pulling the Israelites away from their covenant relationship with Yahweh. In Nehemiah's post-exilic context, the community was striving to re-establish its distinct identity as God's holy people and rebuild Jerusalem as a spiritual center. Strategic marriages like those of Tobiah and his son allowed enemies of God's work to gain legitimate access and influence within the community, undermining their spiritual and national restoration from within. It represented a compromise of their distinct identity and a betrayal of their covenant with God, threatening to repeat the spiritual failures that led to the exile.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Nehemiah 6:18, with its stark portrayal of internal compromise and the insidious influence of an enemy through unholy alliances, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament's understanding of the Church and the nature of spiritual warfare. While Nehemiah battled external foes whose influence seeped in through compromised relationships, Christ's work establishes a new covenant people, the Church, called to absolute purity and singular devotion to Him. The danger of "many in Judah sworn unto him" foreshadows the New Testament warnings against false teachers and those who, though appearing to be "within" the community, secretly undermine the gospel and lead believers astray (e.g., 2 Peter 2:1-3). Christ, as the Head of His Church (Colossians 1:18), calls His bride to be without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:25-27), untainted by worldly compromises or alliances that would dilute her allegiance. The ultimate "son-in-law" relationship is that of Christ with His Church, the Lamb's wife (Revelation 19:7-9), a union built on perfect faithfulness and uncompromised love. Any internal compromise or divided loyalty within the body of Christ is a betrayal of this sacred union, just as the Judeans' alliances with Tobiah undermined the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Thus, Nehemiah 6:18 serves as a poignant reminder for the Church to maintain her purity and singular devotion to Christ, guarding against any subtle infiltration of worldly values or relationships that would compromise her witness and mission in the world.