Nehemiah 6:18

KJV

For [there were] many in Judah sworn unto him, because he [was] the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.

KJV (with Strong's)

For there were many {H7227} in Judah {H3063} sworn {H1167}{H7621} unto him, because he was the son in law {H2860} of Shechaniah {H7935} the son {H1121} of Arah {H733}; and his son {H1121} Johanan {H3076} had taken {H3947} the daughter {H1323} of Meshullam {H4918} the son {H1121} of Berechiah {H1296}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For there were many in Y'hudah who had sworn allegiance to him, because he was the son-in-law of Sh'khanyah the son of Arach, and his son Y'hochanan had taken as his wife the daughter of Meshulam the son of Berekhyah.

Berean Standard Bible

For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah.

American Standard Version

For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah; and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah to wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 6:18 reveals a significant internal challenge to Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem: the pervasive influence of Tobiah the Ammonite within the Judean elite. This influence was not merely political but deeply rooted in strategic marital alliances, specifically through his own marriage into the family of Shechaniah and his son Johanan's marriage into the family of Meshullam. This verse exposes a network of compromise and divided loyalties among prominent Judeans, highlighting 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 critical juncture in the narrative, following numerous external attempts by Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem to stop the wall's construction and assassinate Nehemiah. Earlier in the chapter, Nehemiah has successfully resisted various ploys, including invitations to parley in Ono, a false accusation letter, and a prophetic deception by Shemaiah (Nehemiah 6:1-14). The immediate verses (Nehemiah 6:15-17) celebrate the miraculous completion of the wall in just 52 days, which disheartened the enemies. However, Nehemiah 6:17-19 then introduces a new, more insidious threat: the ongoing communication and internal support Tobiah enjoyed from within Judah itself, specifically through prominent families. This verse explains *why* Tobiah's plots were so persistent and why Nehemiah faced such deep-seated opposition, revealing that the external threats were often enabled by internal compromise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-exilic period was marked by the returning Jewish community's struggle to re-establish their identity and covenant fidelity in the land of Judah. The Persian Empire ruled, allowing a degree of self-governance but maintaining ultimate authority. In this context, alliances, especially through marriage, were crucial for political, economic, and social stability. For the Jewish people, however, intermarriage with foreign peoples was strictly forbidden by Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 7:3-4) due to the spiritual danger of idolatry and syncretism. Tobiah the Ammonite was a prominent official in the Transjordan region, a long-standing adversary of Israel. His strategic marriages into influential Judean families like Shechaniah (who was part of the priestly line, though not explicitly stated for this Shechaniah, the name itself was prominent) and Meshullam (who ironically was also involved in rebuilding the wall, as seen in [Nehemiah 3:4](/nehemiah/3-4 "Nehemiah 3:4 - Meshullam's Role in Rebuilding the Wall")) provided him with legitimate access and leverage within Jerusalem's elite circles, enabling him to undermine Nehemiah's work from the inside out.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully highlights 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 are overt, this verse reveals a more subtle and dangerous form of opposition stemming from within the community itself, where personal gain or social standing superseded covenant faithfulness. Secondly, it emphasizes 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 foothold. This issue is a recurring concern in the post-exilic period, as seen in [Ezra 9:1-2](/ezra/9-1 "Ezra 9:1-2 - Ezra's Distress Over Intermarriage") and later addressed by Nehemiah himself in [Nehemiah 13:23-27](/nehemiah/13-23 "Nehemiah 13:23-27 - Nehemiah's Action Against Intermarriage"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **discernment and integrity** in leadership. Nehemiah constantly had to discern who was truly committed to God's work and who was secretly aligned with adversaries (e.g., [Nehemiah 6:12](/nehemiah/6-12 "Nehemiah 6:12 - Shemaiah's Deception")). 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
* **Sworn (Hebrew, _nîšbāʿîm'_):** This word implies more than just a casual agreement or acquaintance; it refers to the act of taking an oath or entering into a binding covenant. The use of the Hiphil stem of the verb "to swear" (שָׁבַע, _shava'_) indicates that these Judeans had *caused themselves to be sworn* or had *bound themselves by an oath* to Tobiah. This suggests a formal, perhaps even solemn, commitment of loyalty or allegiance, likely for mutual benefit, which directly contradicted their primary allegiance to God and the national interests of the returning exiles. It highlights the deep-rooted nature of these compromised ties.
* **Son-in-law (Hebrew, _ḥatan'_):** 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" indicates a direct and legitimate familial connection, granting him 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.
* **Daughter (Hebrew, _bat'_):** 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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For [there were] many in Judah sworn unto him":** This opening clause immediately reveals the core problem: Tobiah's influence was not external only but had permeated deeply within the Judean community. The phrase "many in Judah" suggests a significant number, 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.
* **"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 (likely from a significant family, as "Arah" is mentioned in the list of those who returned with Zerubbabel in [Ezra 2:5](/ezra/2-5 "Ezra 2:5 - The Descendants of Arah")), 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.
* **"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](/nehemiah/3-4 "Nehemiah 3:4 - Meshullam's Role in Rebuilding the Wall") and [Nehemiah 3:30](/nehemiah/3-30 "Nehemiah 3:30 - Meshullam's Continued Work on the Wall"), 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 serves to explicitly reveal a crucial piece of information that explains the persistent and insidious nature of Tobiah's opposition. Up to this point, the reader has seen Tobiah as an external foe; this verse pulls back the curtain to show his deep internal connections. 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 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 have to confront directly and forcefully in [Nehemiah 13](/nehemiah/13 "Nehemiah 13 - Nehemiah's Reforms"). The familial names and connections serve as **Specific Detail** to lend 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, represented a profound spiritual betrayal, prioritizing worldly alliances and personal gain over covenant faithfulness. This compromise allowed an enemy of God to gain a legitimate foothold, corrupting the community from within. 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.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")
* [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Foreign Wives and Idolatry")

### 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "unholy alliances" or subtle compromises might be influencing my own loyalties or the direction of my community today?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to identify influences that appear legitimate but ultimately undermine my commitment to Christ?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing personal gain, social standing, or worldly connections over the purity and integrity of my faith?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my allegiance remains singularly focused on God and His purposes, even when it is challenging?**

### FAQ
**Why was intermarriage such a significant problem in Nehemiah's time?**

Answer: Intermarriage with foreign peoples was a recurring and severe problem for the Israelites throughout their history, explicitly forbidden by God's law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")). The primary reason 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 identity as God's holy people. 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.

### 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," secretly undermine the gospel (e.g., [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers Among You")). Christ, as the Head of His Church ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ as the Head of the Church")), calls His bride to be without spot or wrinkle ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church")), 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](/revelation/19-7 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), 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.

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.