Nehemiah 6:19

KJV

Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. [And] Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also they reported {H559} his good deeds {H2896} before {H6440} me, and uttered {H3318} my words {H1697} to him. And Tobiah {H2900} sent {H7971} letters {H107} to put me in fear {H3372}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They would even praise his good deeds in my presence, and they passed on my words to him. And Toviyah kept sending letters to intimidate me.

Berean Standard Bible

Moreover, these nobles kept reporting to me Tobiah’s good deeds, and they relayed my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.

American Standard Version

Also they spake of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 6:19 unveils a deeply unsettling layer of opposition Nehemiah faced: internal betrayal. Despite the imminent completion of Jerusalem's walls, some Jewish nobles, compromised by alliances with Tobiah, acted as double agents. They actively promoted Tobiah's perceived virtues to Nehemiah while simultaneously relaying Nehemiah's private words and strategies back to the enemy. This insidious treachery was orchestrated by Tobiah, who used these letters and insider information as a calculated psychological weapon, aiming to instill fear in Nehemiah and ultimately halt the divinely appointed work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the climax of the wall's construction, just before its completion (Nehemiah 6:15). Chapters 4-6 meticulously document the escalating opposition Nehemiah encountered, beginning with ridicule and scorn (Nehemiah 4:1-3), progressing to armed threats (Nehemiah 4:7-8), and culminating in cunning plots to assassinate Nehemiah or lure him away from Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6:1-9). Having failed in these overt and covert attempts, the enemies, particularly Tobiah, resorted to a more insidious form of psychological warfare: leveraging internal treachery. This verse immediately follows Nehemiah's steadfast refusal to be intimidated by Shemaiah's false prophecy, highlighting his unwavering resolve even as betrayal surfaces from within his own ranks. The revelation of the nobles' complicity underscores the pervasive nature of the spiritual battle and sets the stage for Nehemiah's later reforms against such compromises in [Nehemiah 13](/nehemiah/13 "Nehemiah 13 - Nehemiah's Reforms").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "nobles of Judah" mentioned in Nehemiah 6:17, who are the "they" in verse 19, were influential families with significant social and political standing. Their compromise stemmed from intermarriage and financial ties with Tobiah the Ammonite, a prominent figure in the Transjordan region and a bitter adversary of the Jewish restoration (Nehemiah 2:10, 19). Such alliances, often driven by political expediency or economic gain, were a recurring problem in post-exilic Judah, as seen in Ezra's reforms against intermarriage (Ezra 9-10) and Nehemiah's own later actions against Tobiah's presence in the temple precincts ([Nehemiah 13:4-7](/nehemiah/13-4 "Nehemiah 13:4-7 - Tobiah's Chamber in the Temple")). The practice of sending letters was a common form of communication and diplomacy in the ancient Near East, often used for official pronouncements, negotiations, or, as in this case, for intimidation and psychological manipulation. Tobiah's use of letters, combined with insider information, demonstrates a sophisticated and calculated strategy to undermine Nehemiah's leadership and morale.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several crucial themes. Firstly, it highlights **Internal Betrayal and Treachery**, revealing that opposition to God's work can arise not just from external enemies but from within the very community meant to support it. The "nobles of Judah," who should have been Nehemiah's staunchest allies, were compromised, acting as conduits for enemy intelligence. Secondly, it showcases **Psychological Warfare and Intimidation**. Tobiah's ultimate aim, "to put me in fear," reveals a deliberate strategy to break Nehemiah's spirit and paralyze his leadership through mental assault rather than direct physical confrontation. The letters, combined with insider information, were designed to sow doubt and undermine confidence. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Pervasiveness and Insidiousness of Opposition**. The challenges Nehemiah faced were not merely external but deeply embedded in the social fabric of Judah, demonstrating how compromise and unholy alliances can subtly corrupt a community and hinder divine purposes. Finally, it implicitly speaks to **Nehemiah's Discernment and Resilience**. Despite the profound betrayal and constant fear tactics, Nehemiah remained steadfast, his ability to identify and record such plots demonstrating his sharp spiritual discernment and unwavering reliance on God's strength and wisdom, as exemplified by his prayerful watchfulness in [Nehemiah 4:9](/nehemiah/4-9 "Nehemiah 4:9 - Nehemiah's Prayer and Watchfulness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reported (Hebrew, _nagad'_):** This verb means "to make known, declare, inform, tell." It implies a deliberate act of disclosure, suggesting that the nobles were actively promoting Tobiah's supposed "good deeds" to Nehemiah, perhaps to justify their association or to soften Nehemiah's stance towards him. This was not passive observation but an active communication designed to influence Nehemiah's perception.
* **Uttered (Hebrew, _dabar'_):: **Meaning "to speak, declare, say." In this context, it specifically refers to the nobles relaying Nehemiah's private "words" – his plans, strategies, concerns, or perhaps even his personal thoughts – directly to Tobiah. This was a profound breach of trust and a severe security leak, providing the enemy with critical intelligence.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yare'_):** This word signifies "to be afraid, dread, revere." Here, it denotes the specific emotional state Tobiah sought to induce in Nehemiah. It was a deliberate psychological tactic to cause Nehemiah to abandon his mission, to be intimidated into submission, or to lose his resolve.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also they reported his good deeds before me":** The "they" refers to the nobles of Judah (Nehemiah 6:17-18) who were allied with Tobiah through intermarriage. "His good deeds" refers to Tobiah's supposed good qualities or actions. This phrase indicates that the nobles were actively advocating for Tobiah in Nehemiah's presence, perhaps attempting to legitimize his standing or to portray him as less of a threat, thereby attempting to manipulate Nehemiah's perception and trust.
* **"and uttered my words to him":** This is the core of the betrayal. The nobles were acting as spies, relaying Nehemiah's private counsel, strategic discussions, or personal sentiments directly to Tobiah. This provided Tobiah with invaluable intelligence, allowing him to anticipate Nehemiah's moves and tailor his opposition tactics, severely compromising Nehemiah's security and leadership.
* **"[And] Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear":** This clause reveals the ultimate purpose behind the internal espionage. Tobiah's letters, now informed by Nehemiah's own words and strategies, were designed to be highly effective instruments of psychological warfare. Their content likely included threats, false accusations, attempts to discredit Nehemiah, or other intimidating messages, all calculated to break Nehemiah's morale, sow doubt, and cause him to abandon the work out of fear.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 6:19 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Irony** is prominent, as the "nobles of Judah," who should have been Nehemiah's loyal supporters and fellow countrymen in the sacred task of rebuilding, are revealed as betrayers, actively aiding the enemy. This subversion of expected loyalty creates a stark contrast. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the deeper internal corruption and compromise within the community that Nehemiah would later have to address more forcefully, particularly in [Nehemiah 13](/nehemiah/13 "Nehemiah 13 - Nehemiah's Reforms"), where Tobiah's influence is found even within the temple. The entire scenario is a masterful depiction of **Psychological Warfare**, where the enemy's primary weapon is not brute force but calculated manipulation of information and perception to induce fear and undermine leadership. The use of "my words" being "uttered to him" highlights the **Violation of Trust**, emphasizing the personal nature of the betrayal and the deep sense of vulnerability it would have created for Nehemiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 6:19 offers a stark reminder that opposition to God's work is not always external and overt; often, the most dangerous threats emerge from within, through subtle compromise and insidious betrayal. This verse underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, where the enemy seeks to undermine divine purposes by sowing discord, instilling fear, and leveraging human weakness or self-interest. It highlights the critical need for discernment in leadership, recognizing that not everyone who appears to be an ally truly shares the same commitment to God's kingdom. The treachery of the nobles serves as a cautionary tale about the pervasive nature of sin and the constant vigilance required to protect the integrity of God's people and their mission.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")
* [Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Be Shrewd as Snakes and Innocent as Doves")
* [2 Corinthians 2:11](/2_corinthians/2-11 "2 Corinthians 2:11 - Not Ignorant of Satan's Schemes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 6:19 holds profound lessons for contemporary believers and leaders. It challenges us to cultivate acute spiritual discernment, recognizing that opposition to God's work can manifest in subtle, unexpected ways, often from sources we might least suspect. We must be vigilant against the temptation to compromise our values or alliances for personal gain, popularity, or perceived security, as the nobles did with Tobiah. The verse also underscores the importance of guarding our words and strategies, exercising discretion, especially in sensitive spiritual endeavors. Furthermore, it calls us to stand firm against fear and intimidation tactics, whether they come from external pressures or internal whispers of doubt. Like Nehemiah, our resolve must be rooted in unwavering faith in God's sovereignty and protection, enabling us to persevere even when facing profound betrayal. In a world where information can be weaponized and trust is often fragile, this passage encourages us to build communities founded on integrity, loyalty, and a shared commitment to Christ's kingdom, while remaining prayerfully aware of the spiritual battles that rage around and within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern subtle forms of opposition or internal compromise in our own lives, churches, or ministries?**
* **What steps can we take to guard our hearts and minds against fear and intimidation tactics, whether from external sources or internal anxieties?**
* **In what ways might compromise or unholy alliances within a community hinder God's work or diminish its spiritual integrity?**
* **How does Nehemiah's unwavering commitment to his mission, despite this profound betrayal, inform our own approach to difficult relationships or internal conflicts?**

### FAQ

**Who were "they" who reported Tobiah's deeds and uttered Nehemiah's words?**

Answer: The "they" refers to the "nobles of Judah" mentioned in [Nehemiah 6:17](/nehemiah/6-17 "Nehemiah 6:17 - The Nobles' Alliance with Tobiah"). These were influential Jewish families who had established marriage alliances and financial ties with Tobiah the Ammonite. Despite being part of Nehemiah's own people, their loyalties were divided, leading them to act as informants for Tobiah, both promoting his image to Nehemiah and betraying Nehemiah's private communications to him.

**Why would Tobiah send letters to Nehemiah after other attempts to stop the wall's construction had failed?**

Answer: Tobiah's persistent sending of letters, especially after his more overt attempts (like armed threats and plots to assassinate Nehemiah in [Nehemiah 6:1-9](/nehemiah/6-1 "Nehemiah 6:1-9 - Plots Against Nehemiah")) had failed, indicates a shift to a sophisticated form of psychological warfare. The goal was no longer just physical harm but mental and emotional breakdown. These letters, likely filled with false accusations, threats, or attempts to discredit Nehemiah, combined with the insider information provided by the nobles, were designed to instill fear, undermine Nehemiah's confidence, and break his morale, hoping he would abandon the project out of intimidation.

**What does this verse teach us about leadership in the face of adversity?**

Answer: This verse provides crucial lessons for leadership. It teaches the vital importance of **discernment**, as leaders must be able to identify threats that come from within their own ranks, even from seemingly trusted individuals. It highlights the need for **vigilance** against subtle forms of opposition, such as psychological warfare and betrayal, which can be more damaging than overt attacks. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of **resilience** and unwavering focus on the God-given mission, even when facing profound personal betrayal and attempts to instill fear. Nehemiah's example demonstrates that true leadership relies on God's protection and wisdom to navigate complex internal and external challenges.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 6:19, with its depiction of internal betrayal and psychological warfare aimed at instilling fear, powerfully foreshadows the experiences of Jesus Christ. Just as Nehemiah faced treachery from within his own people, the Jewish nobles, Jesus endured the ultimate betrayal by one of His closest disciples, [Judas Iscariot](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts His Betrayal"), who delivered Him into the hands of His enemies. The "uttering of words" to the enemy finds its parallel in the false testimonies and accusations brought against Jesus during His trials, designed to condemn Him and incite fear among His followers ([Mark 14:55-59](/mark/14-55 "Mark 14:55-59 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). Tobiah's aim "to put me in fear" resonates with the constant intimidation and psychological pressure Jesus faced from religious and political authorities, culminating in the hour of darkness when He was delivered to His adversaries ([Luke 22:53](/luke/22-53 "Luke 22:53 - The Hour of Darkness")). Yet, unlike Nehemiah who recorded the plots, Jesus willingly submitted to the Father's will, conquering fear and death itself. Through His sacrifice, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), and by His death, He destroyed him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and freed those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Frees Us from the Fear of Death")). Thus, the spiritual warfare and internal betrayal Nehemiah faced find their ultimate resolution and victory in the steadfast, fear-conquering work of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled His mission despite all opposition.

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

Acts 4:18

And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Acts 4:21

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all [men] glorified God for that which was done.

Proverbs 28:4

¶ They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

John 15:19

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Isaiah 37:10

Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.

Isaiah 37:14

And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.

John 7:7

The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.