Nehemiah 6:2

Commentary on Nehemiah 6:2 (KJV)

Nehemiah 6:2 records a pivotal moment in the opposition Nehemiah faced during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. After failed attempts at open ridicule and direct military threats, the adversaries shift their strategy to cunning deception.

Context

By Nehemiah chapter 6, the wall of Jerusalem was nearing completion, presenting a significant threat to the regional power of figures like Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian. These adversaries had previously tried to discourage the workers (see Nehemiah 4:1-3) and conspired to attack Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 4:7-8). With these methods proving ineffective against Nehemiah's steadfast leadership and the people's determination, their tactics evolved. They now proposed a seemingly innocuous meeting in the "plain of Ono," a location strategically far from Jerusalem, about 25 miles northwest, making it a vulnerable spot for Nehemiah.

Key Themes

• Deception and Cunning Opposition: The verse highlights the shift from overt hostility to subtle, deceptive invitations. The adversaries' true intent was hidden behind a facade of peaceful dialogue. This illustrates that spiritual and physical opposition can come in various forms, not just direct confrontation.
• Discernment and Wisdom: Nehemiah's immediate understanding of their malevolent intentions ("But they thought to do me mischief") showcases his spiritual discernment and practical wisdom. He was not easily swayed by pleasantries or distractions from his crucial task.
• Commitment to God's Work: Nehemiah's refusal to meet them, as detailed in the subsequent verse (Nehemiah 6:3), underscores his unwavering focus on the work God had called him to do. He understood that any distraction, even a seemingly minor meeting, could jeopardize the entire project.

Linguistic Insights

The word "mischief" in the KJV text comes from the Hebrew word ra'ah (רָעָה), which carries a strong meaning of "evil," "harm," or "wickedness." It implies not just annoyance but a deliberate intent to inflict serious damage, possibly even death, upon Nehemiah. This reinforces the severity of the plot and Nehemiah's correct assessment of the danger.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today:

• Beware of Distractions: Just as Nehemiah faced invitations designed to pull him away from his purpose, we too must be vigilant against distractions that can derail our spiritual walk or God-given assignments. Not all invitations are benign; some may be subtle traps.
• Cultivate Discernment: It is crucial to pray for and develop spiritual discernment to recognize the true intentions behind seemingly innocent proposals or relationships. The enemy often works through subtle schemes (Ephesians 6:11).
• Stay Focused on Your Calling: Nehemiah's priority was the work of God. Similarly, we are called to prioritize God's will and purpose for our lives, refusing to be sidetracked by those who wish us harm or seek to undermine our efforts.