Nehemiah 6:7

KJV

And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, [There is] a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou hast also appointed {H5975} prophets {H5030} to preach {H7121} of thee at Jerusalem {H3389}, saying {H559}, There is a king {H4428} in Judah {H3063}: and now shall it be reported {H8085} to the king {H4428} according to these words {H1697}. Come {H3212} now therefore, and let us take counsel {H3289} together {H3162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"moreover, that you have also appointed prophets to proclaim about you in Yerushalayim, 'There is a king in Y'hudah!'A report along these lines is now going to be made to the king. Come now, therefore, and let's discuss this."

Berean Standard Bible

and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.”

American Standard Version

And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 6:7 records a pivotal moment in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, detailing the cunning and dangerous escalation of opposition Nehemiah faced from his adversaries, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. This verse presents a grave, fabricated accusation: that Nehemiah had appointed "prophets" to declare him king in Judah, a direct act of sedition against the Persian king. This false charge was coupled with an explicit threat to report it to Artaxerxes, all designed to coerce Nehemiah into a meeting outside Jerusalem where his enemies intended to harm him and halt God's work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 6:7 is part of a broader narrative detailing the persistent and increasingly desperate attempts by Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Prior to this, they had resorted to ridicule ([Nehemiah 4:1-3](/nehemiah/4-1 "Nehemiah 4:1-3 - Sanballat Mocks the Jews")), armed threats ([Nehemiah 4:7-8](/nehemiah/4-7 "Nehemiah 4:7-8 - The Enemies Plot to Fight")), and repeated invitations to meet in Ono, which Nehemiah consistently refused, recognizing them as traps ([Nehemiah 6:1-4](/nehemiah/6-1 "Nehemiah 6:1-4 - Nehemiah Refuses to Meet")). This specific verse introduces the fifth in a series of open letters sent by Sanballat, distinguishing itself by its public nature and the severity of its false accusation. It represents a strategic shift from physical intimidation to political slander, aiming to discredit Nehemiah and force him into a compromising position, thereby stopping the "great work" ([Nehemiah 6:3](/nehemiah/6-3 "Nehemiah 6:3 - Nehemiah's Refusal to Be Distracted")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Judah at this time was a province within the vast Persian Empire. Any declaration of a local "king" or an attempt to establish an independent monarchy was considered an act of treason against the reigning Persian emperor, Artaxerxes. Such an accusation, if believed, would carry the penalty of death and severe repercussions for the entire Jewish community. The use of "prophets" in the accusation is significant; in the ancient Near East, prophets could be seen as political agitators or legitimizers of rulers. Sanballat's charge implies Nehemiah was orchestrating a seditious movement, using religious figures to spread propaganda. This tactic was not uncommon for undermining rivals in the Persian administrative system, where local governors (like Nehemiah) served at the pleasure of the king and could be easily removed or executed for perceived disloyalty. The threat to "report to the king" was a credible and terrifying one, designed to exploit Nehemiah's vulnerability as a royal appointee.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **False Accusation and Slander** is central, as Nehemiah's enemies resort to baseless lies to undermine his character and mission, a common tactic against those pursuing God's purposes ([Psalm 35:11](/psalms/35-11 "Psalm 35:11 - False Witnesses Rise Up")). Secondly, **Political Intimidation** is evident in the explicit threat to report Nehemiah to the Persian king, leveraging the severe consequences of treason to instill fear and compel his compliance. Thirdly, the verse highlights **Deception and Cunning**, as the adversaries mask their malicious intent with an urgent invitation to "take counsel together," a ploy to lure Nehemiah into a trap ([Proverbs 26:24-26](/proverbs/26-24 "Proverbs 26:24-26 - Deceptive Lips and Malice")). Finally, it foreshadows Nehemiah's unwavering **Perseverance in God's Work**, as his subsequent response (Nehemiah 6:8-9) demonstrates his refusal to be diverted or intimidated, emphasizing his steadfast commitment to the divine mandate despite intense pressure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophets (Hebrew, _nābî'_):** The term "prophets" here is used by Nehemiah's enemies in a derogatory or sarcastic sense, implying false prophets or agitators who would declare Nehemiah king. While a true prophet speaks for God, these would be individuals allegedly appointed by Nehemiah to spread seditious propaganda, lending a veneer of religious legitimacy to his supposed political ambitions. This highlights the enemies' attempt to frame Nehemiah's actions as a religiously sanctioned rebellion.
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** This word carries immense weight in the context of a Persian province. To declare "a king in Judah" was not merely a local political maneuver but a direct challenge to the sovereignty of the Persian emperor. It implied an attempt to establish an independent kingdom, which was a capital offense and a grave act of rebellion against the imperial power. The accusation was designed to be as politically incendiary as possible.
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _ya'ats'_):** The invitation to "take counsel together" (from the root _ya'ats_, meaning "to advise, consult") is presented as a reasonable and necessary step to address the fabricated crisis. However, given the context of repeated attempts to lure Nehemiah away, this term is deeply ironic and deceptive. It suggests a collaborative problem-solving session, but its true intent was to isolate and harm Nehemiah, turning a supposed consultation into a capture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, [There is] a king in Judah:"** This clause lays out the core of the false accusation. Sanballat claims Nehemiah has not only set himself up as a potential monarch but has also orchestrated a public relations campaign through "prophets" in Jerusalem to announce his kingship. This charge is meticulously crafted to be treasonous: it implies a deliberate, organized, and religiously sanctioned rebellion against the Persian crown, making Nehemiah a direct threat to imperial authority. The specific mention of "prophets" adds a layer of religious subversion to the political charge.
* **"and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words."** This clause contains the explicit threat that elevates the accusation from mere slander to a direct act of political intimidation. Sanballat states his intention to formalize the accusation by reporting it to King Artaxerxes. This was not an idle threat; a formal complaint of sedition to the Persian court would trigger an investigation, potentially leading to Nehemiah's arrest, trial, and execution, and possibly even the cessation of the rebuilding project. The enemies are leveraging the full weight of imperial power to force Nehemiah's hand.
* **"Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together."** This final clause is the deceptive bait. Following the severe accusation and threat, the enemies extend an urgent invitation to a meeting under the guise of resolving the fabricated crisis. The phrase "Come now therefore" conveys a sense of immediacy and necessity. However, given their previous attempts to trap Nehemiah (as in [Nehemiah 6:2](/nehemiah/6-2 "Nehemiah 6:2 - Sanballat's Invitation to Ono")), this invitation is clearly a ruse to lure him away from the safety of the city walls and into a vulnerable position where they could either harm him or force him to abandon his work.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 6:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the adversaries' cunning and the gravity of the situation. **Slander** and **Calumny** are central, as the verse presents a fabricated, malicious accusation designed to damage Nehemiah's reputation and standing with the king. The accusation itself is a form of **False Witness**, directly violating the Ninth Commandment. **Intimidation** is clearly present through the explicit threat of reporting the alleged treason to the Persian king, leveraging the fear of imperial punishment. There is also profound **Irony** in the enemies' invitation to "take counsel together"; what they propose as a collaborative discussion is, in reality, a deceptive trap. The urgency conveyed by "Come now therefore" is a form of **Manipulation**, designed to pressure Nehemiah into a hasty and ill-advised decision. The entire interaction highlights a strategic **Psychological Warfare** aimed at breaking Nehemiah's resolve and diverting him from his God-given mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 6:7 resonates deeply with the biblical theme of opposition to God's work and His chosen servants. Just as Nehemiah faced cunning and malicious slander designed to thwart the rebuilding of Jerusalem, so too does God's kingdom work often encounter resistance from spiritual and human adversaries. This verse underscores that such opposition frequently takes the form of false accusations, character assassination, and political maneuvering rather than direct confrontation, aiming to discredit leaders and demoralize followers. Yet, it also implicitly points to God's faithfulness in protecting His people and enabling them to persevere through such trials, as Nehemiah's steadfastness in the face of this grave threat demonstrates. The integrity of God's servant is tested, but ultimately, God vindicates those who remain faithful to His calling.

* [Psalm 37:12-13](/psalms/37-12 "The Wicked Plot Against the Righteous")
* [Matthew 5:11-12](/matthew/5-11 "Blessed Are You When Persecuted")
* [1 Peter 4:12-16](/1_peter/4-12 "Suffering for Christ's Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 6:7 offers profound lessons for believers navigating challenges in their own lives and ministries. When we are engaged in significant work for God, whether it's building up a community, serving in a difficult calling, or simply living faithfully, we should anticipate opposition. This opposition often manifests not as overt attacks, but as subtle deceptions, false accusations, and attempts to distract or discredit us. Like Nehemiah, we are called to cultivate discernment to recognize the true motives behind seemingly benign invitations or serious allegations. Our primary response should be to remain focused on the "great work" God has given us, refusing to be drawn into unnecessary conflicts or diverted by manipulative tactics. This requires a deep reliance on God's wisdom and a steadfast commitment to integrity, trusting that He will ultimately vindicate His faithful servants and ensure the completion of His purposes, even when facing the gravest of threats.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when faced with false accusations or slander, whether in your personal life or in service to God?**
* **What "great work" has God called you to, and what specific forms of distraction or intimidation might you be tempted to fall prey to?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize deceptive tactics from adversaries, whether spiritual or relational?**
* **How does Nehemiah's unwavering commitment to his mission, despite severe threats, encourage you to persevere in your own challenges?**

### FAQ

**Why was the accusation of Nehemiah being "a king in Judah" so dangerous?**

Answer: The accusation was incredibly dangerous because Judah was a province under the direct rule of the Persian Empire. Any attempt to declare a local "king" or establish an independent monarchy was considered an act of high treason against the Persian emperor, Artaxerxes. Such an offense was punishable by death, not only for the accused but often for their family and associates, and could lead to severe repercussions for the entire Jewish community, including the cessation of the rebuilding project. Sanballat's aim was to leverage the immense power of the Persian Empire to eliminate Nehemiah and halt the work.

**Who were these "prophets" Nehemiah was accused of appointing?**

Answer: The "prophets" mentioned in the accusation were not necessarily legitimate prophets of God. Sanballat used the term to imply that Nehemiah had appointed individuals to act as his propagandists, spreading the seditious message that he was establishing himself as king in Judah. These would have been false prophets or agitators, perhaps even people paid by Nehemiah's enemies to spread rumors, to lend a veneer of religious legitimacy to the fabricated political rebellion. The accusation was designed to make Nehemiah's alleged treason appear more organized and religiously sanctioned.

**What was the true motive behind Sanballat's invitation to "take counsel"?**

Answer: The true motive behind Sanballat's invitation to "take counsel together" was not to genuinely resolve a crisis or engage in legitimate discussion. It was a deceptive ploy to lure Nehemiah away from the safety of Jerusalem's walls and into a vulnerable position. As Nehemiah himself states in [Nehemiah 6:2](/nehemiah/6-2 "Nehemiah 6:2 - Sanballat's Invitation to Ono"), their intent was to "do me harm." They likely planned to capture, assassinate, or otherwise incapacitate him, thereby stopping the rebuilding of the walls and demoralizing the Jewish people. The invitation was a trap, masked by urgency and a false pretense of cooperation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's experience in Nehemiah 6:7, facing false accusations of seeking kingship and being threatened with imperial judgment, powerfully foreshadows the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Like Nehemiah, Jesus was relentlessly opposed by those who sought to thwart God's redemptive work. He was constantly subjected to slander ([Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - Accused of Being of Beelzebul")), false accusations ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")), and deceptive traps designed to ensnare Him in political sedition against Rome ([Luke 20:20-26](/luke/20-20 "Luke 20:20-26 - The Question About Paying Taxes to Caesar")). Indeed, the ultimate charge leveled against Him before Pilate was that He claimed to be "King of the Jews," a direct challenge to Caesar's authority ([John 19:12](/john/19-12 "John 19:12 - Pilate Seeks to Release Jesus")). Yet, Jesus, like Nehemiah, steadfastly refused to be diverted from His "great work" of redemption, setting His face toward Jerusalem and the cross ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")). His unwavering commitment to His Father's will, even unto death, demonstrated perfect integrity. Ultimately, while Nehemiah was vindicated by God's protection and the completion of the walls, Jesus' vindication came through His resurrection and ascension, establishing His eternal spiritual kingdom and proving Him to be the true King, not just of Judah, but of all creation ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - God Has Made Him Both Lord and Christ")). Believers, as followers of Christ, are called to endure similar opposition and slander, knowing that their ultimate vindication and the triumph of God's kingdom are secured in Him ([John 15:20](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - Persecution of Believers")).

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

Proverbs 26:24

¶ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

Proverbs 26:26

[Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the [whole] congregation.

2 Samuel 15:10

But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.

2 Samuel 15:12

And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, [even] from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

Nehemiah 6:12

And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

Nehemiah 6:13

Therefore [was] he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and [that] they might have [matter] for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

1 Kings 1:7

And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped [him].