Nehemiah 6:7

Nehemiah 6:7 captures a pivotal moment in Nehemiah’s God-ordained mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, illustrating the cunning and persistent opposition he faced. This verse records a specific, grave accusation leveled against him by his adversaries, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem.

Context

Following the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, Nehemiah was granted permission by King Artaxerxes of Persia to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its dilapidated walls. This monumental task, vital for the city's security and the morale of its inhabitants, was met with fierce resistance from neighboring officials and enemies, primarily Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. Their previous attempts at intimidation, ridicule, and even armed conflict had failed (see Nehemiah 4:7). Now, as the wall neared completion, they escalated their tactics to outright political slander and conspiracy. They sent a fifth open letter to Nehemiah, containing these explosive false charges, designed to force him into a meeting outside the city where they planned to harm him.

Key Themes

• False Accusation and Slander: The core of this verse is a baseless charge of treason. Nehemiah’s enemies accused him of appointing "prophets" to declare him king in Judah, a direct challenge to the authority of the Persian king. This was a common tactic to discredit and remove leaders.
• Political Intimidation: The threat to "report to the king" was a serious one, as such an accusation could lead to Nehemiah's arrest and execution. It was designed to instill fear and compel Nehemiah to abandon his work or walk into a trap.
• Distraction and Deception: The adversaries’ ultimate goal was to stop the rebuilding of the walls. Their invitation to "take counsel together" was a deceptive ploy to lure Nehemiah away from his work and into a vulnerable position, echoing their previous attempts to distract him (Nehemiah 6:2).
• Perseverance in God's Work: This verse highlights the intense pressure placed on Nehemiah, yet his response (found in the subsequent verses) demonstrates his unwavering commitment to God's purpose, refusing to be diverted from the "great work" (Nehemiah 6:3).

Linguistic Insights

The term "prophets" used by Nehemiah's enemies is likely sarcastic or denotes individuals who would falsely declare Nehemiah as king. This implies a deliberate, organized effort to stir up sedition, which was a grave offense in the Persian Empire. The phrase "a king in Judah" directly challenges Artaxerxes' sovereignty, making the accusation highly treasonous. The urgent "Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together" reveals their desperation and desire to secure a meeting at all costs, under the guise of resolving the fabricated crisis.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 6:7 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

• Expect Opposition: When engaged in significant work for God, expect opposition, often in the form of lies, slander, and attempts to discredit.
• Discern Deception: Be vigilant in discerning the true motives behind invitations or accusations, especially when they seem designed to distract or instill fear.
• Maintain Focus: Like Nehemiah, remain focused on the task God has given you. Do not be easily drawn away by false alarms or manipulative tactics.
• Trust God for Vindication: When falsely accused, trust that God will ultimately vindicate the righteous (Psalm 7:10). Nehemiah's integrity shines through his calm and firm response to these severe allegations.