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Nehemiah 6:14

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My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

My God {H430}, think {H2142} thou upon Tobiah {H2900} and Sanballat {H5571} according to these their works {H4639}, and on the prophetess {H5031} Noadiah {H5129}, and the rest {H3499} of the prophets {H5030}, that would have put me in fear {H3372}.

My God, remember Toviyah and Sanvalat according to their deeds, also the prophet No'adyah and the other prophets trying to intimidate me.

O my God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who tried to intimidate me.

Remember, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

Commentary

Nehemiah 6:14 is a powerful prayer from Nehemiah, demonstrating his unwavering reliance on God amidst intense opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This verse encapsulates his appeal for divine justice against those who sought to hinder God's work by instilling fear and undermining his leadership.

Context

By Nehemiah chapter 6, the monumental task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was nearing completion, despite relentless efforts by enemies like Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. Their tactics evolved from mockery and conspiracy (Nehemiah 4:7-8) to deceitful invitations and threatening letters designed to lure Nehemiah away or discredit him. In this specific instance, they resorted to hiring false prophets, including the "prophetess Noadiah" and others, to deliver intimidating messages. Their goal was to "put me in fear," hoping Nehemiah would compromise his integrity, flee, or abandon the project, thereby stopping the work of God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Vindicaton: Nehemiah does not seek personal revenge but appeals to God, the ultimate judge, to "think upon" or remember the deeds of his adversaries. This reflects a deep trust that God sees all things and will act righteously.
  • Spiritual Warfare and Deception: The inclusion of "the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets" reveals that the opposition was not merely political or physical but also spiritual. These false prophets served as tools to sow fear and spiritual confusion, aiming to break Nehemiah's resolve and faith in God's protection.
  • Perseverance Amidst Intimidation: Despite the constant threats and attempts to instill fear, Nehemiah remained steadfast in his calling. His prayer here is a testament to his reliance on God's power to overcome fear and continue the work.
  • Prayer as a Weapon: Nehemiah consistently turns to prayer throughout the book, using it as his primary defense and offensive strategy against the enemy's schemes. This verse is another example of his consistent habit of bringing his burdens and enemies before God (see also Nehemiah 4:4-5).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "think thou upon" is a translation of the Hebrew verb zakhar (זָכַר). While it literally means "to remember," in this context, it carries the strong connotation of remembering for the purpose of active intervention, often in judgment or retribution. Nehemiah is asking God to actively deal with these individuals based on their wicked actions against His servant and His work. The phrase "put me in fear" (Hebrew: yare - יָרֵא) emphasizes the psychological and spiritual tactic employed by the enemies: to cause terror or dread in Nehemiah, hoping to paralyze him or drive him to sin.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 6:14 offers timeless lessons for believers today. When faced with opposition, intimidation, or spiritual warfare while pursuing God's will:

  • Trust in God's Justice: Instead of seeking personal vengeance, commit your adversaries and their actions to God, trusting that He sees all and will act justly in His time (Romans 12:19).
  • Discern Spiritual Deception: Be aware that opposition to God's work often includes spiritual attacks and false influences, even from unexpected sources. Pray for discernment to recognize such schemes.
  • Pray and Persevere: Follow Nehemiah's example of consistent prayer as a vital defense. Continue faithfully in the task God has given you, knowing that He is your protector and vindicator, enabling you to overcome fear and complete His work.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 13:29 (6 votes)

    Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.

  • 2 Timothy 4:14 (4 votes)

    Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

  • 2 Timothy 4:15 (4 votes)

    Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

  • Ezekiel 13:16 (2 votes)

    [To wit], the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and [there is] no peace, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Ezekiel 13:17 (2 votes)

    ¶ Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,

  • Jeremiah 14:15 (2 votes)

    Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

  • Matthew 7:15 (2 votes)

    Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.