Nehemiah 6:13

He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would sin by doing as he suggested, so they could give me a bad name in order to discredit me.

Study Bible

He had been hired to intimidate me
This phrase highlights the opposition Nehemiah faced from external enemies. The hiring of individuals to intimidate Nehemiah reflects the persistent efforts of adversaries like Sanballat and Tobiah to thwart the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This tactic of intimidation is a common theme in biblical narratives, where God's people often face opposition from those who seek to undermine God's work (e.g., Daniel 6:4-5). The use of hired agents suggests a calculated and organized effort to disrupt Nehemiah's mission.

so that I would sin by doing as he suggested
The suggestion here was likely to lure Nehemiah into the temple under false pretenses, which would have been a sin for him as a layperson (Numbers 18:7). This reflects the enemy's strategy to lead God's servants into sin, thereby discrediting their leadership and mission. The temptation to sin is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in the temptations of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11), where the enemy seeks to derail God's plan through deceit.

so they could give me a bad name
A bad name or reputation would undermine Nehemiah's authority and leadership. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a leader's reputation was crucial for maintaining influence and support. Proverbs 22:1 emphasizes the value of a good name, indicating its importance in biblical culture. The enemies' goal was to tarnish Nehemiah's reputation, thereby weakening his ability to lead and complete the work God had called him to do.

in order to discredit me
Discrediting Nehemiah would have broader implications for the community and the work of rebuilding Jerusalem. The enemies' ultimate aim was to stop the work of God by discrediting His chosen leader. This reflects a broader spiritual battle, where the forces of evil seek to discredit and destroy the work of God (Ephesians 6:12). Nehemiah's discernment and reliance on God highlight the importance of spiritual vigilance and integrity in leadership.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader who is dedicated to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He is known for his strong leadership and unwavering faith in God.

2. Shemaiah
A false prophet who was hired to intimidate Nehemiah. His role was to deceive Nehemiah into sinning, thereby discrediting him.

3. Jerusalem
The city where the events take place. The rebuilding of its walls is symbolic of the restoration of the Jewish people and their faith.

4. Sanballat and Tobiah
Adversaries of Nehemiah who sought to undermine his efforts and leadership through various schemes, including hiring false prophets.

5. The Temple
The place where Shemaiah suggested Nehemiah should hide, which would have been a sin for Nehemiah as a layperson to enter the temple's inner sanctum.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Leadership
Nehemiah's ability to discern the true intentions behind Shemaiah's prophecy is crucial for leaders today. We must seek wisdom and discernment to recognize deceit and manipulation.

Fear of God Over Fear of Man
Nehemiah's refusal to be intimidated by threats teaches us to prioritize our reverence for God over the fear of human opposition.

Integrity in Action
Nehemiah's commitment to maintaining his integrity, even under pressure, is a powerful example for believers to uphold their values and convictions.

The Power of Prayer
Throughout Nehemiah, prayer is a key element of his leadership. This passage reminds us of the importance of seeking God's guidance in challenging situations.

Resisting Temptation
Nehemiah's experience underscores the need to resist temptation and remain steadfast in our faith, even when it seems easier to compromise.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nehemiah's response to Shemaiah's intimidation reflect his trust in God, and how can we apply this trust in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we develop discernment to recognize deceit and manipulation in our personal and professional lives?

3. How does the fear of man manifest in our daily decisions, and what steps can we take to prioritize the fear of God instead?

4. What role does prayer play in Nehemiah's leadership, and how can we incorporate prayer more effectively into our decision-making processes?

5. How can we maintain our integrity and resist temptation when faced with pressure to compromise our values?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 31:13
This verse speaks of slander and conspiracy against the righteous, similar to the plots against Nehemiah.

Proverbs 29:25
Highlights the danger of fear of man, which Nehemiah resisted by trusting in God rather than succumbing to intimidation.

Matthew 10:28
Jesus teaches about fearing God rather than man, a principle Nehemiah exemplified in his response to threats.