Topical Encyclopedia The treachery of the enemies of Nehemiah is a significant theme in the Book of Nehemiah, highlighting the opposition faced by the Jewish leader during the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. This period, set in the 5th century BC, showcases the challenges and adversities encountered by Nehemiah and the Jewish people as they sought to restore their city and fortify their community against external threats.Background Nehemiah, a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, was granted permission to return to Jerusalem to oversee the reconstruction of its walls. Upon his arrival, Nehemiah was met with hostility from surrounding nations and their leaders, who were threatened by the potential resurgence of Jerusalem as a fortified city. The primary adversaries included Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab. Forms of Treachery 1. Mockery and Ridicule: The initial form of opposition was verbal. Sanballat and Tobiah mocked the efforts of the Jews, attempting to demoralize them. Sanballat said, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore the wall for themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?" (Nehemiah 4:2). Tobiah added, "Even if a fox were to climb up on it, he would break down their wall of stones!" (Nehemiah 4:3). 2. Conspiracy and Threats: As the work progressed, the enemies conspired to attack Jerusalem and create confusion. Nehemiah 4:8 states, "And all of them conspired to come and fight against Jerusalem and create a hindrance." This threat of violence was intended to halt the construction and instill fear among the workers. 3. Deception and False Reports: The adversaries attempted to lure Nehemiah into a trap by inviting him to meet in the plain of Ono, intending to harm him. Nehemiah 6:2 records, "Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: 'Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.' But they were planning to harm me." Nehemiah wisely refused their invitation, recognizing their deceitful intentions. 4. Intimidation through False Prophecy: In a further attempt to intimidate Nehemiah, his enemies hired Shemaiah, a false prophet, to persuade him to hide in the temple, suggesting that his life was in danger. Nehemiah 6:10 recounts, "Later, I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home. He said: 'Let us meet at the house of God inside the temple, and let us shut the temple doors, because they are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you!'" Nehemiah discerned that this was a ploy to discredit him and responded with integrity and courage. Nehemiah's Response Throughout these trials, Nehemiah demonstrated steadfast faith and reliance on God. He responded to the threats with prayer and practical measures, such as setting guards and encouraging the people to work with weapons at hand. Nehemiah 4:9 states, "So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night to protect ourselves." His leadership and trust in God inspired the people to continue the work despite the opposition. Nehemiah's unwavering commitment to God's mission and his discernment in the face of treachery serve as a powerful example of faith and perseverance. His account is a testament to the challenges faced by those who seek to fulfill God's purposes amidst adversity and opposition. Nave's Topical Index Nehemiah 6:1Now it came to pass when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors on the gates;) Nave's Topical Index Library Heathen Plots A Rebuke against Extortion The Builders on the Wall Reformation Jeremiah Questions. Book 9 Footnotes Discussion of the Subject of Permission The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ... Resources Why does God allow the innocent to suffer? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is seeking God important? | GotQuestions.org Are there different levels of punishment in hell? | GotQuestions.org Treachery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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