What is the meaning of Nehemiah 6:17? Also in those days “Also in those days...” (Nehemiah 6:17) grounds the statement in the unfolding story of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall. It ties directly to Nehemiah’s ongoing opposition. • The phrase reminds us that the enemy’s pressure did not let up once the wall neared completion (cf. Nehemiah 6:15–16). • It signals continuity: the spiritual battle runs parallel to the physical work, echoing earlier episodes in Nehemiah 4:7–9 and 6:1–2, where external threats and schemes surfaced while the wall rose stone by stone. • For us, the timing underscores a lesson: when God’s work advances, resistance often intensifies (see 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Timothy 3:12). the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah “The nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah...” reveals a troubling alliance. • “Nobles” refers to influential leaders who should have been Nehemiah’s allies (compare Nehemiah 2:16–18). • Instead, they maintained an active correspondence with Tobiah, a sworn opponent of the project (Nehemiah 2:10; 4:3). • Their divided loyalties mirror earlier compromises such as the mixed marriages in Ezra 9–10 and the pledge-breaking of Nehemiah 13:4–5. • The stream of outgoing letters indicates intentional, persistent engagement—far more than casual politeness. It suggests shared interests or obligations (Nehemiah 6:18 explains family ties). • Application: spiritual leaders must guard their alliances; friendship with the world can make us spiritual adversaries (James 4:4). and Tobiah’s letters kept coming to them “...and Tobiah’s letters kept coming to them.” The traffic was two-way, hinting at Tobiah’s influence inside Judah’s leadership circles. • Continuous incoming letters show Tobiah’s relentless pursuit to sway opinion and gather intelligence, much like the secret plot of Sanballat and Geshem earlier (Nehemiah 6:2–4). • Such correspondence served to undermine Nehemiah’s authority and sow fear (Nehemiah 6:19). • Cross references: 2 Samuel 15:1–6—Absalom steals hearts by subtle, sustained messaging; Galatians 1:6–9—Paul warns of persuasive voices drawing believers away. • The scene is a sober reminder: unchecked communication with ungodly influences can corrode faith from within (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Yet Nehemiah’s steadfastness (Nehemiah 6:3, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down”) shows how godly focus resists such infiltration (Ephesians 6:11–13). summary Nehemiah 6:17 exposes an internal breach: at the very moment victory was near, Judah’s nobles fostered a correspondence network with the enemy. Their letters out, Tobiah’s letters in—each exchange eroded unity and emboldened opposition. God’s people today must remain alert; success in visible ministry can be undercut by unseen loyalties. Steadfast devotion to the work, coupled with discernment in relationships, keeps the wall strong and the testimony clear. |
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