Opposition and Intimidation
Nehemiah's enemies, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, attempt to distract and intimidate him through deceitful invitations and false accusations (Nehemiah 6:2-7). This highlights the reality that opposition often comes when we are doing God's work.

Discernment and Focus
Nehemiah demonstrates discernment by recognizing the intentions of his enemies and refuses to be distracted from his mission (Nehemiah 6:3-4). His response, I am doing a great work and cannot come down, shows his commitment to God's calling.

Prayer and Strength
In response to threats, Nehemiah turns to God in prayer, asking for strength (Nehemiah 6:9). This underscores the importance of relying on God's power rather than our own.

Completion of the Wall
Despite the opposition, the wall is completed in just 52 days, which astonishes the surrounding nations and brings glory to God (Nehemiah 6:15-16). This demonstrates that God's purposes will prevail despite human opposition.Stay Focused on God's Work
Like Nehemiah, we must remain focused on the tasks God has given us, resisting distractions and staying committed to His purposes.

Discernment in Decision-Making
Seek God's wisdom to discern the true intentions of those who may oppose or distract us from our mission.

Prayer as a Source of Strength
Regularly turn to God in prayer, especially when facing challenges, asking for His strength and guidance.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Remember that God is in control, and His plans will succeed despite any opposition we may face.1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah is the governor of Judah and the leader of the effort to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. He is characterized by his strong faith, leadership, and determination to complete the work despite opposition.

2. Sanballat
An adversary of Nehemiah, Sanballat is a Samaritan leader who opposes the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. His actions are motivated by political and personal interests, as he seeks to undermine Nehemiah's efforts through intimidation and deceit.

3. Tobiah
Another opponent of Nehemiah, Tobiah is an Ammonite official who collaborates with Sanballat. He is involved in attempts to disrupt the construction and spread fear among the workers.

4. Geshem the Arab
Also known as Gashmu, Geshem is an ally of Sanballat and Tobiah. He participates in the conspiracy against Nehemiah, aiming to halt the progress of the wall's reconstruction.

5. Shemaiah
A false prophet who attempts to deceive Nehemiah by luring him into the temple under the pretense of a threat to his life. Shemaiah's actions are part of the broader scheme to discredit and intimidate Nehemiah.

6. Noadiah
A prophetess mentioned briefly in Nehemiah 6:14, Noadiah is one of the prophets who sought to intimidate Nehemiah. Her involvement highlights the spiritual dimension of the opposition Nehemiah faced.1. Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the central location in the Book of Nehemiah. It is the city where Nehemiah is leading the effort to rebuild the walls. The significance of Jerusalem in the Hebrew Bible is profound, as it is the city chosen by God for His temple and the center of Jewish worship and identity.

2. The Plain of Ono
The Plain of Ono is mentioned in Nehemiah 6:2. It is the location where Sanballat and Geshem attempt to lure Nehemiah away from his work in Jerusalem. The plain is situated northwest of Jerusalem and was likely chosen as a neutral meeting place. The Hebrew root for Ono (אוֹנוֹ) suggests a place of strength or vigor, though in this context, it is a place of potential danger for Nehemiah.1. Plot Against Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:1-4)
Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab, along with the rest of their enemies, learn that Nehemiah has rebuilt the wall and that no breach remains, though the doors have not yet been set in the gates. They send a message to Nehemiah, asking him to meet them in the plain of Ono. Nehemiah perceives this as a plot to harm him and sends messengers back, refusing to meet them. This exchange happens four times, with Nehemiah consistently refusing.

2. False Accusations (Nehemiah 6:5-9)
On the fifth attempt, Sanballat sends an open letter accusing Nehemiah of planning to rebel and become king, suggesting that this rumor will reach the king. Nehemiah responds by denying the accusations, recognizing that they are trying to frighten and discourage the workers. He prays for strength to continue the work.

3. Deception by Shemaiah (Nehemiah 6:10-14)
Nehemiah visits Shemaiah, who is confined to his home. Shemaiah suggests that Nehemiah should hide in the temple to save his life from an impending assassination attempt. Nehemiah discerns that Shemaiah has been hired by Tobiah and Sanballat to intimidate him into sinning by entering the temple unlawfully. Nehemiah prays for God to remember the deeds of his enemies, including the prophetess Noadiah and other prophets who tried to intimidate him.

4. Completion of the Wall (Nehemiah 6:15-16)
The wall is completed on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. When their enemies and surrounding nations hear of this, they lose their confidence, recognizing that the work has been accomplished with the help of God.

5. Tobiah’s Influence (Nehemiah 6:17-19)
During this time, nobles of Judah send many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah sends letters back. Many in Judah are bound to him by oath because of his familial connections. They speak well of Tobiah to Nehemiah and report Nehemiah’s words back to Tobiah, who continues to send letters to intimidate Nehemiah.Ephesians 6:10-18
The Armor of God passage emphasizes the need for spiritual strength and protection against opposition.

Philippians 4:6-7
Encourages believers to present their requests to God through prayer, resulting in peace.

James 1:5
Promises wisdom to those who ask God, which is essential for discernment.Pray for discernment to recognize and resist distractions and opposition in your life.

Ask God for strength and perseverance to continue His work despite challenges.

Thank God for His faithfulness and sovereignty, trusting that His purposes will prevail.

Pray for courage to stand firm in your faith and commitments, just as Nehemiah did.

1. How does Nehemiah 6 teach us about the importance of discernment in leadership?

2. In what ways did Nehemiah display courage in the face of opposition?

3. How does Nehemiah’s response to Sanballat’s letter in verses 5-9 reflect his trust in God?

4. How would you react to false accusations like the ones Nehemiah faced?

5. What does Nehemiah's refusal to enter the temple signify about his understanding of God's law?

6. In what ways can you apply Nehemiah's persistence and faith in your life when facing challenges?

7. What does the quick completion of the wall teach us about the outcomes when God’s work is undertaken faithfully?

8. How can the relationship between Tobiah and some in Jerusalem inform us about conflicts of interest within the church community?

9. How can you maintain your integrity when facing external and internal pressures like Nehemiah did?

10. What strategies did Nehemiah's enemies use to try to stop his work, and how did he counteract them?

11. What can we learn from Nehemiah about prayer in difficult times?

12. Why do you think Nehemiah's enemies were disheartened when the wall was completed?

13. How can Nehemiah's experiences help believers today handle intimidation and coercion?

14. What does Nehemiah's commitment to God's work despite distractions teach about dedication to divine calling?

15. How does Nehemiah's behavior contrast with the behavior of his adversaries?

16. How can this chapter inform us about handling gossip or slander in our lives?

17. In what ways can we discern when advice given to us, as Nehemiah did with Shemaiah, is not from God?

18. How do Nehemiah's actions in this chapter reflect his faith in God's sovereignty and protection?

19. Why was the completion of the Jerusalem wall significant in the context of Nehemiah's story and for the Israelites?

20. How can you identify when someone or something is a distraction from your purpose or calling, as Nehemiah did with Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem?