Nehemiah 6:14

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.

Study Bible

O my God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done
This phrase is a prayer of Nehemiah, invoking God's justice against his adversaries. Tobiah and Sanballat were prominent figures opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Their opposition is documented throughout the book of Nehemiah, highlighting their persistent attempts to thwart Nehemiah's efforts (Nehemiah 2:10, 4:1-3). The invocation to "remember" is a call for divine retribution, a common theme in the Psalms (Psalm 137:7). It reflects the belief that God is the ultimate judge who sees and acts upon the deeds of individuals. This plea for justice aligns with the biblical principle that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:35).

and also Noadiah the prophetess
Noadiah is mentioned here as a prophetess who opposed Nehemiah. The inclusion of a female prophetess in this context is significant, as it shows that opposition came from various quarters, including religious figures. The role of prophetesses in Israel's history is notable, with figures like Miriam (Exodus 15:20) and Deborah (Judges 4:4) serving as leaders. However, Noadiah's actions contrast with these positive examples, as she is aligned with those trying to intimidate Nehemiah. This highlights the reality that not all who claim prophetic authority are aligned with God's purposes, a theme echoed in warnings against false prophets (Jeremiah 23:16).

and the other prophets who tried to intimidate me
This phrase indicates that Nehemiah faced opposition not only from political leaders but also from religious figures. The mention of "other prophets" suggests a broader conspiracy against him, emphasizing the challenges he faced in his mission. The use of intimidation tactics by these prophets reflects a misuse of spiritual authority, reminiscent of the false prophets who opposed true prophets like Jeremiah (Jeremiah 28:15-17). Nehemiah's discernment in recognizing and resisting these false messages underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance and reliance on God's guidance. This situation foreshadows the New Testament warnings about false teachers and prophets (Matthew 7:15).

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Tobiah
An Ammonite official who, along with Sanballat, opposed Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. He is often seen as an antagonist in the account.

3. Sanballat
A Samaritan leader who, like Tobiah, sought to thwart Nehemiah's work. He represents external opposition to God's plans.

4. Noadiah
A prophetess mentioned in this verse, who, along with other prophets, attempted to intimidate Nehemiah. Her actions are seen as contrary to God's will.

5. Jerusalem
The city whose walls Nehemiah is rebuilding. It is a central place of worship and identity for the Jewish people.

Teaching Points

Faithful Leadership
Nehemiah exemplifies a leader who remains steadfast in the face of opposition. His reliance on prayer and God's justice is a model for Christian leadership today.

Discernment in Opposition
Nehemiah's ability to recognize and call out false prophets and adversaries highlights the importance of discernment in spiritual matters.

Prayer as a Weapon
Nehemiah's response to intimidation is prayer, demonstrating the power of prayer in spiritual warfare.

Trust in God's Justice
Nehemiah entrusts the judgment of his enemies to God, reminding us to rely on God's justice rather than seeking personal vengeance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nehemiah's response to opposition in Nehemiah 6:14 inspire you to handle challenges in your own life?

2. In what ways can you apply Nehemiah's example of prayerful leadership in your community or workplace?

3. How does the opposition Nehemiah faces compare to the spiritual battles described in Ephesians 6:12?

4. What can we learn from Nehemiah about discerning true and false spiritual guidance?

5. How does Nehemiah's trust in God's justice challenge or affirm your understanding of dealing with personal adversaries?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 4
This chapter describes earlier opposition to the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem, providing context for the ongoing resistance Nehemiah faces.

Psalm 35
This psalm is a prayer for deliverance from enemies, similar to Nehemiah's plea for God to remember his adversaries.

Matthew 5:44
Jesus teaches about loving enemies and praying for those who persecute you, offering a New Testament perspective on dealing with opposition.