FocusShared work and persistent opposition
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The work progresses amid threats and internal injustice until the wall is completed.
interpretation Nehemiah 6:9
KJVFor they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
Read it in context
Sanballat’s Conspiracy
Start reading at Nehemiah 6:1 (Nehemiah 6:1 to Nehemiah 6:14).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The work progresses amid threats and internal injustice until the wall is completed.
- 6:1 Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)
- 6:2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.
- 6:3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
- 6:4 Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
- 6:5 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;
- 6:6 Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.
- 6:7 And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.
- 6:8 Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
- 6:9 For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
- 6:10 Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.
- 6:11 And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.
- 6:12 And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
- 6:13 Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.
- 6:14 My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Nehemiah son of Hachaliah is the named memoir writer. His account was preserved within the larger Ezra–Nehemiah historical collection, which includes additional material. Biblical references: Nehemiah 1:1; Nehemiah 2:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Nehemiah 6:1–7:73): Nehemiah and the builders face opponents and complete the wall; the later register identifies the returned families and their service roles. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The restored Jewish community centered on Jerusalem and later readers concerned with its rebuilding, covenant obligations, and worship. Biblical references: Nehemiah 2:17; Nehemiah 8:1; Nehemiah 10:29. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Sanballat’s Conspiracy. Read Nehemiah 6:1 through Nehemiah 6:14 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The work progresses amid threats and internal injustice until the wall is completed. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative dates Nehemiah's commission by Artaxerxes' reign and later describes his return to the king and subsequent visit to Jerusalem. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? It opens in Shushan and moves to Jerusalem and the surrounding communities, focusing on the wall and the life of the restored people. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Sanballat’s Conspiracy (Nehemiah 6:1 to Nehemiah 6:14). Start reading at Nehemiah 6:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The New Testament also joins hearing God's word with doing it and building up a community. This is a canonical comparison, not a claim that Nehemiah's wall directly symbolizes a particular Christian institution. See Nehemiah 8:8, Luke 11:28, Ephesians 4:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Combine prayer with responsible action, truthful leadership, and care for people harmed by injustice. Building a project does not remove the continuing need for reform and faithfulness. interpretation
Cited: Nehemiah 6:1, Nehemiah 6:14, Nehemiah 8:8, Luke 11:28, Ephesians 4:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Nehemiah, compiled by Ezra (traditional)
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book opens as the words of Nehemiah and continues in the first person.
Nehemiah 1:1Nehemiah 2:1
Early traditionTradition joins this book with Ezra as one work.
What is debatedSome sections read as later compilation.
Related passages
- For they Neh 6:14 Neh 4:10-14 2 Chr 32:18
- Their hands 2 Chr 15:7 Ezra 4:1-24 Isa 35:3-4 Jer 38:4 Heb 12:12
- Now therefore 1 Sam 30:6 Ps 56:3 Ps 71:1 Ps 68:35 Ps 138:3 Isa 41:10 Zech 10:12 2 Cor 12:9
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Nehemiah 6
Nehemiah combines first-person accounts, lists, and public covenant events concerning Jerusalem after exile. Distinguish Nehemiah's reported actions from commands addressed to every later community. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Nehemiah 1:1 Nehemiah 2:1 Nehemiah 8:1
Completion of the Wall
Nehemiah 6:15–19FocusShared work and persistent opposition
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The work progresses amid threats and internal injustice until the wall is completed.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Nehemiah
Nehemiah combines first-person accounts, lists, and public covenant events concerning Jerusalem after exile. Distinguish Nehemiah's reported actions from commands addressed to every later community.
Nehemiah 1:1 Nehemiah 2:1 Nehemiah 8:1
The burden and commission
Nehemiah 1:1–2:20FocusPrayer and permission to rebuild
Connection to the wholeNews about Jerusalem leads to prayer and a royal commission, followed by examination of the city's condition.
interpretation FocusShared work and persistent opposition
Connection to the wholeThe work progresses amid threats and internal injustice until the wall is completed.
interpretation The people hear and renew the covenant
Nehemiah 7:1–10:39FocusIdentity, Scripture, and confession
Connection to the wholeThe community is counted, the law is read and explained, and public confession leads to covenant commitments.
interpretation The restored community and continued reform
Nehemiah 11:1–13:31FocusSettlement, dedication, and correction
Connection to the wholeLists, dedication, and later reforms show that rebuilding the wall did not remove the need for continuing faithfulness.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.