Nehemiah 6:14 – “Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophet Noadiah and how she and the rest of the prophets have been trying to intimidate me.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Nehemiah 6:14, we see Nehemiah turn to God in prayer after facing intense opposition from his enemies, Tobiah and Sanballat. These men had been plotting against Nehemiah throughout the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, and now, along with the prophetess Noadiah and other false prophets, they were trying to intimidate him. Instead of taking revenge or becoming discouraged, Nehemiah prays to God, asking Him to deal with these individuals according to their deeds.
This prayer reveals Nehemiah’s trust in God’s justice. Nehemiah doesn’t seek to fight back on his own or take matters into his own hands. Instead, he leaves the situation in God’s hands, trusting that God will handle those who oppose His work. Nehemiah’s prayer is a model of how we can respond to opposition—by turning to God and seeking His intervention rather than relying on our own strength or seeking personal revenge.
Historical Context
Nehemiah was overseeing the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls after the Jewish people had returned from exile in Babylon. His efforts were met with strong opposition from local leaders, including Tobiah and Sanballat, who saw the restoration of Jerusalem as a threat to their political power. Throughout the book of Nehemiah, these men and their allies used various tactics—intimidation, false accusations, and manipulation—to try to stop the work.
In this verse, Nehemiah mentions Noadiah, a prophetess who was working with these enemies to intimidate him. The involvement of false prophets shows that Nehemiah’s enemies were not just using physical threats but also spiritual manipulation, attempting to undermine Nehemiah’s faith and authority. Despite these efforts, Nehemiah remained focused on the work God had called him to do, turning to prayer whenever he faced opposition.
Theological Implications
Nehemiah 6:14 speaks to the importance of trusting in God’s justice when we face opposition or attacks. Nehemiah didn’t seek personal revenge against those who opposed him; instead, he prayed to God, asking Him to remember their actions and bring justice. This shows Nehemiah’s deep trust in God as the ultimate judge who sees all things and will bring about justice in His own time.
This passage also highlights the reality of spiritual opposition. Nehemiah wasn’t just dealing with political enemies—he was facing spiritual manipulation through false prophets like Noadiah. This reminds us that the opposition we face in life may come in many forms, including spiritual deception or intimidation. As believers, we are called to remain faithful and trust in God’s protection and guidance, even when we encounter spiritual attacks.
Literary Analysis
In this verse, Nehemiah’s prayer acts as both a plea for justice and a statement of faith. The phrase “Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, my God” emphasizes that Nehemiah is asking God to take note of the wrongs being done. By invoking God’s memory, Nehemiah is entrusting the situation to divine judgment rather than seeking his own form of retribution.
The mention of “Noadiah and the rest of the prophets” expands the scope of the opposition beyond just political enemies. It shows that even spiritual leaders can be corrupted and used by the enemy to bring harm. The structure of this verse reflects Nehemiah’s humility and dependence on God—he does not boast of his own ability to overcome these enemies but rather places his hope in God’s ability to bring justice.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Nehemiah’s decision to pray rather than seek revenge aligns with the biblical principle of trusting God to bring justice.
- Psalm 140:1-2 – “Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers; protect me from the violent, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day.” This psalm reflects the kind of opposition Nehemiah faced and his reliance on God for protection.
- Matthew 5:44 – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Nehemiah’s response of prayer, rather than retaliation, echoes Jesus’ teaching on how to handle opposition.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Nehemiah 6:14 serves as a reminder that we should turn to God in prayer when we face opposition, whether it’s from individuals, spiritual forces, or challenging circumstances. Instead of seeking revenge or allowing ourselves to be consumed by anger, we can bring our struggles before God, trusting that He sees and will act according to His perfect justice.
This verse also encourages Christians to be aware of spiritual opposition. Just as Nehemiah faced intimidation from false prophets, we, too, must be discerning and rooted in God’s Word to recognize when spiritual manipulation or deception is at play. Our response to opposition, like Nehemiah’s, should be to stay focused on the mission God has given us, relying on His strength and guidance.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Nehemiah’s prayer in this verse reflects his trust in God’s love and justice. Nehemiah knew that God cared about the work being done and would defend His people against those who sought to harm them. God’s love is shown in how He listens to the prayers of His people and brings justice in His perfect timing.
This verse also shows that God’s love does not mean we won’t face opposition, but it does mean that we can trust Him to handle it. God’s love for His people includes protecting them from spiritual attacks and providing them with the strength to continue His work, even in the face of difficulty.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Nehemiah 6:14 connects to Jesus Christ in that Jesus, too, faced opposition from religious and political leaders during His ministry. Like Nehemiah, Jesus was unjustly attacked by those who wanted to stop His mission. Jesus also responded by trusting in God’s justice, even as He faced false accusations and betrayal. On the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34), showing His deep trust in God’s plan and His love for those who opposed Him.
Nehemiah’s prayer to God for justice foreshadows the ultimate justice brought through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Jesus overcame the greatest opposition—sin and death—by trusting in the Father’s will, and He now reigns as the righteous judge who will bring about final justice for all.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you typically respond when you face opposition or attacks from others? How can Nehemiah’s example encourage you to turn to God in prayer during those times?
- What are some ways you can trust God’s justice instead of seeking revenge when you feel wronged?
- How does this verse remind you of the importance of discerning spiritual opposition, and what can you do to stay rooted in God’s truth?
- How does Nehemiah’s prayer reflect a deep trust in God’s love and justice, and how can that shape your own prayers when facing difficulties?
- In what ways does Nehemiah’s response to opposition point to the example set by Jesus, and how can that inspire your faith and perseverance today?