Nehemiah 6:5

“Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand.”

Historical Context: Nehemiah was a Jewish exile who served as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia. After hearing about the distressing condition of Jerusalem, Nehemiah sought permission from the king to return and rebuild the walls of the city. Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, he faced opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, who were influential figures in the region.

Nehemiah 6:5 describes the fifth attempt of Sanballat, an enemy of Nehemiah, to hinder the work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Sanballat sent a servant with an open letter, likely intending to publicly discredit Nehemiah and disrupt the progress of the construction. This verse highlights the persistent opposition and tactics employed by Nehemiah’s adversaries.

The Significance of an Open Letter: The fact that Sanballat’s servant carried an open letter indicates that its content was intended to be read and spread publicly. Sanballat sought to create division and sow seeds of doubt among the people by making false accusations against Nehemiah. An open letter was a way to tarnish Nehemiah’s reputation and undermine his leadership.

Nehemiah’s Response: Nehemiah’s response to Sanballat’s scheme is found in Nehemiah 6:8-9. He saw through their intentions and discerned that they were trying to intimidate him. Nehemiah firmly refused to be deceived by their false accusations and did not allow fear to deter him from the work God had called him to do.

• Spiritual Opposition: Nehemiah’s experience reminds us that when we set out to accomplish God’s work, we may encounter opposition from those who oppose His plans. We should be prepared to face resistance and remain steadfast in our commitment to fulfill God’s purposes.
• Discernment and Wisdom: Nehemiah’s ability to discern Sanballat’s intentions is a testament to his wisdom and discernment. It is crucial for us to seek discernment and wisdom from God when facing opposition so that we can recognize deceitful tactics and stay focused on God’s plan.
• Overcoming Fear: Despite the persistent opposition, Nehemiah did not allow fear to hinder him. He placed his trust in God, knowing that God was with him and would provide the strength and guidance needed to overcome the challenges. We too should rely on God’s strength and not allow fear to hinder us from fulfilling His purposes.

In summary, Nehemiah 6:5 reveals the persistent opposition faced by Nehemiah during the construction of Jerusalem’s walls. It teaches us about discernment, the reality of spiritual opposition, and the importance of overcoming fear when pursuing God’s work.