Nehemiah 6:17
Moreouer, in those dayes the nobles of Iudah sent many letters vnto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came vnto them. Nehemiah 6:17 (KJV)
Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and
the letters of Tobiah came unto them. Nehemiah 6:17 (KJV)
Nehemiah was a Jewish exile who served as the cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I. In response to news about the dilapidated state of Jerusalem, Nehemiah was burdened to rebuild the city walls. Despite opposition from enemies, Nehemiah rallied the people of Jerusalem to complete the rebuilding project in just 52 days. In this verse, we encounter Tobiah, who was an influential figure from the Ammonite territory. Tobiah was known for opposing the efforts of Nehemiah and the Israelites to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. Here, we learn that the nobles of Judah were in correspondence with Tobiah, indicating a level of collaboration or alliance that Nehemiah was not aware of at the time. The exchange of letters between the nobles of Judah and Tobiah suggests a possible compromise or conspiracy against Nehemiah’s leadership. Tobiah was not a friend to the Israelites and had sought to hinder the rebuilding efforts. It is unclear from this verse what exactly was communicated in those letters, but it is evident that there was an illicit connection between the nobles and Tobiah. The incident with the nobles and Tobiah highlights the importance of discerning true allies from false friends. Nehemiah trusted those around him, but this revelation showed that some were not genuinely supportive of the work he was doing. In our own lives, it’s vital to surround ourselves with trustworthy individuals who share our values and support our walk with God. Nehemiah’s dedication to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was unwavering, and he faced many challenges along the way. This verse serves as a reminder to be cautious about compromising our integrity and purpose in the face of opposition or enticing alliances. Nehemiah’s commitment to God’s mission allowed him to overcome obstacles and fulfill his purpose.
