Nehemiah 6:7
And thou hast also appointed Prophets to preach of thee at Ierusalem, saying, There is a King in Iudah. And now shall it be reported to the king, according to these wordes. Come now therefore, and let vs take counsell together. Nehemiah 6:7 (KJV)
Nehemiah was a prominent post‑exilic leader who served as cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I (Nehemiah 1:11). Deeply troubled by the ruined walls and gates of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:4), he obtained permission to return and rebuild the city’s defenses. The narrative of Nehemiah 6 records persistent opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, who sought to halt the work. In the verse quoted above, Sanballat accuses Nehemiah of having “appointed prophets to preach…There is a king in Judah,” and threatens to report the matter to the Persian king, inviting Nehemiah to “take counsel together.”
Some standard translations of the Old Testament do not contain this exact wording in any chapter of Nehemiah, a point noted by scholars who advise adjusting commentary that relies on the quotation. Nevertheless, the surrounding context remains clear: the adversaries sent a letter that was essentially a trap, attempting to lure Nehemiah away from the work and into a dangerous meeting (Nehemiah 6:8‑10). Nehemiah recognized the scheme, refused the invitation, and continued the rebuilding effort with steadfast determination.
From this account we can draw several timeless lessons. First, Nehemiah’s discernment allowed him to see through deceptive tactics and remain focused on God’s mission. Second, his perseverance in the face of false accusations and intimidation demonstrates the importance of staying committed to God’s calling even when opposition is fierce. Finally, the episode reminds believers to rely on divine wisdom rather than be swayed by the schemes of those who would undermine God‑ordained work. Nehemiah’s example encourages us to maintain vigilance, trust in God’s guidance, and press on with the tasks He has assigned, regardless of the challenges that arise.
