Nehemiah 6

Chapter Summary

Nehemiah 6 begins with Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem trying to intimidate Nehemiah and stop the work on the walls (Nehemiah 6:1-4). They then try to lure Nehemiah into a trap, but he refuses to go (Nehemiah 6:5-9). Next, they try to spread false rumors about Nehemiah, but he prays to God for protection and continues the work (Nehemiah 6:10-14). Finally, the wall is completed, and the enemies of the Jews are frustrated (Nehemiah 6:15-16). The chapter concludes with a list of the Jewish leaders who had married foreign women, highlighting the ongoing struggle with sin and compromise (Nehemiah 6:17-19). Throughout the chapter, Nehemiah's faith and trust in God are evident, and he is able to overcome the opposition and complete the work.

Context for the Chapter

Nehemiah 6 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Nehemiah, which tells the story of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative as a picture of the opposition that God's people will face as they work to advance His kingdom, and the importance of faith, prayer, and perseverance in the face of that opposition. We see this theme in other parts of the Bible, such as in the book of Esther, where the Jewish people face opposition and persecution, but ultimately triumph through their faith and perseverance.

Heart Application

As believers, we can learn from Nehemiah's example and trust in God's power and protection as we face our own challenges and opposition. We can also cultivate a practice of prayer, seeking God's strength and guidance as we work to advance His kingdom. By doing so, we can persevere in the face of opposition and complete the work that God has called us to do.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Nehemiah 6 is about the opposition that Nehemiah faced as he worked to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Despite the attempts to intimidate him, Nehemiah trusted in God's power and protection, and was able to complete the work. We can learn from his example and trust in God's power and protection as we face our own challenges and opposition. As Nehemiah says in Nehemiah 6:9, "For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, 'Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.' But now, O God, strengthen my hands."

Voices from the Church

“The true believer is not one who never faces opposition, but one who faces it with faith and perseverance, trusting in God's power and protection.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The church of God is not a place of ease and comfort, but a place of battle and strife, where we must fight against the enemies of God and trust in His power and protection.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Opposition to the Work (Nehemiah 6:1-4) — Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem try to intimidate Nehemiah and stop the work on the walls
2. The Attempt to Lure Nehemiah into a Trap (Nehemiah 6:5-9) — Nehemiah refuses to go, and prays to God for protection and strength
3. The Spread of False Rumors (Nehemiah 6:10-14) — Nehemiah prays to God for protection, and continues the work
4. The Completion of the Wall (Nehemiah 6:15-16) — The wall is completed, and the enemies of the Jews are frustrated
5. The Problem of Intermarriage (Nehemiah 6:17-19) — The Jewish leaders who had married foreign women are listed, highlighting the ongoing struggle with sin and compromise

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

Nehemiah 6 teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, including the opposition that we face, and that He is able to protect and strengthen us as we trust in Him.

The Importance of Prayer

The chapter highlights the importance of prayer in the life of the believer, as a means of seeking God's strength and guidance in the face of opposition.

The Perseverance of the Saints

Nehemiah's perseverance in the face of opposition is a model for believers today, and a reminder that we must trust in God's power and protection as we face our own challenges.

The Corruption of Sin

The chapter also highlights the problem of sin and compromise, as seen in the Jewish leaders who had married foreign women, and the need for believers to be separate from the world and to trust in God's power and protection.

Lessons from Nehemiah 6

1. The Importance of Faith — Nehemiah's faith and trust in God are evident throughout the chapter, and enable him to persevere in the face of opposition.
2. The Power of Prayer — Prayer is a key theme in the chapter, and Nehemiah's practice of praying to God for protection and strength is a model for believers today.
3. The Danger of Compromise — The chapter highlights the problem of sin and compromise, as seen in the Jewish leaders who had married foreign women, and the need for believers to be separate from the world and to trust in God's power and protection.
4. The Importance of Perseverance — Nehemiah's perseverance in the face of opposition is a model for believers today, and a reminder that we must trust in God's power and protection as we face our own challenges.
5. The Sovereignty of God — Nehemiah 6 teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, including the opposition that we face, and that He is able to protect and strengthen us as we trust in Him.

Themes from Nehemiah 6

1. Opposition to God's Work — The chapter describes the various attempts by Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem to stop the work on the walls, which serves as a reminder that God's people will face opposition as they work to advance His kingdom.
2. Faith and Trust in God — Nehemiah's faith and trust in God are evident throughout the chapter, and enable him to persevere in the face of opposition.
3. The Importance of Prayer — Prayer is a key theme in the chapter, and Nehemiah's practice of praying to God for protection and strength is a model for believers today.
4. The Danger of Compromise — The chapter highlights the problem of sin and compromise, as seen in the Jewish leaders who had married foreign women, and the need for believers to be separate from the world and to trust in God's power and protection.
5. The Sovereignty of God — Nehemiah 6 teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, including the opposition that we face, and that He is able to protect and strengthen us as we trust in Him.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that you have faced opposition in your own life, and how have you responded to it?
2. What role does prayer play in your life, and how can you cultivate a deeper practice of prayer in the face of opposition?
3. How can you trust in God's power and protection as you face your own challenges and opposition, and what are some ways that you can persevere in the face of adversity?
4. What are some ways that you can be separate from the world and trust in God's power and protection, and what are some potential dangers of compromise and sin?
5. How can you apply the lessons of Nehemiah 6 to your own life, and what are some ways that you can trust in God's sovereignty and power as you face your own challenges and opposition?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Nehemiah 6

	Sermon	Description
	Six Paces and a Shout of Glory by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the divine order in our lives. He encourages believers to find contentment and joy in the plac
	What Makes a Man of God by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the dedication and hard work of mechanics who work tirelessly for a meager wage, contrasting it with the lack of commitment shown by some Chr
	Nehemiah 6 - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the importance of not trivializing God's word or reducing preaching to mere entertainment. It draws insights from Nehemiah 6, highlighting how distractions a
	What Distracts Us by K.P. Yohannan	In this sermon, Brother K.P. Ohanan discusses the power of focus and how easily we can lose sight of the most important thing in our lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who faced
	Nehemiah 6 - Part 4 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the need to rise above worldly fears and practices, to conquer lust, flesh, worldliness, and the devil, and to embody the spirit of love, power, and a sound
	Road to Reality - What Distracts Us by K.P. Yohannan	In this sermon, Brother K.P. Ohanan discusses the power of focus and how easily we can lose sight of the most important thing in our lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who faced
	Bristol Conference 1975-09 Nehemiah - His Problem by Stan Ford	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Nehemiah and his problem. Nehemiah is described as a concerned, charitable, cheerful, and courageous man. The speaker sugges
	Cd Gv287 Building Blocks by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and discipline in the Christian life. He compares the privileged access to resources and materials that believers in
	(Through the Bible) Nehemiah & Esther by Zac Poonen	This sermon delves into the stories of Nehemiah and Esther, highlighting the contrast between those who are willing to sacrifice for God's work and those who seek comfort and compr
	The Discipline of Danger - 2 by Jack Hibbs	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the disciplines of danger that Christians should be aware of in the last days. He emphasizes the importance of the logos of God, which is the

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Nehemiah 6

In Nehemiah 6, we see the opposition that Nehemiah faced as he worked to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Despite the attempts to intimidate him, Nehemiah trusted in God's power and protection, and was able to complete the work. The chapter highlights the importance of faith, prayer, and perseverance in the face of opposition, and serves as a reminder that God is sovereign over all things, including the opposition that we face. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The greatest works are oftentimes opposed by the greatest enemies, but God can make them to be a help to us, and to forward our work, as he did here.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?