Nehemiah Chapter 6 — The Completion of the Wall
Nehemiah overcomes multiple plots by his enemies to distract or discredit him, leading to the successful completion of Jerusalem's wall in fifty-two days.
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Notable Verses
Nehemiah 6:3
“I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I can’t come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and come down to you?””
This verse highlights Nehemiah's focus and his refusal to be distracted by the tactics of his enemies.
Nehemiah 6:15
“So the wall was finished in the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days.”
This record marks the successful completion of the primary architectural goal of the book.
Nehemiah 6:16
“When all our enemies heard of it, all the nations that were around us were afraid, and they lost their confidence; for they perceived that this work was done by our God.”
It shows the spiritual impact the reconstruction had on the surrounding hostile nations.
Chapter Summary
Nehemiah Chapter 6 chronicles the final stages of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls amidst intense opposition. Enemies Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem attempt to lure Nehemiah away to the plain of Ono to harm him, but he refuses to stop the "great work." After four failed attempts, they circulate a false report accusing Nehemiah of planning a rebellion to become king. Later, a hired false prophet named Shemaiah tries to trick Nehemiah into hiding in the temple to save his life, which Nehemiah recognizes as a trap to ruin his reputation. Despite these various threats and the internal betrayal of some Judean nobles who were allied with Tobiah, the wall is completed in just fifty-two days. The surrounding nations are intimidated by the feat, recognizing that the work was accomplished with the help of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although they claimed they wanted to meet for counsel, Nehemiah perceived that they intended to do him physical harm. It was a recurring tactic to draw him away from the safety of Jerusalem and halt the construction.
The wall was completed in fifty-two days, finishing on the twenty-fifth day of the month of Elul. This rapid pace was seen as evidence of God's involvement by those living in the region.
Nehemiah realized that Shemaiah had been hired to make him afraid and commit a sin by entering a place he was not permitted to go. Doing so would have discredited Nehemiah and provided his enemies with material to ruin his reputation.
Study Note
The fifty-two-day timeline for completing the wall is remarkably short for ancient construction, which is why the surrounding nations interpreted the success as an act of God.
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