Nehemiah 6 | |
---|---|
Book | Book of Nehemiah |
Category | Ketuvim |
Christian Bible part | Old Testament |
Order in the Christian part | 16 |
Nehemiah 6 is the sixth chapter of the Book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, [1] or the 16th chapter of the book of Ezra-Nehemiah in the Hebrew Bible, which treats the book of Ezra and the book of Nehemiah as one book. [2] Jewish tradition states that Ezra is the author of Ezra-Nehemiah as well as the Book of Chronicles, [3] but modern scholars generally accept that a compiler from the 5th century BCE (the so-called " Chronicler") is the final author of these books. [4] This chapter records the continuing opposition to Nehemiah from sources both external (Sanballat, Tobiah, and their allies) and internal (the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets). [5]
The original text of this chapter is in Hebrew language. This chapter is divided into 19 verses.
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text, which includes Codex Leningradensis (1008). [6] [a]
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; B; 4th century), Codex Sinaiticus (S; BHK: S; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; A; 5th century). [8]
As a leader, Nehemiah holds his motives and conduct blameless, but at the same time, he must understand and deal wisely with the opposition 'who seek to compromise God's work'. [9]
Tobiah is described as an Ammonite in Nehemiah 4:3
Sanballat hoped that Nehemiah would follow the logical action against the rumors of threats, the way he and his allies would do, that is, 'given to ambition, opportunistic maneuvering, and dedicated to self-preservation', but Nehemiah 'refused to become distracted by the ploy of politics' and kept his devotion to God. [13]
Sanballat sent his fifth letter as an open letter, because he is 'well aware of the possibility that popular sentiment will stand behind a claim to restore an independent Judah', and uses it to launch an accusation that Nehemiah is sponsoring prophetic supports (indicating the importance of prophetic authority in Ezra–Nehemiah). [15]
In this section, Nehemiah remembers that the will of God is eternal and has primacy over any individual. [13]
The establishment of fortifications does not provide full security, as continued opposition remains in place; [21] dangers can always threaten the community of faith, but ... the godly character of the people is the greatest defense against the threats. [22]
The nobles of Judah acted as intermediaries: they "endeavoured to convince Nehemiah that Tobiah’s professions of goodwill were sincere ... and on the other hand they communicated to Tobiah all that Nehemiah said and did". Anglican commentator H. E. Ryle suggests that their aim was to supply Tobiah with "material for charges against Nehemiah to be made before the Persian king, or for slanders to the Jewish people". [24]
Nehemiah 6 | |
---|---|
Book | Book of Nehemiah |
Category | Ketuvim |
Christian Bible part | Old Testament |
Order in the Christian part | 16 |
Nehemiah 6 is the sixth chapter of the Book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, [1] or the 16th chapter of the book of Ezra-Nehemiah in the Hebrew Bible, which treats the book of Ezra and the book of Nehemiah as one book. [2] Jewish tradition states that Ezra is the author of Ezra-Nehemiah as well as the Book of Chronicles, [3] but modern scholars generally accept that a compiler from the 5th century BCE (the so-called " Chronicler") is the final author of these books. [4] This chapter records the continuing opposition to Nehemiah from sources both external (Sanballat, Tobiah, and their allies) and internal (the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets). [5]
The original text of this chapter is in Hebrew language. This chapter is divided into 19 verses.
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text, which includes Codex Leningradensis (1008). [6] [a]
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; B; 4th century), Codex Sinaiticus (S; BHK: S; 4th century), and Codex Alexandrinus (A; A; 5th century). [8]
As a leader, Nehemiah holds his motives and conduct blameless, but at the same time, he must understand and deal wisely with the opposition 'who seek to compromise God's work'. [9]
Tobiah is described as an Ammonite in Nehemiah 4:3
Sanballat hoped that Nehemiah would follow the logical action against the rumors of threats, the way he and his allies would do, that is, 'given to ambition, opportunistic maneuvering, and dedicated to self-preservation', but Nehemiah 'refused to become distracted by the ploy of politics' and kept his devotion to God. [13]
Sanballat sent his fifth letter as an open letter, because he is 'well aware of the possibility that popular sentiment will stand behind a claim to restore an independent Judah', and uses it to launch an accusation that Nehemiah is sponsoring prophetic supports (indicating the importance of prophetic authority in Ezra–Nehemiah). [15]
In this section, Nehemiah remembers that the will of God is eternal and has primacy over any individual. [13]
The establishment of fortifications does not provide full security, as continued opposition remains in place; [21] dangers can always threaten the community of faith, but ... the godly character of the people is the greatest defense against the threats. [22]
The nobles of Judah acted as intermediaries: they "endeavoured to convince Nehemiah that Tobiah’s professions of goodwill were sincere ... and on the other hand they communicated to Tobiah all that Nehemiah said and did". Anglican commentator H. E. Ryle suggests that their aim was to supply Tobiah with "material for charges against Nehemiah to be made before the Persian king, or for slanders to the Jewish people". [24]