Nehemiah 6:1-14 - "Overcoming Intimidation"
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· 1,475 views"We can overcome intimidation by trusting God for strength to complete what He has given us to do."
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So, before this Sunday, please read the following: , , , .
Next, ask yourself these questions, "The last time you felt intimidated by another individual, what was your initial reaction?" and "The last time you didn't get your way, would you say you resorted to intimidation to get your way?"
“Overcoming Intimidation”
“Overcoming Intimidation”
“Overcoming Intimidation”
“Overcoming Intimidation”
This morning we will take time to go thru the first 14 verses in chapter 6 of would like us to walk away from this with a better understanding of how the enemy will use intimidation to derail God’s plan for our lives. My prayer is that we will also be armed with the Trust and Complete Rest in Christ to then thwart Satan’s agenda.
We will learn these principles, these patterns to follow by Nehemiah’s example in these first 14 verses.
We will also look at what we have “open” in our lives…either Gates or Letters. You’ll see where this goes when we land at the end. Just please keep this idea, “What’s Open in your life today?”
Who would like to read?
1 When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and that no gap was left in it—though at that time I had not installed the doors in the city gates—
2 Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message: “Come, let’s meet together in the villages of the Ono Valley.” They were planning to harm me.
3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing important work and cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?”
4 Four times they sent me the same proposal, and I gave them the same reply.
5 Sanballat sent me this same message a fifth time by his aide, who had an open letter in his hand.
6 In it was written: It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews plan to rebel. This is the reason you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king
7 and have even set up the prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: “There is a king in Judah.” These rumors will be heard by the king. So come, let’s confer together.
8 Then I replied to him, “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.”
9 For they were all trying to intimidate us, saying, “They will drop their hands from the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands.
10 I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was restricted to his house. He said: Let’s meet at the house of God, inside the temple. Let’s shut the temple doors because they’re coming to kill you. They’re coming to kill you tonight!
11 But I said, “Should a man like me run away? How can someone like me enter the temple and live? I will not go.”
12 I realized that God had not sent him, because of the prophecy he spoke against me. Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
13 He was hired, so that I would be intimidated, do as he suggested, sin, and get a bad reputation, in order that they could discredit me.
14 My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the other prophets who wanted to intimidate me.
Thanks...
Now, let’s get a Historical and Cultural Background on these verse:
The precise location proposed by the enemies for a meeting with Nehemiah in 6:2 is uncertain. Where the CSB has “villages” (following the reading of the Septuagint and Vulgate), Hebrew manuscripts have the name of a currently unknown town, “Kephirim.” The plain of Ono itself was probably at the edge or just outside of the Judean territory where Nehemiah was in charge (). It was close to Samaria. A meeting there would have required a day’s journey for Nehemiah. Thus, accepting their proposal would have been time consuming and might have made it easier for them to harm him physically.
Now...Before we break down the scriptures to see what this all means, I would like us to get a foundation by understanding the definition of Intimidation.
Before we break down the scriptures to see what this all means, I would like us to get a foundation by understanding the definition of Intimidation.
Intimidation: To inspire fear or shame in an individual for personal emotional gain. To make one fearful or shameful by intentional actions.
Intimidation: To inspire fear or shame in an individual for personal emotional gain. To make one fearful or shameful by intentional actions.
Let’s start with “Intimidation Attempted” starting in verse 1 thru 9
Let’s start with “Intimidation Attempted” starting in verse 1 thru 9
1 When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and that no gap was left in it—though at that time I had not installed the doors in the city gates—
2 Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message: “Come, let’s meet together in the villages of the Ono Valley.” They were planning to harm me.
3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing important work and cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?”
6:1 No gap was left...I had not installed the doors. What “Door” is being left open to allow intimidation to occur in your life today? I don’t expect an answer right now, but as we see, those wanting to inspire shame or fear in our lives will look for the opening that we neglect to secure. We’ll come back to this picture.
6:3 I am doing important work and cannot come down. Although Nehemiah perceives that the enemies intend to harm him (v. 2), his response attributes to them neither that motive nor a desire to stop the work. Instead he simply and honestly states that his priority is to continue the work without delay.
Question: “Do you have a tendency to ‘Overreact’ or ‘Interact’ when someone makes a statement you don’t agree with or know is one of malice?”
5 Sanballat sent me this same message a fifth time by his aide, who had an open letter in his hand.
6 In it was written: It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews plan to rebel. This is the reason you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king
7 and have even set up the prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: “There is a king in Judah.” These rumors will be heard by the king. So come, let’s confer together.
8 Then I replied to him, “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.”
Nehemiah 6:5-
6:5 an open letter. The point of the unsealed or open letter is to ensure that the rumors contained in it become public knowledge and that Nehemiah knows they will. The hope is that he will be alarmed enough to meet with the enemies to try to stop the rumors from reaching the king.
Question: “How often are you affected by ‘Gossip?’” Better question, “How often are you holding an ‘Open Letter?’”
6:5 an unsealed letter. The point of the unsealed letter is to ensure that the rumors contained in it become public knowledge and that Nehemiah knows they will. The hope is that he will be alarmed enough to meet with the enemies to try to stop the rumors from reaching the king.
21 “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment.
22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister, will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire.
23 So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you,
24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:
We need to stop our selfishness and camp building.
What “Open Letter” are you still holding to intimidate the one who has offended you?
6:6 It is reported. The enemies have been informed of the progress on the wall, but in response they launch a misinformation campaign to get Nehemiah into trouble. The point is to use lies to put a false and damaging spin on what actually is true. They intend that when others, including the king, hear that the wall has been rebuilt, it will make the falsely slanted impression that serves the enemies’ purposes. Although Nehemiah has obtained support from the king for this project, attempted rebellions within the Persian Empire were not unusual. The satrap of Syria had even led a revolt not more than five years before Nehemiah traveled to Jerusalem. It would have seemed at least possible that Nehemiah was leading a revolt.
6:6 It is reported. The Hebrew word translated “is reported” is the same word translated “came” in verse 1 and “get back” in verse 7. The enemies have been informed of the progress on the wall, but in response they launch a misinformation campaign to get Nehemiah into trouble. The point is to use lies to put a false and damaging spin on what actually is true. They intend that when others, including the king, hear that the wall has been rebuilt, it will make the falsely slanted impression that serves the enemies’ purposes. Although Nehemiah has obtained support from the king for this project, attempted rebellions within the Persian Empire were not unusual. The satrap of Syria had even led a revolt not more than five years before Nehemiah traveled to Jerusalem. It would have seemed at least possible that Nehemiah was leading a revolt.
So we’ve seen “Intimidation Attempted” and how did that work out?
9 For they were all trying to intimidate us, saying, “They will drop their hands from the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands.
10 I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was restricted to his house. He said: Let’s meet at the house of God, inside the temple. Let’s shut the temple doors because they’re coming to kill you. They’re coming to kill you tonight!
Now, let’s close with these last 5 verses “Imitation Thwarted!”
9 For they were all trying to intimidate us, saying, “They will drop their hands from the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands.
6:9 They will drop their hands. This idiom refers to inner state rather than physical strength. The enemies expect that the Judeans will become discouraged and unmotivated. The same expression was behind “discourage” in , where the enemies of the Judeans were successful in preventing them from rebuilding. The enemies hope to stop the process once again.
6:9 Their hands will get too weak. This idiom refers to inner state rather than physical strength. The enemies expect that the Judeans will become discouraged and unmotivated. The same expression was behind “discourage” in , where the enemies of the Judeans were successful in preventing them from rebuilding. The enemies hope to stop the process once again. But I prayed. These words are not in the Hebrew text, but since the words of Nehemiah that follow sound as though they are addressed to God, most English translations indicate in some way that Nehemiah prays at this point. The parallel structure of 6:1–9 and 6:10–14 also favors this interpretation. Each begins with a general description of the situation, followed by a report of the enemies’ scheme, Nehemiah’s response, and a statement that the point of the scheme was intimidation. then concludes its section with a prayer. A prayer at the corresponding place in 6:9 maintains the pattern. strengthen my hands. Nehemiah asks God to produce the exact opposite of the result the enemies seek. This idiom denotes motivation and determination. Instead of being intimidated, Nehemiah wants to have courage. This continues the theme of the Judean community needing to be strong as they carry out their role in the process of restoration (; ). Ezra-Nehemiah teaches that God will give his people the strength they need to do their part in fulfilling his plans.
6:9 They will drop their hands. This idiom refers to inner state rather than physical strength. The enemies expect that the Judeans will become discouraged and unmotivated. The same expression was behind “discourage” in , where the enemies of the Judeans were successful in preventing them from rebuilding. The enemies hope to stop the process once again.
But I prayed. These words are not in the Hebrew text, but since the words of Nehemiah that follow sound as though they are addressed to God, most English translations indicate in some way that Nehemiah prays at this point. The parallel structure of 6:1–9 and 6:10–14 also favors this interpretation. Each begins with a general description of the situation, followed by a report of the enemies’ scheme, Nehemiah’s response, and a statement that the point of the scheme was intimidation. then concludes its section with a prayer. A prayer at the corresponding place in 6:9 maintains the pattern.
strengthen my hands. Nehemiah asks God to produce the exact opposite of the result the enemies seek. This idiom denotes motivation and determination. Instead of being intimidated, Nehemiah wants to have courage. This continues the theme of the Judean community needing to be strong as they carry out their role in the process of restoration (; ). Ezra-Nehemiah teaches that God will give his people the strength they need to do their part in fulfilling his plans.
Question: “Fill in the blank… ‘Strengthen my __________.’”
What needs to be strengthened in your life today, this week, so as to have courage, motivation and determination in building your trust in Christ?
So we’ve seen “Intimidation Attempted” and how did that work out?
Now, let’s close with these last 5 verses “Imitation Thwarted!”
Now, let’s close with these last 5 verses “Imitation Thwarted!”
Now, let’s close with these last 5 verses “Imitation Thwarted!”
10 I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was restricted to his house. He said: Let’s meet at the house of God, inside the temple. Let’s shut the temple doors because they’re coming to kill you. They’re coming to kill you tonight!
11 But I said, “Should a man like me run away? How can someone like me enter the temple and live? I will not go.”
12 I realized that God had not sent him, because of the prophecy he spoke against me. Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
6:11 Should a man like me run away? Nehemiah is the governor of a Persian province, with his own armed bodyguard (). For him to run into the temple and hide in response to a mere rumor of a death threat would be embarrassingly inappropriate and would discredit him in the eyes of all.
how can someone like me enter the temple . . . ? Nehemiah is not a priest and is therefore not allowed to go into the temple (; ).
7 But you and your sons will carry out your priestly responsibilities for everything concerning the altar and for what is inside the curtain, and you will do that work. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but an unauthorized person who comes near the sanctuary will be put to death.”
Numbers
The right to seek asylum from a feared killer ()
50 Adonijah was afraid of Solomon, so he got up and went to take hold of the horns of the altar.
was connected to the altar in the temple courtyard and not to the temple interior, behind closed doors. Nehemiah is unwilling to disobey God’s commands.
Question: “How often do we allow the advice of others to supersede what we know to be right?” “Why is that?”
6:12 I realized that God had not sent him. It appears that Shemaiah is presenting the message he speaks to Nehemiah as a prophecy from God. But Nehemiah recognizes that the advice Shemaiah is giving him is contrary to God’s commands in Scripture and therefore not from God and not to be heeded. He then catches on that Shemaiah has been put up to this charade by Tobiah and Sanballat.
Nehemiah is setting up a pattern for each of us to follow when Intimidation is being cast our way.
6:12 I realized that God had not sent him. It appears that Shemaiah is presenting the message he speaks to Nehemiah as a prophecy from God. But Nehemiah recognizes that the advice Shemaiah is giving him is contrary to God’s commands in Scripture and therefore not from God and not to be heeded. He then catches on that Shemaiah has been put up to this charade by Tobiah and Sanballat.
13 He was hired, so that I would be intimidated, do as he suggested, sin, and get a bad reputation, in order that they could discredit me.
14 My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the other prophets who wanted to intimidate me.
Nehemiah
6:13 could discredit me. The word translated “discredit” is closely related to the word translated “disgrace” in ; , “insults” in , and “reproach” in .
6:13 to discredit me. The word translated “discredit” is closely related to the word translated “disgrace” in ; , “insults” in , and “reproach” in . This episode is part of the larger struggle for the people of Israel to be free of the shame they suffer as part of their judgment for unfaithfulness to God. The rebuilding of the wall finds its true significance in the removal of disgrace from the returned exiles. Their enemies, however, not only oppose the rebuilding; they seek opportunity to perpetuate the shame any way they can. Scaring Nehemiah into sin would fit their intentions particularly well.
This episode is part of the larger struggle for the people of Israel to be free of the shame they suffer as part of their judgment for unfaithfulness to God. The rebuilding of the wall finds its true significance in the removal of disgrace from the returned exiles. Their enemies, however, not only oppose the rebuilding; they seek opportunity to perpetuate the shame any way they can. Scaring Nehemiah into sin would fit their intentions particularly well.
Again, remember, the definition of Intimidation To inspire fear or shame in an individual for personal emotional gain. To make one fearful or shameful by intentional actions.
6:14 Remember . . . what they have done. When Nehemiah asks God to remember the actions of several people, he implies that God should pay them back for what they have done. It is similar to his request in for God to remember him with favor for the good things he has done. Both kinds of requests are based on the expectation that God will be faithful to his covenant with Israel in which he promises to bless them when they obey and fear him (e.g., ) and to be an enemy to those who are an enemy to his obedient people ().
As in ,
4 Listen, our God, for we are despised. Make their insults return on their own heads and let them be taken as plunder to a land of captivity.
5 Do not cover their guilt or let their sin be erased from your sight, because they have angered the builders.
Nehemiah’s prayer leaves it up to God to bring appropriate judgment on those doing evil, as opposed to Nehemiah trying to take matters into his own hands.
Nehemiah’s prayer leaves it up to God to bring appropriate judgment on those doing evil, as opposed to Nehemiah trying to take matters into his own hands. (See the sidebar “Christians and Imprecatory Prayers” in the unit on .) the rest of the prophets. In the prophets Haggai and Zechariah furthered God’s plan by playing an important role in encouraging the Judeans to finish rebuilding the temple, which is what one might typically expect prophets to do. But here it is clear that a number of prophets worked against Nehemiah as he tried to do God’s work. Even those designated as prophets can oppose God’s will. This provides a hint that threats to the success of the restoration will not be removed merely by completing the wall. Even some within the community are surprisingly ready to cooperate with the enemy.
the other prophets. In the prophets Haggai and Zechariah furthered God’s plan by playing an important role in encouraging the Judeans to finish rebuilding the temple, which is what one might typically expect prophets to do. But here it is clear that a number of prophets worked against Nehemiah as he tried to do God’s work. Even those designated as prophets can oppose God’s will. This provides a hint that threats to the success of the restoration will not be removed merely by completing the wall. Even some within the community are surprisingly ready to cooperate with the enemy.
Let’s stop here for a moment and make this personal. Remember the “Open Letter?” When I read ‘the other prophets’ it kinda discourages me thinking that those closest to Nehemiah, individuals he may trust, are doing what they can to inspire fear and shame for their own gain and doing it intentionally.
Here’s where I’m going to get personal.
How are you towards your spouse? Towards your children? Your immediate family?
Think about that? Do you intentionally bring shame into their life so you can get your way? Do you bring fear into the marriage, the family, just so you can feel in charge? This can go either way…either the husband or the wife. The father or the mother?
I truly believe that each of us in here has been or currently guilty of Intimidation towards our spouse, children or family.
I know I have and had.
Some examples: Sarcasm, Rudeness, Lack of Self Control, Selfish Agenda, Holding a Grudge, Win Every Argument…At All Costs.
Turn to :11
11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things.
13 Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.
Let’s look at it this way.
Let’s look at it this way.
If we are going to be mature in our faith, allow the Holy Spirit to dwell and direct our steps, we must choose to let the child go and become Mature in Christ.
Let me use to better explain.
Children retaliate quickly when hurt…But a Loving Follower of Christ is patient and kind
Children require constant affirmation…But a Loving Follower of Christ is not arrogant or rude
Children will stew, stammer, and hold grudges when they don’t get their way...But a Loving Follower of Christ will not insist on their own way, they are not irritable or resentlful
Children will try to win every argument...But a Loving Follower of Christ will not rejoice of wrongdoing but will instead rejoice with the Truth
Children have short fuses...But a Loving Follower of Christ will bear all things
Children will write off people when they are wronged...But a Loving Follower of Christ believes God’s best for the relationship
Children lose hope after they have been hurt...But a Loving Follower of Christ always hopes for reconciliation, regardless of the pain
Children expect to be served...But a Loving Follower of Christ will endure all things
To be a Mature Follower of Christ requires Mature Love. Intimidation, at any level, should not be a part of a Christian’s Walk.
Let’s close with a pattern to follow that Nehemiah demonstrated in these 14 verses. This is when Intimidation, shame-fear, rears it’s toxic head in your direction.
Pattern To Follow
Pattern To Follow
-A Description of What’s Truly Happening
*Take time to fully understand
*Remember: Stop and Interact, don’t allow yourself to Overreact
-Allow Yourself to Understand those Attempting to Intimidate You
*Try to see it initially through their eyes
*This is not to make it ‘correct’ or ‘right’ instead it is to give you better clarity as to their motive
-Then Pray!! Both in verse 9 and 14
*Take it to God
*Trust God
*
19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.
Kerry and mine’s prayer from this study this morning is two-fold. Remember what I asked you to think about at the beginning..”What do I have open in my Life today?” Is it a Gate or a Letter?
..”What do I have open in my Life today?” Is it a Gate or a Letter?
An Open Gate:
-For the one who is being Intimidated: Today, turn Intimidation(fear & shame) into courage. “Strengthen my __________!”
An Open Letter:
-For the one who may just now realizes they are the Intimidator: Stop, take time to ask God to guide you into a mature, growing relationship with His Son. Do away with childish words, actions and deeds. Instead, be the one to encourage your spouse, your children, your family.
So again, this may just be an And/Or question: “What is Open? Door and/or Letter?”
Let me close us this morning in . This is God speaking to unfaithful Israel
8 “ ‘Then I passed by you and saw you, and you were indeed at the age for love. So I spread the edge of my garment over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged myself to you, entered into a covenant with you—this is the declaration of the Lord God—and you became mine.
9 I washed you with water, rinsed off your blood, and anointed you with oil.
10 I clothed you in embroidered cloth and provided you with fine leather sandals. I also wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk.
11 I adorned you with jewelry, putting bracelets on your wrists and a necklace around your neck.
12 I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head.
13 So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was made of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You became extremely beautiful and attained royalty.
14 Your fame spread among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through my splendor, which I had bestowed on you. This is the declaration of the Lord God.
God’s love for you is no where done…For many of us, He is just beginning!
Let’s pray