Nehemiah 6:11
But I said, “Should such a man as I run away? And what man such as I could go into the temple and live? I will not go in.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Nehemiah isn't just refusing to flee; he's rejecting the idea of seeking safety in a place he, as a layman, has no right to enter. This reveals that the enemy's plot wasn't just to scare him, but to tempt him into violating God's law and dishonoring the sacred space, essentially making him look guilty and untrustworthy.
Nehemiah faces a desperate plot: his enemies, seeing the wall nearing completion, are trying to lure him into the temple under the guise of safety. Shemaiah, a false prophet, urges Nehemiah to hide inside, implying an imminent nighttime attack. Nehemiah, however, recognizes this as a trap designed to compromise his integrity and leadership.
Nehemiah faces a terrifying threat, but his first reaction isn't personal fear, it's about the people. What does this tell us about true leadership?
Nehemiah isn't just running from personal danger; he's the appointed governor. His presence and leadership are vital for the city's survival and the wall's completion.
The enemies suggest a place of supposed safety. But Nehemiah refuses, and it’s not just about bravery – it’s about understanding God's commands.
The suggestion to flee into the temple isn't just about hiding; it's a clever trap designed to compromise Nehemiah. His refusal stems from obedience to the Law.
Nehemiah had faced greater dangers and experienced God's help. Why would he now succumb to fear? His refusal is a testament to his deep trust.
Understand the original words
hekal · Hebrew Noun
The sacred dwelling place of God’s presence among His people; in the Old Testament, it refers to the tabernacle or temple where God’s glory resided and where the priesthood performed sacrificial duties. Unauthorized entry by a layman was strictly forbidden under Mosaic Law.
Nehemiah's refusal to flee into the Temple highlights his understanding of his public role as governor, his deep trust in God, and his knowledge of the law, which forbade a layman like him from entering the sacred space for refuge.
c. 457 BC
Second Return to Jerusalem
Ezra leads a large group of Jews back to Jerusalem from Babylon, re-establishing Jewish law and religious practice.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Appointed Governor
King Artaxerxes I of Persia appoints Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer, as governor of Judah to oversee the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.
c. 445-444 BC— this verse
Rebuilding of Jerusalem Walls
Nehemiah rallies the Jewish people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, facing intense opposition from surrounding peoples like the Samaritans, Ammonites, and Arabs.
c. 444 BC
Plot to Assassinate Nehemiah
Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem orchestrate a plan to lure Nehemiah into the Temple, intending to kill him and discredit the rebuilding effort.
Saul, like Nehemiah, faced pressure to act out of fear, but his rash decision to offer a sacrifice led to his kingdom being taken. This highlights the importance of Nehemiah's resolve to stay true to his God-given responsibility.
1 Kings 18:21Elijah’s challenge to the people, 'How long will you go limping between two opinions?', echoes Nehemiah’s refusal to compromise his duty. Nehemiah refuses to be divided between loyalty to God's work and self-preservation through a sinful act.
Daniel 3:16-18Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declared they would not serve other gods or worship the golden image, even facing death. Nehemiah’s stance shows a similar courageous commitment to God’s will over personal safety.
Hebrews 12:1-2This passage calls believers to 'run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.' Nehemiah's refusal to flee mirrors this idea of steadfastly continuing in one's God-assigned task, undeterred by opposition.
clarkeNehemiah 6:11: "And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in."
Should such a man as I flee? - Shall I, who am governor of the people, appointed both by God and the king, shall I betray my trust, and leave the flock without a shepherd? Shall I be a traitor, and abandon the office to which I am appointed? - No! Who, in my situation, with such responsibility, and such prospects, would go into the temple…
pooleNehemiah 6:11: "And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in."
Should such a man as I flee; I the chief governor, upon whose presence, and counsel, and conduct the very life and being of the whole city and nation in a great measure depends; I who have professed such resolution, and courage, and confidence in God; I who have had such eminent experience of God’s gracious and powerful assistances, of his…
Nehemiah isn't just refusing to flee; he's rejecting the idea of seeking safety in a place he, as a layman, has no right to enter. This reveals that the enemy's plot wasn't just to scare him, but to tempt him into violating God's law and dishonoring the sacred space, essentially making him look guilty and untrustworthy.
Nehemiah faces a desperate plot: his enemies, seeing the wall nearing completion, are trying to lure him into the temple under the guise of safety. Shemaiah, a false prophet, urges Nehemiah to hide inside, implying an imminent nighttime attack. Nehemiah, however, recognizes this as a trap designed to compromise his integrity and leadership.
Nehemiah faces a desperate plot: his enemies, seeing the wall nearing completion, are trying to lure him into the temple under the guise of safety. Shemaiah, a false prophet, urges Nehemiah to hide inside, implying an imminent nighttime attack. Nehemiah, however, recognizes this as a trap designed to compromise his integrity and leadership.
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Nehemiah’s response is rooted in a history of God's faithfulness and his own past experiences of divine intervention.
c. 444 BC
Completion of the Wall
Despite the plots and opposition, Nehemiah and the people successfully complete the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls in a remarkable 52 days.
"But I said, “Should such a man as I run away? And what man such as I could go into the temple and live? I will not go in.”" — Nehemiah isn't just refusing to flee; he's rejecting the idea of seeking safety in a place he, as a layman, has no right to enter. This reveals that the enemy's plot wasn't just to scare him, but to…
