Nehemiah 6:17-19
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What's easily missed here is the subtle but sinister exchange happening during the wall's construction: the "nobles of Judah" weren't just passive recipients of Tobiah's letters; they actively initiated this treasonous correspondence. This wasn't a one-sided plot but a mutual back-and-forth, revealing a network of internal opposition undermining Nehemiah's efforts even as the walls rose.
Moreover, in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah: and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah as his wife. Also they spoke of his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to make me afraid.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While Nehemiah was busy rebuilding the wall against outside threats, a secret correspondence was happening within Jerusalem itself. Disaffected nobles, some even related to the high priest, were in constant communication with Tobiah, the Ammonite enemy. These letters show a dangerous inner circle of false friends, undermining Nehemiah's efforts and jeopardizing the city's security.
When the enemy is at the gates, we expect threats from outside. But what happens when the real danger comes from within, from people who should be on your side?
Nehemiah faced immense opposition, but this verse reveals a chilling truth: some of the deepest threats came from his own people.
Internal Sabotage
The nobles of Judah weren't just indifferent; they were actively communicating with Tobiah, a notorious enemy of God's people. This wasn't a casual chat; it was a "treasonable correspondence," a consistent exchange of letters.
The Cost of Compromise
This secret communication highlights how sin can create dangerous alliances. Marrying into foreign families, as mentioned in other parts of Nehemiah, led to compromised loyalties. These nobles, perhaps influenced by family ties or political maneuvering, were effectively working against Nehemiah's mission and the security of Jerusalem.
It's a stark reminder that sometimes the loudest opposition isn't from outright enemies, but from those who outwardly appear to be allies.
Nehemiah was building a wall, but his enemies were busy building a network of deceit. How does sustained, hidden opposition try to derail God's plans?
This verse isn't just about a single act of betrayal; it points to a sustained campaign of sabotage.
A Network of Intrigue
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The repetition of "many letters" from both sides signifies a deliberate and ongoing effort to undermine Nehemiah. Tobiah and his allies within Judah weren't just reacting; they were plotting.
Undermining from Within
This internal correspondence was a crucial part of the opposition Nehemiah faced. While external threats were visible, these secret letters likely involved sharing intelligence, coordinating efforts to hinder the building, and spreading doubt and fear among the workers.
It shows that spiritual warfare often involves subtle, persistent attacks aimed at fracturing unity and paralyzing progress. The enemy works tirelessly through various means to stop God's work.
Understand the original words
chor · Hebrew Noun
Individuals of high rank, social status, or influence within a society. In the context of Israel, these figures were expected to be leaders who upheld the Law, though they often faced the temptation of political compromise.
shebu'ah · Hebrew Noun
A binding agreement, promise, or vow, often made before God as a witness. Breaking an oath was a serious matter, and being "bound by oath" implies a formal, potentially covenantal, allegiance or alliance between individuals.
towbah · Hebrew Noun
Acts of kindness, goodness, or graciousness. In a biblical sense, it often refers to actions that demonstrate mercy, loyalty, or positive contributions to the welfare of others.
This verse reveals the dangerous reality of internal opposition Nehemiah faced. Enemies weren't just outside the walls; prominent figures within Judah were actively undermining the rebuilding efforts by colluding with Tobiah, highlighting the constant struggle between faithfulness and compromise.
c. 457 BC
Ezra's Commission and Return
Ezra, a scribe and priest, leads a group of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem with a commission from the Persian king to restore the Torah and establish civil and religious order.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Appointed Governor
King Artaxerxes I of Persia appoints Nehemiah, his cupbearer, as governor of Judah, empowering him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
c. 445 BC
Wall Reconstruction Begins
Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem and, despite significant opposition from surrounding peoples and internal dissent, mobilizes the Jewish people to rebuild the city walls.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Treasonous Correspondence
During the wall's construction, prominent nobles in Judah engage in a secret and treasonous correspondence with Tobiah, an official from Ammon and an enemy of Nehemiah's work.
c. 445 BC
Wall Reconstruction Completed
The walls of Jerusalem are miraculously finished in just 52 days, a testament to Nehemiah's leadership and the people's dedication, despite ongoing threats and internal treachery.
c. 432 BC
Nehemiah's Second Term
Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem for a second term as governor, addressing further corruption and religious/social issues, including the entanglement of some Jewish families with Tobiah.
This psalm speaks of betrayal by a close companion, mirroring the nobles' treasonous correspondence with Tobiah, an insider threat to Nehemiah's work.
John 11:47-53Here, the religious leaders plotted against Jesus out of fear and political expediency, much like the nobles of Judah secretly conspired with Tobiah against Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts.
Proverbs 11:13This proverb warns about the danger of gossip and betrayal by a trusted confidant, which directly applies to the treacherous letters exchanged between the nobles and Tobiah.
2 Chronicles 20:1-30This passage shows Judah facing a massive external threat, but it also highlights the importance of unified trust in God, contrasting with Nehemiah's internal betrayal by the nobles.
clarkeNehemiah 6:17: "Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them."
The nobles of Judah sent many letters - The circumstances marked in this and the following verses show still more clearly the difficulties which Nehemiah had to encounter; he had enemies without and false friends within. A treacherous correspondence was carried on between the nobles of Judah and the Ammonites; and had almost any other man been at the head of the J…
ellicottNehemiah 6:17: "Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them."
(17-19) A supplementary account is here introduced, explaining the intrigues within Jerusalem to which reference has been made. (17) Many letters.—There was a large correspondence between Tobiah and the nobles of Judah.
What's easily missed here is the subtle but sinister exchange happening during the wall's construction: the "nobles of Judah" weren't just passive recipients of Tobiah's letters; they actively initiated this treasonous correspondence. This wasn't a one-sided plot but a mutual back-and-forth, revealing a network of internal opposition undermining Nehemiah's efforts even as the walls rose.
While Nehemiah was busy rebuilding the wall against outside threats, a secret correspondence was happening within Jerusalem itself. Disaffected nobles, some even related to the high priest, were in constant communication with Tobiah, the Ammonite enemy. These letters show a dangerous inner circle of false friends, undermining Nehemiah's efforts and jeopardizing the city's security.
While Nehemiah was busy rebuilding the wall against outside threats, a secret correspondence was happening within Jerusalem itself. Disaffected nobles, some even related to the high priest, were in constant communication with Tobiah, the Ammonite enemy. These letters show a dangerous inner circle of false friends, undermining Nehemiah's efforts and jeopardizing the city's security.
"Moreover, in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah: and his son Jehohanan had…" — What's easily missed here is the subtle but sinister exchange happening during the wall's construction: the "nobles of Judah" weren't just passive recipients of Tobiah's letters; they actively init…
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Last reviewed October 2026
