Nehemiah 6:5-9 – The Opinions of Others
When the seeming conciliatory invitations to meet were rejected by Nehemiah, Sanballat resorted to his more normal tactics of lies and threats. It is often the case that when people wish to attack something they use the vague and unspecific ‘everyone says’ because that cannot be substantiated. What Sanballat alleged was clearly false and absolutely contrary to what Nehemiah was actually doing. They accused him of rebuilding the walls as an act of rebellion against the very king that had sent him to rebuild the walls. Everything that Nehemiah had done was in response to the call of God, and in dependence upon God, and he had made great personal sacrifices to demonstrate that he was not doing what he was doing for any personal glory or advancement.
Having stated the substance of the accusations, Sanballat then threatens to bring the accusations to the attention of the king unless Nehemiah is willing to meet and discuss the situation.
It is interesting to note the reaction of Nehemiah to the accusations and the threats. Although he did tell Sanballat that he was wrong and was making up the allegations, he did not seek to answer them in detail for he knew that the only thing that would satisfy Sanballat would be to give in to him, and Nehemiah was not going to do that! Nehemiah knew that the threats were made in order to make him afraid, but he was not going to succumb, but rather seek the strength of the Lord to overcome. v. 9.
Christians must never by paralysed by fear of what people say; Alan Redpath put it well, ‘No man can lead a work of God if he allows himself to be governed by what other people think. He is to secure help, fellowship, prayer, advice, and he is foolish not to take it; but if his ultimate decisions are based on popular opinion he is going to fail’.
Questions
- What was Nehemiah accused of doing?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would not let others sway us from doing right.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.