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Nehemiah 6:10-14 – Praying through the Bible #154 – A Prayer Against God’s “Friends”
My friend, an ex-Satanist to whom I had taught Jesus, returned to his former master and threatened to cut off my head. For some of God’s servants, such threats are carried out. For Nehemiah, such terrorization comes through a death threat delivered by a “friend.”
This threat comes under the veil of holiness and pomposity from the lips of God’s supposed friend. Surely God would intervene to save a servant like Nehemiah, hiding in God’s Holy Place! Sanballet and his ilk hire Shemaiah, son of Delaiah. Sadly this holy man, probably a priest and prophet, chooses the wages of the unholy (Nehemiah 6.10, 12-13; 10.8; 1 Chron.24.18). There will be another man bribed to lead one of God’s servants to his death.
For some reason, Shemaiah is restricted to his house (6.10). Yet in his scheme he is willing to risk leaving if he can persuade Nehemiah to flee to the temple for sanctuary. There is a hint of self-sacrifice and concern on his part; but it is betrayal. He says: “Let us meet at the house of God inside the temple. Let us shut the temple doors because they are coming to kill you. They are coming to kill you tonight!” (6.10).
Nehemiah hasn’t a death-wish; and yet he claims, “Should a man like me run away?” His point might not be only who he is, but who he isn’t: “How can I enter the temple and live?” (6.11). Although a governor; Nehemiah is not a priest. Some who are fearful and proud, might think, “My life is worth more than ceremonial law!” Or, “I’m too important to God!” Nehemiah doesn’t go there; nor does he tempt God. Nehemiah treats God as holy, accepting He would slay him for profaning His temple. Maybe the enemies hope at least the priests would too. Death is not the worse result: “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” (6.13). Sin is the worst. Added to that, a leader’s reputation is one of his most powerful motivational tools. If Nehemiah is disgraced, the wall will not be completed. Leaders beware of getting your reputation besmirched. Leaders beware thinking you are so important, the rules don’t apply to you; even God’s rules.
Nehemiah prays, “My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the others prophets who wanted to intimate me” (6.14). This prayer saddens me. Nehemiah’s enemies are God’s enemies; and his enemies are God’s “prophets.” Titles don’t make people right or righteous. Enemies can come from those who should be friends.
My friend never followed through with his threat. He did continue to harass and intimidate, in ways I shall leave to your imagination. Our enemies today can be God’s friends from yesterday.
Prayer Challenge: The “church” has friends and leaders who turn; pray not to be one.
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