Nehemiah 6:17 - Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them.
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What does "Nehemiah 6:17" mean?
Nehemiah 6:17, "Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them," describes a situation of compromised loyalty and internal division within the Jewish community during Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah..." This indicates a relationship of correspondence and likely collaboration between the Jewish upper class (nobles) and Tobiah. Tobiah was a key antagonist who vehemently opposed the rebuilding project and sought to undermine Nehemiah's efforts (Nehemiah 2:10, 4:3, 6:1, etc.). The "many letters" suggests this was not a one-off exchange, but an ongoing communication.
"...and Tobiah's letters came to them." This confirms the reciprocal nature of the communication. Tobiah was sending letters back to the nobles of Judah.
Implications and Significance:
Treachery and Disloyalty: The verse strongly implies that some Jewish nobles were in contact and perhaps even collaborating with Nehemiah's enemy, Tobiah. They were undermining Nehemiah's leadership and the rebuilding project by maintaining communication with someone actively working against their interests.
Compromise and Self-Interest: The nobles may have been motivated by a desire to maintain their social status, economic advantages, or political influence by aligning themselves with Tobiah. They may have feared his power or believed that he represented a more stable and favorable future for them.
Intrigue and Conspiracy: The exchange of letters suggests clandestine activities and potential conspiracies. The nobles were likely sharing information with Tobiah, perhaps about Nehemiah's plans or weaknesses within the community. In return, Tobiah might have been offering them assurances, favors, or incentives to remain loyal to him.
Internal Division: The verse highlights the internal divisions within the Jewish community. Not everyone was united behind Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. This internal conflict made Nehemiah's task even more challenging, as he had to contend with both external enemies and internal opposition.
In short, Nehemiah 6:17 reveals the troubling reality of collaboration between some members of the Jewish elite and an enemy of the Jewish people. This communication likely served to undermine Nehemiah's leadership, weaken the rebuilding efforts, and promote the interests of Tobiah. This internal betrayal adds a layer of complexity to the challenges Nehemiah faced.
Nehemiah 6:17 - Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them.
What does "Nehemiah 6:17" mean?
Nehemiah 6:17, "Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them," describes a situation of compromised loyalty and internal division within the Jewish community during Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah..." This indicates a relationship of correspondence and likely collaboration between the Jewish upper class (nobles) and Tobiah. Tobiah was a key antagonist who vehemently opposed the rebuilding project and sought to undermine Nehemiah's efforts (Nehemiah 2:10, 4:3, 6:1, etc.). The "many letters" suggests this was not a one-off exchange, but an ongoing communication.
"...and Tobiah's letters came to them." This confirms the reciprocal nature of the communication. Tobiah was sending letters back to the nobles of Judah.
Implications and Significance:
Treachery and Disloyalty: The verse strongly implies that some Jewish nobles were in contact and perhaps even collaborating with Nehemiah's enemy, Tobiah. They were undermining Nehemiah's leadership and the rebuilding project by maintaining communication with someone actively working against their interests.
Compromise and Self-Interest: The nobles may have been motivated by a desire to maintain their social status, economic advantages, or political influence by aligning themselves with Tobiah. They may have feared his power or believed that he represented a more stable and favorable future for them.
Intrigue and Conspiracy: The exchange of letters suggests clandestine activities and potential conspiracies. The nobles were likely sharing information with Tobiah, perhaps about Nehemiah's plans or weaknesses within the community. In return, Tobiah might have been offering them assurances, favors, or incentives to remain loyal to him.
Internal Division: The verse highlights the internal divisions within the Jewish community. Not everyone was united behind Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. This internal conflict made Nehemiah's task even more challenging, as he had to contend with both external enemies and internal opposition.
In short, Nehemiah 6:17 reveals the troubling reality of collaboration between some members of the Jewish elite and an enemy of the Jewish people. This communication likely served to undermine Nehemiah's leadership, weaken the rebuilding efforts, and promote the interests of Tobiah. This internal betrayal adds a layer of complexity to the challenges Nehemiah faced.