Nehemiah 6:17 · Bible study
Nehemiah 6:17 Commentary: Secret Alliance with the Enemy
Hebrew · 7 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why did the nobles of Judah correspond with Tobiah? This verse uncovers internal treachery against Nehemiah’s rebuilding work.
Research Summary
- Meaning: During the wall building, Judean nobles carried on a steady, disloyal correspondence with the Ammonite enemy Tobiah.
- Key words: “nobles” (chor, freeborn leaders), “multiplying their letters” (marbim iggeroteihem, ongoing communication).
- Main debate: Whether the correspondence was outright treason or merely political maneuvering. Most commentators call it treachery.
- Theological theme: God’s sovereignty over human duplicity, the wall is built despite betrayal from within.
- Best use: A warning against divided loyalties and a call to single‑hearted commitment to God’s mission.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Also in those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came back to them.
WEB World English Bible 2000
Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them.
KJV King James Version 1769
Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
Also, in those days the freemen of Judah are multiplying their letters going unto Tobiah, and those of Tobiah are coming in unto them;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobijah, and those of Tobijah came to them.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
Moreover in those days many letters were sent by the principal men of the Jews to Tobias, and from Tobias there came letters to them.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Asimismo en aquellos días iban muchas cartas de los principales de Judá á Tobías, y las de Tobías venían á ellos.
Também naqueles dias muitas foram escritas de alguns dos nobres de Judá a Tobias, e as de Tobias vinham a eles.
Dans ce temps-là, il y avait aussi des grands de Juda qui adressaient fréquemment des lettres à Tobija et qui en recevaient de lui.
Auch waren zu derselben Zeit viele der Obersten Juda' s, deren Briefe gingen zu Tobia und von Tobia zu ihnen.
Ook schreven in die dagen edelen van Juda vele brieven, die naar Tobia gingen; en die van Tobia kwamen tot hen.
In que’ giorni, anche de’ notabili di Giuda mandavano frequenti lettere a Tobia, e ne ricevevano da Tobia,
Bo poznali, że się ta sprawa od Boga naszego stała. W oneż dni wiele przedniejszych z Judy listy swe często posyłali do Tobijasza, także od Tobijasza przychodziły do nich.
Сверх того в те дни знатнейшие Иудеи много писали писем, которые посылались к Товии, а Товиины письма приходили к ним.
在那些 日子，猶大 的貴冑 屢次 寄 信 與 多比雅，多比雅 也來 信 與他們。
And further, in those days the chiefs of Judah sent a number of letters to Tobiah, and his letters came to them.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Nehemiah 6:17
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that Nehemiah 6:17 reveals a dangerous internal threat to the rebuilding project. The nobles of Judah carried on a regular correspondence with Tobiah the Ammonite, an enemy of Jerusalem. Gill calls them “false friends” who informed Tobiah of developments and received his advice. Clarke observes that this shows Nehemiah had “enemies without and false friends within.” The Cambridge Bible describes it as “treasonable correspondence” involving even the high priest’s family (see 13:4). Keil explains that the nobles were bound to Tobiah by oath and marriage alliances: Tobiah was son‑in‑law to Shecaniah, and his son Jehohanan had married into the family of Meshullam. These ties, detailed in verse 18, created a network of loyalty that competed with loyalty to Nehemiah and to God’s work. The verb form “multiplying their letters” (Hebrew participle marbim) underscores that this was not a one‑time exchange but ongoing, energetic communication. Despite this internal treachery, God’s work was finished (v. 15), a fact the commentators note as proof of divine sovereignty. The passage invites humility: faithful leaders may face betrayal even from those closest to the cause, yet the work of God is not finally thwarted.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: The nobles of Judah actively and repeatedly corresponded with Tobiah, an enemy of the rebuilding project, because of sworn alliances and family ties, creating a hidden opposition to Nehemiah.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Interpretation of the correspondence | The nobles actively communicated with Tobiah, an enemy of the rebuilding project, during the time the wall was being constructed. | Most see it as deliberate treachery that helped the enemy; a few allow that it could have been an attempt at diplomacy or maintaining family peace. Both readings agree it was at odds with Nehemiah’s purposes. |
| Causes of the nobles’ actions | Marriage ties and sworn oaths (v. 18) bound the nobles to Tobiah. Family connections created a real conflict of interest. | Some emphasize personal gain or fear of Tobiah’s power; others argue the nobles may have believed they were acting in their family’s best interest, not intending to harm Nehemiah. Both see the result as damaging. |
| Effect on Nehemiah’s work | The correspondence made Nehemiah’s task harder by providing the enemy with information and undermining trust. | Some say the letters threatened to stop the work entirely; others note that the work was completed (v. 15) so the impact was limited. Both agree the situation was serious. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Nehemiah governed Judah under Persian imperial authority, charged with rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. The opposition came from regional powers: Sanballat of Samaria, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arab. After fifty‑two days the wall was complete (6:15), a stunning achievement that demonstrated God’s help. But the victory was not total. Tobiah had deep roots in Judahite society through marriage. He was son‑in‑law to Shecaniah, a man of the family of Arah, and his son Jehohanan married the daughter of Meshullam ben Berechiah (6:18). Meshullam is named among the builders in 3:4, 30. Even the high priest Eliashib was later shown to be related to Tobiah (13:4). These alliances created a fifth column of influential Judeans whose family loyalties outweighed their commitment to the common good.
The phrase “sent many letters” indicates formal correspondence carried by messengers. The nobles were not hiding their actions; they were actively communicating with an enemy of the state. Such correspondence could include intelligence about Nehemiah’s plans, attempts to negotiate, or joint schemes to discredit the governor (6:19 reports that they spoke well of Tobiah to Nehemiah and carried Nehemiah’s words back to Tobiah). The ongoing nature of this exchange suggests that the nobles saw Tobiah as a powerful figure worth cultivating, possibly for economic or political advantage. This pattern of compromised leadership appears elsewhere: earlier, the Tekoite nobles refused to “put their necks to the Lord’s work” (3:5). Here, the elite openly favored an adversary. The historical context reminds us that God’s mission proceeds in a world where human loyalties are tangled. Even within a community united by a common task, conflicting allegiances may surface. The wall stood, but the hearts of some remained divided.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for Nehemiah 6:17. The Hebrew text is stable across the major traditions. The verb form “multiplying” (participle) is consistently read, and the designation “nobles” (chor) is clear. Minor differences in English translations (e.g., “sent” vs. “were multiplying”) reflect how the participial construction is rendered, not a textual uncertainty.
Reception History
Since the early modern period, this verse has been read as a vivid example of the “enemy within.” Matthew Henry uses it to illustrate the “trouble created by his enemies” even after the wall is finished, stressing that the faithful leader’s difficulties continue. The Geneva Bible margin simply notes that the princes of Judah corresponded with Tobiah, leaving the shame implicit. In the nineteenth century, Keil and Delitzsch treated the verse as historical evidence of the deep infiltration of the Ammonite party into Judean society. Preachers have often drawn on it to warn congregations against secret alliances with the world, pointing out that family ties and sworn relationships can draw believers into disloyalty. More recently, the passage has been used in discussions of church conflict, highlighting how longstanding relationships can be leveraged by opponents of gospel work. The consistent theme across centuries is that God sees the hidden correspondence and still accomplishes His purposes.
Preaching This Verse
Three‑point outline
- Hidden alliances threaten God’s work from within. The nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, an enemy. Their correspondence was a quiet betrayal.
- Family ties can become spiritual traps. Verse 18 explains the reason: marriage and oath‑bound relationships drew the nobles away from their loyalty to Nehemiah and to God.
- God’s servant must press on despite disloyalty. Nehemiah mentions this correspondence without stopping his work. He entrusts the outcome to God (v. 14).
Five‑point outline
- The Nobles’ Compromise: Why did they write? Family alliances, fear of Tobiah’s influence, and a desire to stay connected to worldly power.
- The Enemy’s Advantage: Tobiah used these letters to gain intelligence, spread false praise, and intimidate Nehemiah (v. 19).
- The Impact on the Community: Internal betrayal hurts more than external attack. It erodes trust and distracts from the mission.
- The Divine Protection: Despite the secret correspondence, the wall was completed (v. 16). God’s sovereignty overrules human duplicity.
- The Call to Examine Our Alliances: Are we more loyal to family, reputation, or security than to God’s kingdom? The nobles’ example warns us.
Illustration hooks
- The project team with a corporate spy. In a busy work environment, one colleague secretly feeds information to a competitor. The project succeeds anyway, but trust is broken.
- A church member who gossips to opponents of the pastor. They report every criticism and carry back rumors, undermining unity while appearing friendly.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why would people who claim to support God’s work turn around and help its enemies?
- How can I tell if my own relationships are pulling me away from loyalty to Christ?
- What do I do when I discover hidden betrayals in my church or family?
Leading a Discussion
This verse sits right after the wall’s completion and before the final summary of Tobiah’s schemes. It shows that finishing a big task doesn’t end the battle. The threat shifted from open attack to quiet infiltration. Use these questions to help your group see the difference between outward success and inward faithfulness.
Discussion questions
- Read Nehemiah 6:15, 19. Why does the writer place the note about the nobles’ letters after the report that the wall was finished?
- What does verse 18 tell us about Tobiah’s connections inside Judah? How would those connections affect Nehemiah’s leadership?
- The Hebrew verb for “sent” in verse 17 is a participle meaning “were multiplying.” Why does the ongoing nature of the correspondence matter for understanding the situation?
- Compare the nobles’ behavior with Nehemiah’s. What would it cost Nehemiah to discover that trusted leaders were in touch with his enemy?
- In what situations today might Christians be tempted to keep one foot in the world and one foot in the church? What are the “letters” we send to the enemy?
- How does knowing that God completed the wall anyway shape your trust in God when you see compromise around you?
- What practical steps can your group take to stay transparent in their loyalties and avoid secret alliances that undermine God’s work?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Nehemiah 3:5 | Next to them, the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles didn’t put their necks to the Lord’s work. |
| Nehemiah 5:7 | Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said to them, “You exact usury, everyone of his brother.” I held a great assembly against them. |
| Nehemiah 13:28 | One of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite; therefore I chased him from me. |
| Micah 7:1 | Misery is mine! Indeed, I am like one who gathers the summer fruits, as gleanings of the vineyard. There is no cluster of grapes to eat. My soul desires to eat the early fig. |
| Micah 7:6 | For the son dishonors the father, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house. |
| Matthew 24:10 | Then many will stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another. |
| Matthew 24:12 | Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
7 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke observes that Nehemiah’s greatest threat came not from open enemies but from treacherous allies within Judah. Jewish nobles secretly corresponded with the Ammonites, and Clarke insists that only Nehemiah’s leadership kept Jerusalem from collapsing. Any other man in charge would have seen the work undone.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator reads "in those days" as covering an extended period of secret, disloyal communication between Tobiah and Jewish nobles who opposed Nehemiah. This correspondence likely reached even the high priest's family, as suggested by a later chapter.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note observes that many leading men in Judah were secretly exchanging letters with Tobiah, Nehemiah's opponent. This reveals an active network of correspondence between Jewish nobles and the enemy, showing that opposition came not only from outside but also from within their own leadership.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights that while Nehemiah was building the wall, Jerusalem's own nobles secretly corresponded with the enemy Tobiah, working against their nation's true interests. Yet the work still succeeded under Nehemiah, which Gill sees as powerful proof that the project was God's doing, not merely human effort.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch stresses that the nobles of Judah who exchanged letters with Tobiah were not trying to reconcile Nehemiah and Tobiah, but were actually playing into Tobiah's hands by reporting Nehemiah's words to him. Their family ties and oaths with Tobiah compromised their loyalty.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange emphasizes that Nehemiah's most dangerous enemies were not the open opponents but false brethren who pretended friendship while serving the enemy. Their aim was to lure him into compromising his great work under the guise of safety or cooperation. Nehemiah's steadfast refusal to "come down" is the model for resisting such enticements.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Matthew Henry highlights that the enemies' boasts of stopping the work collapsed when the wall was finished in just fifty-two days, which humiliated them because they saw God's hand in it. He notes that threats only made the Jews work harder, turning intended harm into motivation.