My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

NEHEMIAH 6:14KJV
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Nehemiah 6:14 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 6:14 mean?

Nehemiah 6:14 is Nehemiah’s prayer asking God to remember and judge Tobiah, Sanballat, the prophetess Noadiah, and other prophets for their actions in trying to frighten and oppose him. Nehemiah is not seeking personal revenge but is turning over the matter to God, trusting Him to deal justly with those who tried to undermine his work.

Nehemiah is speaking directly to God after facing opposition from specific people—Tobiah, Sanballat, Noadiah, and other prophets—who tried to intimidate him and stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. This verse shows Nehemiah’s reliance on God’s justice rather than taking matters into his own hands, and it highlights the pressure he faced not only from foreign enemies but also from people within his own community.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 6:14

  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is the common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing Nehemiah’s appeal to the ultimate authority rather than to any human power.
  • "think" (זָכַר, zakar): Often translated as "remember," this word carries the sense of calling something to mind with the intent to act. Nehemiah is asking God not just to recall the wrongs but to respond appropriately.
  • "works" (מַעֲשֶׂה, ma'aseh): This refers to the deeds or actions of Tobiah, Sanballat, and the others. Nehemiah wants God to consider what they have actually done, not just their intentions.
  • "fear" (יָרֵא, yare): This word means to cause dread or terror. Nehemiah’s opponents were trying to intimidate him into stopping his work, and he names this as the core of their wrongdoing.

Why Nehemiah 6:14 matters

  • Nehemiah 6:14 clarifies that opposition to God’s work can come from both outsiders and insiders, including those who claim spiritual authority, like prophets.
  • The verse shows Nehemiah’s humility and faith, as he does not retaliate but instead entrusts justice to God, modeling a response to personal attacks.
  • This prayer highlights the spiritual and psychological tactics used against Nehemiah, revealing the depth of resistance he faced and his determination to stay focused on his mission.