15 So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days.
16 When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.
17 Also, in those days the nobles of Judah were sending many letters to Tobiah, and replies from Tobiah kept coming to them. 18 For many in Judah were under oath to him, since he was son-in-law to Shekaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berekiah. 19 Moreover, they kept reporting to me his good deeds and then telling him what I said. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me. (Nehemiah 6:15-19)
Thoughts: The wall around Jerusalem was completed in record time- only fifty two days. it was done despite lack of skill, lack of material, and the frustrations and delays of their enemies. Clearly it was the work of God. A power was at work that was beyond their own- not just to motivate and inspire but to help and strengthen making the work go smoothly and well.
Tobiah means literally "the Lord is good" (Tov Yah). He may have been brought up to be a worshiper of Yahweh. But despite his wanting to control the nobles and politicians of Jerusalem, he had no real love for the people of God, not any desire that God be honored in Jerusalem. Tobiah was related by marriage and had spies on the inside, but sought to make things hard for the people living in Jerusalem in order to elevate himself. Nehemiah saw right through all this- and this is written to show Nehemiah's perception and lack of intimidation. We too should see through to discern what is real and what is not. God had enabled the people to build and enabled Nehemiah to see his threats.
Prayer: Lord, grant me strength and wisdom as Nehemiah and his people had. Protect me from those who wish to intimidate me, and guard my heart.
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