Nehemiah 6:10-12
‘When I entered the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was confined at home, he said, “Let’s meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let’s close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you, and they are coming to kill you at night.” But I said, “Should a man like me flee? And who is there like me who would go into the temple to save his own life? I will not go in.” Then I realized that God certainly had not sent him, but he uttered his prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.’
We have already discussed how the powers that be were against Nehemiah. They made up lies to discourage him and the builders. He prayed for strength and courage. Today’s passage is more of the same, but more insidious. Shemaiah is bringing in a religious aspect to this. Thus his corruption is greater.
Taking advantage of people by using God and religion is a great evil. There are several reasons for this. One is that they are causing people to have a wrong view of God and His ministers. That’s misrepresenting God and giving Him a bad name. Thus turning some off.
The other reason is that many have a vulnerability when it comes to God. We want to be right with God and when someone comes as a representative or with a message that benefits them, they are in error and are leading people astray. Matthew 18:6,7 says, “but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to the person through whom the stumbling block comes!” The direct victim is the abused child or vulnerable one. However, leading an adult astray is also evil and will be punished.
Now for a personal application, as those attacked spiritually. There are some that seek to lead others astray. All of the cults, including christian cults, mormons, jehovah’s witnesses and so on. The latter act like christians, but have a different gospel. Many are led astray by these. They think they are entering an elite version of christianity.
Then there are those who are doing it for selfish gain. We see an example of this in Acts 8:18-23 , ‘Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could acquire the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Therefore, repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart will be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of unrighteousness.”’ The root of this person’s motive was bitterness and unrighteousness.
Shemaiah sought to lead Nehemiah astray. He was doing it for money. The threat may have rattled him. His message doesn’t seem wrong, to hide in the house of God. Nehemiah saw it as a weak way.
We have to seek God with all our concerns. They may seem right. However, we need to check in with God, “acknowledge Him in all your ways”, (Proverbs 3:6). He will guide us.
Thank You, Lord, for protecting us. Attacks come from all quarters. However, You are the wise one and will help us. Thank You.