Nehemiah 6:18

18 For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah.

Nehemiah 6:18 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 6:18

For there were many in Judah sworn unto him
To Tobiah, who not only in a private manner corresponded with him by letters, but bound themselves by an oath to him to be true to his interest, and do as he should advise them:

because he was the son in law of Shechaniah, the son of Arah;
of a family that came up with Zerubbabel from the captivity, ( Ezra 2:5 ) and very probably of considerable note:

and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of
Berechiah;
a very eminent person, concerned in building the wall, ( Nehemiah 3:4 Nehemiah 3:30 ) .

Nehemiah 6:18 In-Context

16 When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and disheartened, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God.

17 Also in those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters kept coming to them.

18 For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah.

19 Moreover, these nobles kept reporting to me Tobiah’s good deeds, and they relayed my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.