Nehemiah 6:18

18 Many in Judah were bound to him by solemn pledge because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah, Arah's son, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam, Berechiah's son.

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 our enemies heard about this, all of the nations around us were afraid and their confidence was greatly shaken. They knew that this work was completed with the help of our God.

17 In addition, in those days the officials of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah's letters were coming to them.

18 Many in Judah were bound to him by solemn pledge because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah, Arah's son, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam, Berechiah's son.

19 They also kept talking about his good deeds in my presence and then reported back to him what I said. In addition, Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.