Nehemiah 6:18

18 For there were many in Yehudah sworn to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shekhanyahu the son of Arach; and his son Yehochanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berekhyah as wife.

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 It happened, when all our enemies heard [of it], that all the nations that were about us feared, and were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was worked of our God.

17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Yehudah sent many letters to Toviyah, and [the letters] of Toviyah came to them.

18 For there were many in Yehudah sworn to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shekhanyahu the son of Arach; and his son Yehochanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berekhyah as wife.

19 Also they spoke of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. Toviyah sent letters to put me in fear.