Nehemiah 6:12

12 I knew that God had not sent him but that Tobiah and Sanballat had paid him to prophesy against me.

Nehemiah 6:12 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 6:12

And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him
Because he advised to that which was against the cause of God and true religion:

but that he pronounced the prophecy against me;
for by fleeing, as he advised, it would seem that he was guilty of the crimes of rebellion and treason he was charged with; and leaving the people, as they would in course break up, he himself could not be long in safety, no, not in the temple:

for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him;
this he found out afterwards, on purpose to intimidate him, and take such measures as that thereby he would lose his character and his influence.

Nehemiah 6:12 In-Context

10 One day I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel. Shemaiah had to stay at home. He said, "Nehemiah, let's meet in the Temple of God. Let's go inside the Temple and close the doors, because men are coming at night to kill you."

11 But I said, "Should a man like me run away? Should I run for my life into the Temple? I will not go."

12 I knew that God had not sent him but that Tobiah and Sanballat had paid him to prophesy against me.

13 They paid him to frighten me so I would do this and sin. Then they could give me a bad name to shame me.

14 I prayed, "My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat and what they have done. Also remember the prophetess Noadiah and the other prophets who have been trying to frighten me."