Nehemiah 6:18

18 For [there were] many in Judah sworn to him, because he [was] the son-in-law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the 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 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard [of it], and all the heathen that [were] about us saw [these things], they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought by our God.

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

18 For [there were] many in Judah sworn to him, because he [was] the son-in-law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.

19 Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. [And] Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.