Nehemiah 6:18

18 for many in Judah are sworn to him, for he [is] son-in-law to Shechaniah son of Arah, and Jehohanan his son hath taken 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 and it cometh to pass, when all our enemies have heard, and all the nations who are round about us see, that they fall greatly in their own eyes, and know that by our God hath this work been done.

17 Also, in those days the freemen of Judah are multiplying their letters going unto Tobiah, and those of Tobiah are coming in unto them;

18 for many in Judah are sworn to him, for he [is] son-in-law to Shechaniah son of Arah, and Jehohanan his son hath taken the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah;

19 also, his good deeds they have been saying before me, and my words they have been taking out to him; letters hath Tobiah sent to make me afraid.