Nehemiah 6:10-11

NEHEMIAH—NOTE ON Nehemiah 6:10 Shemaiah is not otherwise known, but he may have been a priest, which explains his proposal for a meeting in the temple (perhaps a second meeting from the one mentioned here). confined to his home. This possible translation of a difficult Hebrew word tries to explain why Nehemiah went to this man’s house. It is not clear why he had been confined to his home: perhaps it was meant as a symbolic act suggesting that Jerusalem was surrounded by enemies. within the temple... for they are coming to kill you. This “warning” suggests a plot by Sanballat and other enemies. Shemaiah proposes that Nehemiah simply take refuge in the temple. Nehemiah replies that such an act would be cowardly.