“Later I went to visit Shemaiah son of Delaiah and grandson of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home. He said, ‘Let us meet together inside the Temple of God and bolt the doors shut. Your enemies are coming to kill you tonight.’” Nehemiah 6:10 NLT
Last time we listened in on Nehemiah’s response to Sanballat’s 5th inquiry to meet. Our governor held his ground, pointing out how the reports Sanballat was spreading were made up from his own leb – mind/inner man. Today we see the next phase in our drama.
“Then I met secretly with Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, at his house. He said:
‘Let’s meet at the house of God,
inside The Temple;
Let’s find safety behind locked doors
because they’re coming to kill you,
Yes, coming by night to kill you.'”
(The Message)
“I myself (ani) went into the house of Shemaiah (whose name means ‘Yah hears’)…”
Aren’t you glad Yah hears? This man’s name reflects one of the uniquenesses of our God. Other gods must be manipulated, placated, distracted into answering listening. Ours simply hears. We need only approach Him as the Heavenly Father He is and ask.
“As for me, I call to God,
and the Lord saves me.
Evening, morning and noon
I cry out in distress,
and he hears my voice.” (Ps 55:16-17)
“…the son of Delaiah …”
Shemiah’s father’s name means “Yah has delivered – to draw out / lift up.” The image is drawing water from a well – pulling out and lifting up. Do you ever get down? Does reading the latest news on pretty much anything leave you feeling hopeless? Let Yah draw you out and lift you up. The God of Hope is on the move. And when we can’t see it we take Him at His Word. Light always overcomes darkness. Always. And there are always concrete steps to take in fighting injustice and serving our neighbor.
“…son of Mehetabel…”
Shemiah’s grandfather’s name means “God benefits.” Oh, yes, God benefits. The life of following God can be difficult at times, but life is difficult no matter what. Why not live into the Way of the God Who benefits?
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
Ps. 103: 2-6
“…who was confined, closed up (atsar) in his house. Shemiah said, ‘Let us assemble together (yaad) in the house of Elohim inside the temple (hekal). Let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming (bo) to kill you (destroy, slay). They are coming (bo) to kill you (harag) in the night (layil).'”
This is a tricky situation of which we only see in part if we have Gentile eyes. The temple, the inner sanctuary of God’s House, was only to be entered into by the priests. Most commentators agree Shemaih locked himself in the temple to make Nehemiah think he, too, is in danger. And another suggests not only does Shemiah want the governor to hide himself inside the temple, but also to take possession of it. (source)
What we do when our faith is put to the test reveals our faith. In fear for his life and out of pride, would Nehemiah give in to the idea of saving himself and commandeering more power?
What about us, friends? These times genuinely matter. Our faith is being put to the test even as our politics divide us. Because whatever we most identify with – our gospel or our policy – is what truly has our allegiance. If we are sincere in following the God-Man Who ate with sinners, received children, crossed racial and political boundaries, and laid down His life, the time is now to show it.
If the Spirit of Jesus lives inside you, He will make war with everything that is not of the Kingdom of God. No matter what side of the political spectrum you fall on, the Spirit will come for whatever does not please Him. Oh, let Him have it. Surrender. When push comes to shove and you sense God is asking you to choose between what your political affiliation approves of and the clear message of His Holy Word, choose Him. Choose wisdom and love and goodness and grace. Choose worship and forgiveness and idol smashing and imago dei. It matters, this time. Our choices. Church, rise up. Refuse to be shut behind closed doors or protecting only ourselves and best interests. What a miserable, confining way to live.
As He refines His Bride, let’s emerge through the smoke with a clear and holy vision of His beauty and the glory of His life-sacrificing ways. His Spirit and His Word will guide us.
May we be found faithful.