Definition: My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Nehemiah 6:14. It’s a really important warning about how leaders should handle situations involving those who are speaking out against God or the authorities. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Nehemiah is worried about potential threats to his people – specifically, Tobiah and Sanballat, as well as Noadiah (a prophetess). He's asking God to think about these individuals and their actions. He’s concerned that these people might try to discourage or even harm him and his community. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat…” : This is the main point – Nehemiah is pleading with God to monitor these individuals closely. He wants God's watchful attention on their activities. “…according to these their works…” : This means he’s asking God to look at what they are doing . It’s not just about their words, but also about their actions – how they behave, what they do, and how they treat others. “…and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets…” : This expands the scope beyond just Tobiah and Sanballat. He's including other important people who are speaking out against injustice or challenging the established order – the prophets. "...that would have put me in fear." : This is the crucial part. Nehemiah believes that if these individuals were actively trying to undermine him, or even threaten his position as leader, it could cause him anxiety and fear. He’s worried about being vulnerable to their attempts to discourage him. What does this mean practically? This verse is a reminder of the importance of: Careful Observation: Leaders should be aware of who is speaking out against them or the established order. Protecting Yourself and Your People: It's wise to anticipate potential threats and take steps to safeguard yourself and your community from harm. Humility & Wisdom: Nehemiah’s concern highlights the importance of wisdom and understanding. It suggests that it’s not enough to just react to problems; you need to be thoughtful about how you respond and what actions might be harmful. In essence, this verse is a call for vigilance, protection, and wise leadership. It's a reminder that God cares deeply about the well-being of those who are speaking truth and that leaders should be aware of potential dangers. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific story or historical context?