Nehemiah 6:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Faced with the onslaught of his adversaries, Nehemiah visits the home of Shemaiah, believing he is stepping into the abode of a friend and brother. To his dismay, he discovers that Shemaiah is a traitor and foe, having been swayed by the gifts of his enemies and having formed alliances with them. The chosen ones often encounter external assaults and internal apprehensions (2 Cor. 7:5). Not only did the apostles endure peril from outside forces, but the prophets too faced threats from fellow believers and dangers among the Gentiles, as well as from deceitful brethren (2 Cor. 11:26).