For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.
Many people in Judah had sworn loyalty to him because he was married to the daughter of Shechaniah (Arah's son), and his son Johanan had married the daughter of Meshullam (Berechiah's son).
This verse explains that Tobiah had influential allies in Judah through his family marriages, which gave him political power and support.
📚 Historical Context
During the time of Nehemiah, the Jewish people were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after returning from Babylonian exile, facing opposition from external enemies and internal dissent. Tobiah, an Ammonite official and adversary of Nehemiah, gained influence among the Jews because of his marriage alliances, such as being the son-in-law of Shechaniah and his son Johanan marrying into another prominent family, as described in this verse. These family ties created divisions that complicated Nehemiah's efforts to restore the city and its defenses.
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