A Plot Against Nehemiah
By Michael English
Summary: This sketch is a dramatisation of Nehemiah Chapter 6 and illustrates how easy it is to fall into all sorts of traps when we are doing God’s work. It is written for an audience of children and younger teens.
Bible Reference: Nehemiah 6.
Characters: Narrator, Sanballat, Nehemiah, Scribe, Shemaiah.
Props: Scroll and pen for the scribe
Setting: Walls of Jerusalem and Shemaiah’s House. We arranged this by splitting the stage rather than having a scene change.
Narrator: Nehemiah and the Israelites had closed the gaps in the walls of Jerusalem and had nearly finished the work. Their enemies Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem were dead angry that they hadn't been able to stop them so they sent Nehemiah a message:
(Nehemiah is at work fixing the walls of Jerusalem. Sanballat and the scribe are outside, Shemiah is in his house.)
Sanballat: Oy! Nehemiah. Scum bag! We need to talk. Why don't you come down here so we can discuss things? Or are you scared?
Nehemiah: I don't trust you an inch. Anyway, I am doing important work repairing the city. I am not going to let the work stop just to talk to you.
Sanballat: Oy, Nehemiah! Scum bag. Why don't you.... er, it’s the same message but four times over.
Nehemiah: Same message back four times. Fingers crossed, no returns.
Sanballat: Right that does it. This time I'll write an open letter so that everybody can read it. Take this down:
Scribe: (With pen and paper)Yes Sir, Sanballat Sir!
Sanballat: Dear Nehemiah: Geshem tells me he has heard that you have rebuilt the walls because you are intending to revolt. I hear you have planned for some prophets to proclaim you king of Judah. The Emperor of Persia is bound to found out you are revolting cause it’s dead obvious. Why don't you meet with me to discuss the situation?
(The Scribe tries to give the letter to
Nehemiah)
Nehemiah: Nothing of what you say is true. You have made it up yourself. (Prays). Oh Lord God! Make me strong to cope with all this. I'm scared Darius the Persian Emperor may believe that rubbish.
Narrator: Later. Nehemiah went to visit Shemaiah, who was unable to leave his house.
Nehemiah: Hello, Shemaiah. I brought you some grapes, but I appear to have eaten them. Sorry.
Shemaiah: Listen carefully, I will say this only once.
Nehemiah: Hokey, kokey!
Shemaiah: They are out to get you! Hurry! We must go to the new Temple and hide in the Holy Place! We'll be safe there.
Nehemiah: Hang on. I thought you couldn't leave your house. Do you really think I'm the kind of man who would run away and hide? I won't do it. . Sanballat been trying to ruin my reputation. He put you up to this, didn't he?
This script is Copyright 2001 Michael English, All Saints Milton. Permission is given to use this drama in non-profit making church events provided the source is acknowledged. Some editing may be required to suit local conditions. Please let us know if you have any comments.