Nehemiah 6:1-7 ▼

1 When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had completed the wall and that no break remained in it (even though by that time I hadn't yet installed the doors in the gates),

2 Sanballat and Geshem sent word to me, saying |Come, let's meet together at Kephirim on the Ono Plain.| But they were just trying to do me harm.

3 So I sent messengers to them, replying |I am involved in a great endeavor, so I can't leave. Why should the work stop while I leave it to come down to you?|

4 They sent me this message four times, and I answered them the same way.

5 Then Sanballat sent his assistant to me the fifth time. But this time the letter was sent unsealed, and

6 in it was written: It is reported among the nations—and Gashmu confirms this—that you and the Jews are planning a revolt, and that you're rebuilding the wall in order to declare yourself king. According to these reports,

7 you also have appointed prophets to proclaim about you in Jerusalem, |There is a king in Judah!| Since these words are being reported to the king, come and let's meet together.