Study Desk

Now it came to passe when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies heard, that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein: (though at that time I had not set vp the doores vpon the gates,)

That Sanballat, and Geshem sent vnto me, saying, Come, let vs meet together in some one of the villages in the plaine of Ono: But they thought to doe me mischiefe.

And I sent messengers vnto them, saying, I am doing a great worke, so that I can not come down: why should the worke cease, whilest I leaue it, and come downe to you?

Yet they sent vnto me foure times, after this sort; and I answered them after the same maner.

Then sent Sanballat his seruant vnto me, in like manner, the fifth time, with an open letter in his hand:

Wherein was written; It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu sayth it, that thou and the Iewes thinke to rebell: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their King, according to these words.

And thou hast also appointed Prophets to preach of thee at Ierusalem, saying, There is a King in Iudah. And now shall it be reported to the king, according to these wordes. Come now therefore, and let vs take counsell together.

Then I sent vnto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine owne heart.

For they all made vs afraid, saying, Their handes shall be weakened from the worke that it bee not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.