1
Now it happened, when it was reported to Sanvallat and Toviyah, and to Geshem the `Arvian, and to the rest of our enemies, that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though even to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates;)
2
that Sanvallat and Geshem sent to me, saying, Come, let us meet together in [one of] the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.
3
I sent messengers to them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I can't come down: why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to you?
4
They sent to me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
5
Then sent Sanvallat his servant to me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand,
6
in which was written, It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu says it, that you and the Yehudim think to rebel; for which cause you are building the wall: and you would be their king, according to these words.
7
You have also appointed prophets to preach of you at Yerushalayim, saying, There is a king in Yehudah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.
8
Then I sent to him, saying, There are no such things done as you say, but you feign them out of your own heart.
9
For they all would have made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it not be done. But now, [God], strengthen you my hands.
10
I went to the house of Shemayah the son of Delayah the son of Mehetav'el, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to kill you; yes, in the night will they come to kill you.
11
I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there that, being such as I, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.