1
Now it came to pass, when Sanaballat, and Tobias, and Gesam the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had built the wall, and there was no opening left therein; ( hitherto I had not set up the doors on the gates;)
2
that Sanaballat and Gesam sent to me, saying, Come and let us meet together in the villages in the plain of Ono. But they plotting to do me mischief.
3
So I sent messengers to them, saying, I am doing a great work, and I shall not be able to come down, lest the work should cease: as soon as I shall have finished it, I will come down to you.
4
And they sent to me to this effect; and I sent them accordingly.
5
Then Sanaballat sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand.
6
And in it was written, It has been reported among the Gentiles that thou and the Jews are planning to revolt: therefore thou art building the wall, and thou wilt be a king to them.
7
And moreover thou has appointed prophets to thyself, that thou mightest dwell in Jerusalem as a king over Juda: and now these words will be reported to the king. Now then, come, let us take counsel together.
8
And I sent to him, saying, It has not happened according to these words, as thou sayest, for thou framest them falsely out of thy heart.
9
For all were trying to alarm us, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from this work, and it shall not be done. Now therefore I have strengthened my hands.
10
And I came into the house of Semei the son of Dalaia the Son of Metabeel, and he was shut up; and he said, Let us assemble together in the house of God, in the midst of it, and let us shut the doors of it; for they are coming by night to slay thee.