1
When it was reported to Sanvalat, Toviyah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and that not a single gap was left in it - although up to that time I hadn't yet set up the doors in the gateways -
2
Sanvalat and Geshem sent me a message which said, "Come, let's meet together in one of the villages of the Ono Valley." But they were planning to do me harm;
3
so I sent them messengers with this message: "I'm too busy with important work to come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to come down to you?"
4
They kept sending this sort of message to me - four times - and I answered them the same way.
5
The fifth time, with the same purpose, Sanvalat sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand,
6
in which was written: "It is reported among the nations, and Geshem says it too, that you and the Judeans are planning a revolt, that this is why you are rebuilding the wall, and that you intend to be their king," and similar words;
7
"moreover, that you have also appointed prophets to proclaim about you in Yerushalayim, 'There is a king in Y'hudah!'A report along these lines is now going to be made to the king. Come now, therefore, and let's discuss this."
8
I sent him this answer; "Nothing like what you are saying is being done. You're making it all up in your head."
9
They were all just trying to scare us, thinking, "This will sap their strength and keep them from working." But now, [God,] increase my strength!