2 So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages6:2 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads at Kephirim. in the plain of Ono.
But I realized they were plotting to harm me, 3 so I replied by sending this message to them: "I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?"
4 Four times they sent the same message, and each time I gave the same reply. 6 and this is what it said:
"There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem6:6 Hebrew Gashmu, a variant spelling of Geshem. tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king.
8 I replied, "There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing."
9 They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.6:9 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads But now to strengthen my hands.