1. Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and our other enemies learnt that I had completely rebuilt the wall. All I lacked was hanging the doors in the gates.
2. Then Sanballat and Geshem sent a message, asking me to meet with them in one of the villages in Ono Valley. I knew they were planning to harm me in some way.
3. So I sent messengers to tell them, “My work is too important to stop now and go there. I can't afford to slow down the work just to visit you.”
4. They invited me four times, but each time I refused to go.
5. Finally, Sanballat sent an official to me with an unsealed letter,
6. which said:A rumour is going around among the nations that you and the other Jews are rebuilding the wall and planning to rebel, because you want to be their king. And Geshem says it's true!
7. You even have prophets in Jerusalem, claiming you are now the king of Judah. You know the Persian king will hear about this, so let's get together and talk it over.