1. And it came to be when Sanballat, and Toḇiyah, and Geshem the Araḇ, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall, and that there were no breaks left in it – though at that time I had not set up the doors in the gates –
2. that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together in the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to do evil to me.
3. So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, and I am unable to come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and come down to you?”
4. However, they sent me the same word four times, and I answered them the same word.
5. Then Sanballat sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand, the same word, the fifth time.
6. In it was written: Among the nations it has been heard, and Gashmu is saying, that you and the Yehuḏim are planning to rebel, therefore you are rebuilding the wall, and you are to be their sovereign – according to these words.
7. And you have also appointed prophets to proclaim concerning you at Yerushalayim, saying, ‘A sovereign is in Yehuḏah!’ And now these words are heard by the sovereign. Therefore come now, and let us take counsel together.
8. Then I sent to him, saying, “There are no such matters done as you are saying, but you are inventing them in your own heart.”
9. For all of them were making us afraid, saying, “Let their hands slacken for the work, and it not be done.” But now, make my hands strong.