4 They sent me a message like this four times, and every time I gave them a similar reply.
5 But the fifth time, Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same way, except that now he carried an open letter.
6 It stated:It is reported among the nations and confirmed by Geshem that you and the Jews intend to rebel. This is why you are rebuilding the wall. According to these reports, you intend to become their king.
7 You have also appointed prophets to make this announcement about you in Jerusalem: There is a king in Judah! Now, the king will hear of these reports, so come; let’s talk together.
8 So I sent him this reply: "Nothing that you say has happened. You are simply inventing this."
9 All of them were trying to make us afraid, saying, "They will be discouraged, and the work won’t get finished." But now, God, strengthen me!
10 Later I went to see Shemaiah, Delaiah’s son and Mehetabel’s grandson, who was confined to his house, and he said:"Let’s meet together in God’s house,inside the temple itself.Let’s shut the doors of the temple,for they are coming to kill you;they are coming to kill you tonight!"