Nehemiah 6:5

KJV

Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;

KJV (with Strong's)

Then sent {H7971} Sanballat {H5571} his servant {H5288} unto me in like manner {H1697} the fifth {H2549} time {H6471} with an open {H6605} letter {H107} in his hand {H3027};

Complete Jewish Bible

The fifth time, with the same purpose, Sanvalat sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand,

Berean Standard Bible

The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter

American Standard Version

Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 6:5 details the escalating and insidious opposition faced by Nehemiah during the final stages of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. This verse marks the fifth attempt by Sanballat, a chief adversary, to deter Nehemiah, this time employing the highly unusual and publicly damaging tactic of sending an "open letter." This act was a deliberate shift from private lures to public defamation, designed to discredit Nehemiah, sow fear among the people, and ultimately halt the divinely appointed work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 6:5 is situated at a critical juncture in the book of Nehemiah, immediately following four previous attempts by Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem to lure Nehemiah away from the wall for a deceptive meeting in the plain of Ono ([Nehemiah 6:1-4](/nehemiah/6-1 "Nehemiah 6:1-4 - Attempts to Lure Nehemiah")). The wall's completion was imminent, intensifying the enemies' desperation and prompting a shift from covert schemes to overt public attacks. This "fifth time" signals a new, more aggressive phase of psychological warfare, setting the stage for the specific accusations detailed in the subsequent verses ([Nehemiah 6:6-7](/nehemiah/6-6 "Nehemiah 6:6-7 - The Accusations of the Open Letter")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold in post-exilic Jerusalem, under the overarching authority of the Persian Empire. Sanballat the Horonite, governor of Samaria, along with Tobiah the Ammonite and Geshem the Arab, represented regional powers whose influence was threatened by a strong, rebuilt Jerusalem. In the ancient Near East, correspondence was typically sealed to ensure privacy and authenticity. An "open letter" was highly unusual and culturally significant, often indicating contempt, a public accusation, or a deliberate attempt to spread rumors and undermine an individual's reputation publicly. Sanballat's choice of this format was a calculated move to bypass private channels and ensure the accusations became widely known, thereby maximizing public pressure and potential for disruption.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Nehemiah. It highlights the **persistent opposition to God's work**, demonstrating that significant spiritual undertakings often attract relentless and escalating resistance. The "open letter" introduces the theme of **psychological warfare and public defamation**, where enemies seek to undermine integrity and sow discord through false accusations. It underscores the theme of **integrity under attack**, as Nehemiah's character and motives are directly assailed. Ultimately, Nehemiah's steadfastness in the face of such tactics reinforces the overarching theme of **God's faithfulness in enabling His people to complete His purposes**, despite formidable human and spiritual adversaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"fifth time" (Hebrew, _hamishit'_):** This phrase is crucial as it emphasizes the relentless and escalating nature of the opposition. It signifies not a random or isolated incident, but a determined, systematic campaign against Nehemiah and the rebuilding efforts. The repeated attempts underscore the enemies' desperation as the wall neared completion, forcing them to resort to increasingly drastic measures.
* **"open letter" (Hebrew, _iggeret petuchah'_):** This is the pivotal detail of the verse. Unlike a sealed letter, which conveyed privacy and respect, an "open letter" was a public document, unsealed and visible to all. Culturally, this format was a deliberate act of public shaming, contempt, or a means to spread rumors and false accusations widely. It was a calculated move to bypass private channels and directly assault Nehemiah's reputation and the morale of the Jewish people, transforming the conflict from a private negotiation into a public spectacle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me":** This clause establishes Sanballat's direct agency and continued leadership in the opposition. The use of a "servant" rather than a peer or a more formal envoy could be interpreted as a deliberate slight, further emphasizing the contemptuous nature of the message and its intended public display.
* **"in like manner":** This phrase refers to the general method of communication—sending a messenger to Nehemiah. However, it contrasts sharply with the *content* and *form* of the message itself, which was distinct from the previous four attempts to lure Nehemiah away for a private meeting. It maintains the continuity of communication while introducing a new, more aggressive tactic.
* **"the fifth time":** This reiterates the unyielding persistence of Nehemiah's adversaries. It highlights their growing desperation as the wall's completion loomed, pushing them to escalate their tactics from subtle deception to overt public slander.
* **"with an open letter in his hand;":** This is the critical element of the verse. The letter being "open" signifies a deliberate shift from private, deceptive invitations to a public, scandalous accusation. The messenger carrying it "in his hand" implies it was meant to be seen and read by others, ensuring the accusations within would be widely disseminated and cause maximum public distress and disruption.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. The phrase "**fifth time**" acts as a form of **repetition** and **escalation**, building tension and emphasizing the relentless nature of the opposition Nehemiah faced. This numerical progression highlights the enemies' increasing desperation and the mounting pressure on Nehemiah. The "open letter" itself serves as potent **symbolism**, representing public shame, malicious intent, and a direct assault on Nehemiah's character and the legitimacy of the rebuilding project. It is also an example of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the scandalous and false accusations that will be revealed in the subsequent verses, thereby preparing the reader for the content of the letter and Nehemiah's steadfast response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 6:5 powerfully illustrates the reality of spiritual warfare and the nature of opposition to God's work. Just as Nehemiah faced relentless, escalating, and often deceptive tactics, believers throughout history and today can expect similar challenges when pursuing God's purposes. The enemy often resorts to public defamation, false accusations, and attempts to undermine integrity, aiming to distract, discourage, and ultimately halt divine initiatives. This verse serves as a crucial reminder that the battle for God's kingdom is not merely against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces that seek to thwart righteousness and truth.

* [Psalm 35:11](/psalms/35-11 "Psalm 35:11 - False Witnesses Rise Up")
* [Matthew 5:11](/matthew/5-11 "Matthew 5:11 - Blessed Are You When Persecuted")
* [2 Corinthians 11:26](/2_corinthians/11-26 "2 Corinthians 11:26 - Dangers Among False Brothers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah's experience with Sanballat's "open letter" offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. When engaged in God's work, we should anticipate various forms of resistance, including public slander, false accusations, and attempts to discredit our character or motives. This verse calls us to cultivate **perseverance** in the face of repeated attacks, refusing to be intimidated or sidetracked by the enemy's schemes. It also emphasizes the need for **discernment**, enabling us to recognize and understand the true nature of the opposition, whether overt threats or subtle slanders. Most importantly, Nehemiah's unwavering focus on the task and his reliance on God remind us to maintain **integrity** and prioritize our divine calling over defending our reputation against baseless charges. Our ultimate vindication comes from God, not from human approval.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "open letters" or public defamation manifest in ministry or personal life today?**
* **How can believers maintain focus on God's work when facing persistent and escalating opposition?**
* **What role does prayer play in responding to false accusations, as exemplified by Nehemiah?**
* **How does understanding the "fifth time" of opposition encourage us to endure in our own spiritual battles?**

### FAQ
**Why was an "open letter" so significant in ancient times?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, important correspondence was almost always sealed to protect its contents and ensure privacy. An "open letter" was highly unusual and carried significant cultural weight. It was typically used for public accusations, messages of contempt, or to deliberately spread rumors and undermine someone's reputation publicly. Sanballat's choice of an open letter was a calculated act of psychological warfare, designed to bypass private negotiation and ensure the scandalous accusations within became widely known, thereby causing maximum public distress and pressure on Nehemiah.

**Who was Sanballat and what was his motivation for opposing Nehemiah?**

Answer: Sanballat the Horonite was the governor of Samaria, a key regional adversary to Nehemiah. His motivation stemmed from a combination of political ambition, jealousy, and a deep-seated opposition to the restoration of Jerusalem's strength and autonomy. A rebuilt and fortified Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership threatened Sanballat's regional influence and control. He consistently sought to undermine the Jewish people's efforts, viewing their success as a direct challenge to his own power and a threat to the status quo. His opposition was ultimately against God's plan for His people.

**What was the content of this "open letter" from Sanballat?**

Answer: While Nehemiah 6:5 only mentions the sending of the letter, the subsequent verses ([Nehemiah 6:6-7](/nehemiah/6-6 "Nehemiah 6:6-7 - Content of the Open Letter")) reveal its scandalous contents. The letter falsely accused Nehemiah of conspiring to rebel against the Persian king Artaxerxes and of intending to declare himself king of Judah. It also claimed that Nehemiah had appointed prophets to proclaim his kingship in Jerusalem. These were extremely serious charges, punishable by death under Persian law, designed to intimidate Nehemiah and force him to abandon the rebuilding project.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's experience with the "open letter" of false accusation and public defamation finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Sanballat sought to discredit Nehemiah through public slander and baseless charges, Jesus Himself faced relentless opposition, false witnesses, and public humiliation throughout His earthly ministry. The religious leaders and Roman authorities conspired against Him, bringing forth false testimonies ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")) and publicly accusing Him of sedition against Caesar ([John 19:12](/john/19-12 "John 19:12 - Pilate's Fear of Caesar")). He was publicly shamed, stripped, mocked, and executed as a common criminal, bearing the ultimate "open letter" of condemnation on the cross, though He was utterly innocent ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Nehemiah's steadfastness and refusal to be sidetracked by the accuser foreshadow Christ's perfect obedience and unwavering focus on fulfilling His Father's will, even unto death. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus disarmed the true accuser of the brethren ([Revelation 12:10](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - The Accuser Cast Down")) and perfectly vindicated Himself, offering redemption and freedom from shame to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 18:26

Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand [it]: and talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that [are] on the wall.

2 Kings 18:28

Then Rabshakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and spake, saying, Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria:

2 Corinthians 2:11

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

2 Corinthians 11:13

For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:15

Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

2 Thessalonians 2:10

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Ephesians 6:11

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.