Nehemiah 6:5

Translation
King James Version
Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;
Ask
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;
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
The fifth time, with the same purpose, Sanvalat sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand,
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter
Ask
American Standard Version
Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand,
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
Then Sanballat sent his servant to me the same way the fifth time with an open letter in his hand,
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then sent Sanballat his seruant after this sorte vnto me the fift time, with an open letter in his hand,
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
And Sanballat sendeth unto me, according to this word, a fifth time, his servant, and an open letter in his hand;
Ask
See also
2 Kings 18:262 Kings 18:282 Corinthians 2:112 Corinthians 11:132 Corinthians 11:152 Thessalonians 2:10Ephesians 6:11
See on the biblical-era map
Opposition to the Rebuilding of Jerusalem
Opposition to the Rebuilding of Jerusalem View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 12,407 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Nehemiah 6:5 marks a pivotal escalation in the opposition faced by Nehemiah during the final stages of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. This verse details the fifth and most audacious attempt by Sanballat, a primary adversary, to undermine Nehemiah's leadership and halt the divinely appointed work. By sending an "open letter," Sanballat shifted his strategy from private deception to public defamation, aiming to discredit Nehemiah, sow fear among the Jewish people, and disrupt the imminent completion of the wall through widespread rumor and false accusation.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Nehemiah 6:5 is strategically placed at a critical juncture in the narrative, immediately following four failed attempts by Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem to lure Nehemiah away from the work site for a deceptive meeting in the plain of Ono (Nehemiah 6:1-4). The wall's completion was imminent, intensifying the enemies' desperation and compelling them to abandon covert schemes for overt, public attacks. This "fifth time" signals a significant shift in their psychological warfare, setting the stage for the specific, scandalous accusations that are detailed in the subsequent verses (Nehemiah 6:6-7). It underscores the relentless nature of the opposition as the work approached its triumphant conclusion.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The events described unfold in post-exilic Jerusalem, a province under the dominion of the vast Persian Empire. Sanballat the Horonite, identified as the governor of Samaria, along with Tobiah the Ammonite and Geshem the Arab, represented regional powers whose political and economic influence was directly threatened by the emergence of a strong, fortified Jerusalem. In the ancient Near East, diplomatic and personal correspondence was almost invariably sealed to ensure privacy, authenticity, and respect for the recipient. The act of sending an "open letter" was highly unusual and carried profound cultural significance. It was typically a deliberate act of public contempt, a formal accusation intended for wide dissemination, or a calculated maneuver to spread rumors and publicly undermine an individual's reputation. Sanballat's choice of this unsealed format was a shrewd and calculated move to bypass private channels and ensure his accusations would become widely known, thereby maximizing public pressure, sowing discord, and potentially inciting a revolt against Nehemiah.
  • Key Themes: This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Nehemiah. It vividly illustrates the persistent and escalating opposition to God's work, demonstrating that significant spiritual undertakings often attract relentless and increasingly aggressive resistance. The introduction of the "open letter" highlights the theme of psychological warfare and public defamation, where adversaries resort to false accusations and character assassination to sow discord and undermine integrity. It further emphasizes the theme of integrity under attack, as Nehemiah's character and motives are directly assailed by baseless charges. Ultimately, Nehemiah's steadfastness and unwavering resolve in the face of such tactics reinforce the overarching theme of God's faithfulness in enabling His people to complete His purposes, despite formidable human and spiritual adversaries, and the importance of prayerful reliance on Him, as seen throughout Nehemiah's leadership.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • fifth (Hebrew, chămîyshîy', H2549): This ordinal number emphasizes the relentless and systematic nature of the opposition. It signifies not a random or isolated incident, but the culmination of a determined, escalating campaign against Nehemiah and the rebuilding efforts. The repeated attempts underscore the enemies' growing desperation as the wall neared completion, forcing them to resort to increasingly drastic and public measures.
  • letter (Hebrew, ʼiggereth', H107): Referring to an epistle or written communication, this word is critical in conjunction with "open." While a letter itself is a neutral medium, its form here transforms it into an instrument of public accusation and psychological warfare. It indicates a formal, albeit malicious, attempt to communicate damaging information.
  • open (Hebrew, pâthach', H6605): This word, meaning "to open wide" or "to loosen," is the pivotal detail of the verse. Unlike a sealed letter, which conveyed privacy and respect, an "open" document was unsealed and visible to all. Culturally, this format was a deliberate act of public shaming, contempt, or a means to widely disseminate rumors and false accusations. 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 dispatch 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. It highlights the direct, personal nature of the conflict.
  • "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 distinctly different 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 and escalating desperation of Nehemiah's adversaries. It underscores their growing anxiety as the wall's completion loomed, pushing them to escalate their tactics from subtle deception to overt public slander and intimidation.
  • "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, thereby maximizing its psychological impact.

Literary Devices

Nehemiah 6:5 effectively employs several literary devices to convey the escalating tension and malicious intent. The phrase "the fifth time" acts as a form of repetition and climax, building narrative tension and emphasizing the relentless, systematic nature of the opposition Nehemiah faced. This numerical progression highlights the enemies' increasing desperation and the mounting pressure on Nehemiah as the wall neared completion. The "open letter" itself serves as potent symbolism, representing public shame, malicious intent, and a direct, unsealed assault on Nehemiah's character and the legitimacy of the rebuilding project. It is also a clear example of foreshadowing, hinting at the scandalous and false accusations that will be explicitly revealed in the subsequent verses, thereby preparing the reader for the content of the letter and Nehemiah's steadfast response to this new, more public form of attack.

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, often through the manipulation of human agents and public opinion. It underscores the importance of spiritual discernment and unwavering commitment to God's calling amidst such attacks.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Nehemiah's experience with Sanballat's "open letter" offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers engaged in God's work. When called to serve, we should anticipate various forms of resistance, including public slander, false accusations, and calculated 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 critical need for discernment, enabling us to recognize and understand the true nature of the opposition, whether overt threats or subtle slanders aimed at undermining our reputation or the work itself. Most importantly, Nehemiah's unwavering focus on the task and his immediate reliance on God in prayer remind us to maintain integrity and prioritize our divine calling over defending our reputation against baseless charges. Our ultimate vindication comes from God, who sees all, not from human approval or the cessation of false accusations.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what ways might "open letters" or public defamation manifest in ministry or personal life today, and how should we respond?
  • How can believers maintain focus on God's work when facing persistent and escalating opposition, rather than becoming entangled in distractions?
  • What role does prayer play in responding to false accusations and maintaining spiritual composure, as exemplified by Nehemiah?
  • How does understanding the "fifth time" of opposition encourage us to endure and trust in God's faithfulness 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, ensure privacy, and signify respect for the recipient. An "open letter" was highly unusual and carried immense 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. This public display was intended to damage Nehemiah's credibility and incite fear among the people, potentially leading them to abandon the wall-building project.

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, as it would re-establish a strong Jewish presence that could challenge his authority. 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 existing political status quo. His opposition was ultimately against God's plan for His people to rebuild and flourish.

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) 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, force him to abandon the rebuilding project, and potentially lead to his arrest and execution. Sanballat clearly aimed to use the Persian legal system against Nehemiah.

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) and publicly accusing Him of sedition against Caesar (John 19:12). 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). 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) and perfectly vindicated Himself, offering redemption and freedom from shame to all who believe. His suffering for righteousness' sake provides the ultimate pattern and hope for those who face similar opposition for His name.

Copy as

Commentary on Nehemiah 6 verses 1–9

Two plots upon Nehemiah we have here an account of, how cunningly they were laid by his enemies and how happily frustrated by God's good providence and his prudence.

I. A plot to trepan him into a snare. The enemies had an account of the good forwardness the work was in, that all the breaches of the wall were made up, so that they considered it as good as done, though at that time the doors of the gates were off the hinges (Neh 6:1); they must therefore now or never, by one bold stroke, take off Nehemiah. They heard how well guarded he was, so that there was no attacking him upon the spot; they will therefore try by all the arts of wheedling to get him among them. Observe, 1. With what hellish subtlety they courted him to meet them, not in any city, lest that should excite a suspicion that they intended to secure him, but in a village in the lot of Benjamin: "Come, let us meet together to consult about the common interests of our provinces." Or they would have him think that they coveted his friendship, and would be glad to be better acquainted with him, in order to a good understanding between them and the settling of a good correspondence. But they thought to do him a mischief. It is probable that he had some secret intelligence given him that they designed to imprison or murder him; or he knew them so well that, without breach of charity, he concluded they aimed at his life, and therefore, when they spoke fair, he believed them not. 2. See with what heavenly wisdom he declined the motion. His God did instruct him to give them that prudent answer by messengers of his own: "I am doing a great work, am very busy, and am loth to let the work stand still while I leave it to come down to you," Neh 6:3. His care was that the work might not cease; he knew it would if he left it ever so little; and why should it cease while I come down to you? He says nothing of his jealousies, nor reproaches them for their treacherous design, but gives them a good reason and one of the true reasons why he would not come. Compliment must always give way to business. Let those that are tempted to idle merry meetings by their vain companions thus answer the temptation, "We have work to do, and must not neglect it." Four times they attacked him with the same solicitation, and he as often returned the same answer, which, we may suppose, was very vexatious to them; for really it was the ceasing of the work that they aimed at, and it would make them despair of breaking the undertaking to see the undertaker so intent upon it. I answered them (says he) after the same manner, Neh 6:4. Note, We must never suffer ourselves to be overcome by the greatest importunity to do any thing sinful or imprudent; but, when we are attacked with the same temptation, must still resist it with the same reason and resolution.

II. A plot to terrify him from his work. Could they but drive him off, the work would cease of course. This therefore Sanballat attempts, but in vain. 1. he endeavours to possess Nehemiah with an apprehension that his undertaking to build the walls of Jerusalem was generally represented as factious and seditious, and would be resented accordingly at court, Neh 6:5-7. The best men, even in their most innocent and excellent performances, have lain under this imputation. This is written to him in an open letter, as a thing generally known and talked of, that it was reported among the nations, and Gashmu will aver it for truth, that Nehemiah was aiming to make himself king and to shake off the Persian yoke. Note, It is common for that which is the sense only of the malicious to be falsely represented by them as the sense of the many. Now Sanballat pretends to inform Nehemiah of this as a friend, that he might hasten to court to clear himself, or stay his proceedings, for fear they should be thus misconstrued; at least, upon this surmise, he urges him to give him the meeting - "Let us take counsel together how to quell the report," hoping by this means either to take him off, or at least to take him off from his business. Thus were his words softer than oil, and yet war was in his heart, and he hoped, like Judas, to kiss and kill. But surely in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird. Nehemiah was soon aware what they aimed at, to weaken their hands from the work (Neh 6:9), and therefore not only denied that such things were true, but that they were reported; he was better known than to be thus suspected. 2. Thus he escaped the snare and kept his ground, nor would he be frightened by winds and clouds from sowing and reaping. Suppose it was thus reported, we must never omit known duty merely for fear it should be misconstrued; but, while we keep a good conscience, let us trust God with our good name. But indeed it was not thus reported. God's people, though sufficiently loaded with reproach, yet are not really so low in reputation as some would have them thought to be.

In the midst of his complaint of their malice, in endeavouring to frighten him, and so weaken his hands, he lifts up his heart to Heaven in this short prayer: Now therefore, O God! strengthen my hands. It is the great support and relief of good people that in all their straits and difficulties they have a good God to go to, from whom, by faith and prayer, they may fetch in grace to silence their fears and strengthen their hands when their enemies are endeavouring to fill them with fears and weaken their hands. When, in our Christian work and warfare, we are entering upon any particular services or conflicts, this is a good prayer for us to put up: "I have such a duty to do, such a temptation to grapple with; now therefore, O God! strengthen my hands." Some read it, not as a prayer, but as a holy resolution (for O God is supplied in our translation): Now therefore I will strengthen my hands. Note, Christian fortitude will be sharpened by opposition. Every temptation to draw us from duty should quicken us so much the more to duty.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Nehemiah 6:5 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.