Nehemiah 6:6

KJV

Wherein [was] written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith [it, that] thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherein was written {H3789}, It is reported {H8085} among the heathen {H1471}, and Gashmu {H1654} saith {H559} it, that thou and the Jews {H3064} think {H2803} to rebel {H4775}: for which cause {H3651} thou buildest {H1129} the wall {H2346}, that thou mayest be {H1933} their king {H4428}, according to these words {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

in which was written: "It is reported among the nations, and Geshem says it too, that you and the Judeans are planning a revolt, that this is why you are rebuilding the wall, and that you intend to be their king," and similar words;

Berean Standard Bible

that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king,

American Standard Version

wherein was written, It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel; for which cause thou art building the wall: and thou wouldest be their king, according to these words.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 6:6 details the contents of an unsealed letter sent to Nehemiah by his adversaries, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem (Gashmu). This letter contained a severe and fabricated accusation: that Nehemiah and the Jews were planning a rebellion against the Persian Empire, and that the ongoing construction of the wall was merely a pretext for Nehemiah to declare himself king. This calculated act of slander aimed to halt the rebuilding project by inciting the Persian authorities and publicly discrediting Nehemiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 6 marks a critical escalation in the opposition faced by Nehemiah and the Jewish people as they rebuild Jerusalem's walls. Prior to this, the adversaries—Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem—had attempted ridicule, threats of physical attack, and internal economic pressure (Nehemiah 4-5). In the immediate literary context of Nehemiah 6:1-4, they tried to lure Nehemiah into a meeting outside Jerusalem, intending to harm him. When these direct and deceptive tactics failed, they resorted to a new strategy of political intrigue and false accusation, culminating in the open letter described in this verse (Nehemiah 6:5-7). This is followed by further attempts to undermine Nehemiah through false prophets within Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6:10-14), all designed to stop the divinely ordained work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold during the post-exilic period, with the Jewish people living under the dominion of the vast Persian Empire. The Persians maintained control through a highly centralized government and were notoriously swift and severe in suppressing any hint of rebellion. Accusations of sedition or an intention to establish an independent kingdom were extremely grave charges that could lead to immediate military intervention, the cessation of any project, and harsh punishment for those involved. The "open letter" (Nehemiah 6:5) was a deliberate cultural tactic; unlike a sealed letter meant for private eyes, an unsealed letter was intended for public dissemination, maximizing humiliation and spreading the rumor widely to create public suspicion and potentially reach the ears of the Persian court, thereby forcing their hand. Gashmu (Geshem) was a powerful Arab chieftain, and his alleged corroboration lent a false air of widespread regional consensus to the lie.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Nehemiah. One is the **persistent opposition to God's work**, demonstrating that spiritual endeavors often face concerted resistance from external forces. Another is the insidious nature of **slander and false accusation**, a weapon used by the enemies to discredit Nehemiah and the Jewish community, aiming to undermine their legitimacy and halt the rebuilding project. This tactic echoes similar opposition faced by God's people in other periods, such as the accusations against the Jews in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding the Temple"). Furthermore, the passage highlights the **integrity and steadfastness of godly leadership** under immense pressure, as Nehemiah consistently refuses to be intimidated or distracted from his divine mission, trusting in God's protection and vindication, as seen in his response in [Nehemiah 6:8](/nehemiah/6-8 "Nehemiah 6:8 - Nehemiah's Rebuttal").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gashmu (Hebrew, _Gašmû'_):** This is an alternative spelling or transcription of Geshem, one of Nehemiah's primary antagonists, an Arab chieftain mentioned alongside Sanballat and Tobiah (cf. [Nehemiah 2:19](/nehemiah/2-19 "Nehemiah 2:19 - Nehemiah's Adversaries")). His name is invoked here to lend a false sense of credibility and widespread corroboration to the fabricated report, suggesting that a prominent regional leader confirms the rumor.
* **Rebel (Hebrew, _mārad'_):** This verb signifies to revolt, to be rebellious, or to apostatize. In the context of an imperial power like Persia, an accusation of rebellion was the most severe charge imaginable, implying a direct challenge to the authority of the king and the stability of the empire. It was a capital offense that would warrant immediate and decisive military action.
* **King (Hebrew, _melek'_):** The accusation that Nehemiah intended to make himself "king" was the most incendiary part of the charge. It directly linked the wall-building project to a treasonous plot to usurp imperial authority and establish an independent kingdom. This was a common fear of empires regarding local strongmen, making the accusation highly effective in potentially provoking the Persian court.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherein [was] written, It is reported among the heathen":** This clause introduces the contents of the unsealed letter. The phrase "it is reported among the heathen" (or "nations") is a rhetorical flourish designed to give the false accusation the veneer of widespread acceptance and credibility. It implies that the rumor is not merely a private suspicion but a widely known and believed fact among the surrounding peoples, thereby increasing its perceived weight and urgency.
* **"and Gashmu saith [it, that] thou and the Jews think to rebel":** Here, Gashmu (Geshem) is explicitly named as a corroborating source, adding a false sense of authority and confirmation to the "report." The core accusation is a grave conspiracy: Nehemiah and the Jewish people are plotting a revolt against the mighty Persian Empire. This was a direct and dangerous challenge to their loyalty to King Artaxerxes and a criminal offense punishable by death.
* **"for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.":** This final clause provides the alleged motive for the "rebellion." The enemies claim that the purpose of building the wall is not for defense or restoration of Jerusalem but as a strategic fortification for a new, independent kingdom, with Nehemiah intending to crown himself as its ruler. This was a calculated lie designed to provoke the Persian authorities into immediate action, thereby halting the construction and eliminating Nehemiah.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in this verse is **slander**, which is the malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report intended to damage a person's reputation. The entire content of the letter is a fabricated lie, designed to discredit Nehemiah and incite the Persian authorities against him and the Jewish people. Closely related is the use of **propaganda**, as the enemies present their lie as a widely accepted "report among the heathen" and name Gashmu as a corroborator, aiming to manipulate public opinion and official perception. There is also a subtle **irony** in the accusation; Nehemiah's true intent is to restore Jerusalem under divine commission and Persian decree, but his enemies twist this legitimate act into a treasonous plot, thereby revealing their own malicious intent rather than Nehemiah's.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This passage profoundly illustrates the spiritual warfare inherent in pursuing God's work. The opposition Nehemiah faces is not merely political or personal; it is a manifestation of the enemy's desire to thwart God's redemptive purposes for His people and His city. The tactic of slander and false accusation is a common weapon used against those who faithfully serve God, aiming to demoralize, divide, and discredit them. Such attacks test the leader's integrity and reliance on God, forcing a deeper trust in divine vindication rather than human defense. The steadfastness of Nehemiah in the face of such a serious and public accusation serves as a powerful model for believers today, reminding us that our ultimate vindication comes from God.

* [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 People Revile You")
* [1 Peter 4:14](/1_peter/4-14 "1 Peter 4:14 - Suffering for Christ's Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah's unwavering commitment in the face of such a serious and public accusation serves as a profound model for believers today. When engaged in God's work, we should anticipate opposition, which often takes the insidious form of slander, misrepresentation, and false rumors. This verse challenges us to examine our own responses when our motives are questioned or our character is attacked. Do we become defensive, distracted, or discouraged? Or do we, like Nehemiah, turn to God in prayer, rely on His truth, and remain focused on the task He has given us? It reminds us that our ultimate vindication comes from God, not from winning arguments or clearing our names in the court of public opinion. Our integrity before God and our faithfulness to His call are paramount, even when the world attempts to twist our intentions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when faced with false accusations or slander, especially when doing something good?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my focus remains on God's work, even amidst intense opposition and personal attacks?**
* **How does Nehemiah's example encourage me to trust God for vindication rather than seeking it myself through argumentative defense?**
* **In what ways might the "wall" (my calling or ministry) I am building for God attract similar forms of spiritual opposition today?**

### FAQ
**What was an "open letter" and why was it used?**

Answer: An open letter (or unsealed letter) was a public document, not intended for private reading but for wide circulation. In Nehemiah's time, sealed letters were for private communication, while unsealed ones were meant to be read by anyone. Sanballat sent an open letter to Nehemiah (as noted in [Nehemiah 6:5](/nehemiah/6-5 "Nehemiah 6:5 - Sanballat's Open Letter")) to maximize the spread of the false accusation, publicly humiliate Nehemiah, and incite fear and suspicion among the Jews and potentially the Persian authorities. It was a calculated act of public defamation designed to create a crisis of trust and authority.

**Why was the accusation of Nehemiah becoming "king" so serious?**

Answer: The Persian Empire was a vast and powerful dominion that maintained strict control over its provinces. Any insinuation of rebellion or a local leader declaring himself king was considered an act of high treason, punishable by severe means, including military intervention, destruction of the city, and execution of the leader. This accusation was designed to trigger a swift and harsh response from King Artaxerxes, thereby stopping the wall construction and eliminating Nehemiah. It was a direct challenge to imperial authority, as such claims threatened the stability and control of the empire.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's experience of being falsely accused and slandered for doing God's work profoundly foreshadows the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Just as Nehemiah was accused of seeking a kingdom for himself and inciting rebellion, Jesus was ultimately crucified under the false charge of being "King of the Jews" in opposition to Caesar ([Matthew 27:37](/matthew/27-37 "Matthew 27:37 - The Inscription on the Cross")). Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus faced relentless slander and misrepresentation from religious leaders who accused Him of blasphemy ([Matthew 26:65](/matthew/26-65 "Matthew 26:65 - Accusation of Blasphemy")), being in league with demons ([Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - Accusation of Beelzebul")), and undermining the Law. Yet, like Nehemiah, Jesus remained steadfast, committed to fulfilling the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross. His ultimate vindication came not through self-defense or political maneuvering, but through His resurrection, demonstrating that God Himself defends and exalts those who faithfully carry out His purposes, even in the face of the most egregious false accusations. The suffering of Nehemiah, and indeed all believers who endure slander for righteousness' sake, finds its perfect and redemptive meaning in the suffering of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who was "led like a lamb to the slaughter" without opening His mouth ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")), ultimately conquering sin and death through His obedient sacrifice.

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

Nehemiah 2:19

But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard [it], they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What [is] this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

1 Peter 3:16

¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Ezra 4:12

Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls [thereof], and joined the foundations.

Romans 3:8

And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

1 Peter 2:12

Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

1 Peter 2:13

¶ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

John 19:13

When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.