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.
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}.
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;
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,
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.
-
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.
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.
Context
Nehemiah chapter 6 continues the narrative of Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, facing persistent opposition from Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arab (referred to here as Gashmu). Having failed to lure Nehemiah out for a meeting or intimidate the workers, the adversaries resort to a new tactic: false accusation. This verse describes the contents of an open letter sent to Nehemiah, designed to spread rumors and potentially reach the ears of the Persian king, Artaxerxes, thereby halting the construction through political pressure.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The name "Gashmu" here is an alternative spelling or transcription of "Geshem," one of Nehemiah's main opponents, mentioned in Nehemiah 2:19 and Nehemiah 6:1. The phrase "It is reported among the heathen" (or nations) is used to lend credibility to the rumor, suggesting it was widely known, even if it was a lie originating from Geshem himself.
Commentary
This verse details a specific tactic used by Nehemiah's enemies: spreading a damaging rumor and presenting it as a widely accepted fact. The letter, delivered as an open letter (not sealed, implying its contents were meant for public knowledge and humiliation), claims that it is "reported among the heathen" – the surrounding nations – that Nehemiah and the Jews were planning a rebellion. Geshem is explicitly named as the source or confirmer of this report, adding his weight to the lie. The accusation is precise: the purpose of building the wall is not for defense or restoration, but as preparation for a revolt against the Persian Empire, with Nehemiah intending to make himself king. This was a serious charge, as rebellion against the ruling authority could lead to severe consequences, including the immediate cessation of building and potential punishment from King Artaxerxes.
Reflection and Application
Nehemiah's experience with Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem highlights that those undertaking significant work for God often face opposition. This opposition may not always be overt physical threats but can involve subtle tactics like spreading rumors, slander, and false accusations designed to discourage, distract, or delegitimize the work. This verse reminds us that the world may oppose those who follow God's path. When faced with such attacks, like Nehemiah, believers are called to discern the enemy's schemes, not be easily intimidated, and continue faithfully with the task God has given them, often relying on prayer and integrity as defenses, as Nehemiah did throughout the book.