This verse, Nehemiah 6:7, is part of a deceptive letter sent to Nehemiah, attempting to lure him away from the important work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. It's a false accusation disguised as a friendly suggestion. Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"You have also appointed prophets to proclaim of you at Jerusalem, saying, ‘There is a king in Judah!’": This is the core of the accusation. Nehemiah's enemies, Sanballat and Geshem, are accusing him of plotting to become the king of Judah. They're saying he's been hiring prophets to declare him as such. This is a serious charge, as it would be seen as treason against the Persian Empire, which ruled Judah at the time.
"Now it will be reported to the king according to these words.": This is the threat. The enemies are implying that they will report this alleged treason to Artaxerxes, the Persian king. This would put Nehemiah in grave danger.
"Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.": This is the deceitful invitation. The enemies are pretending to want to discuss the matter peacefully and clear up any misunderstandings. However, their real intention is to lure Nehemiah away from his work on the wall. If Nehemiah left the wall, he would become vulnerable to attack or assassination.
In summary, the verse is a false accusation and a veiled threat designed to intimidate Nehemiah and disrupt the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall. Nehemiah's enemies are using the threat of accusations of treason to manipulate him into leaving the safety of Jerusalem and halt the city's defense restoration.
This verse, Nehemiah 6:7, is part of a deceptive letter sent to Nehemiah, attempting to lure him away from the important work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. It's a false accusation disguised as a friendly suggestion. Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"You have also appointed prophets to proclaim of you at Jerusalem, saying, ‘There is a king in Judah!’": This is the core of the accusation. Nehemiah's enemies, Sanballat and Geshem, are accusing him of plotting to become the king of Judah. They're saying he's been hiring prophets to declare him as such. This is a serious charge, as it would be seen as treason against the Persian Empire, which ruled Judah at the time.
"Now it will be reported to the king according to these words.": This is the threat. The enemies are implying that they will report this alleged treason to Artaxerxes, the Persian king. This would put Nehemiah in grave danger.
"Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.": This is the deceitful invitation. The enemies are pretending to want to discuss the matter peacefully and clear up any misunderstandings. However, their real intention is to lure Nehemiah away from his work on the wall. If Nehemiah left the wall, he would become vulnerable to attack or assassination.
In summary, the verse is a false accusation and a veiled threat designed to intimidate Nehemiah and disrupt the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall. Nehemiah's enemies are using the threat of accusations of treason to manipulate him into leaving the safety of Jerusalem and halt the city's defense restoration.