Neh 6:5-7 | Clarke | STEP | Verse 5 With an open letter in his hand - This was an insult to a person of Nehemiah's quality: as letters sent to chiefs and governors in the East are always carefully folded up, and put in costly silken bags, and these carefully sealed. The circumstance is thus marked to show the contempt he (Sanballat) had for him.

Nehemiah 6:5-7

Verse 5

With an open letter in his hand - This was an insult to a person of Nehemiah's quality: as letters sent to chiefs and governors in the East are always carefully folded up, and put in costly silken bags, and these carefully sealed. The circumstance is thus marked to show the contempt he (Sanballat) had for him. Verse 6

And Gashmu saith it - You are accused of crimes against the state, and Geshem, the Arabian, is your accuser. Verse 7

Thou hast also appointed prophets - Persons who pretend to be commissioned to preach to the people, and say, Nehemiah reigneth!

Come now therefore, and let us take counsel - Come and justify yourself before me. This was a trick to get Nehemiah into his power.