5 Sanballatl sent me this same message a fifth time by his aide, who had an open letter in his hand. 6 In it was written:

It is reported among the nations—and GeshemC,m agrees—that you and the Jews plan to rebel. This is the reason you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king 7 and have even set up the prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf, “There is a king in Judah.”n These rumors will be heard by the king. So come, let’s confer together.

8 Then I replied to him, “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.”o 9 For they were all trying to intimidatep us, saying, “They will drop their hands fromD the work,q and it will never be finished.”

But now, my God, strengthen my hands.r