Gashmu saith it . "Gashmu" is probably the native Arabic form of the name which in a Hebrew mouth commonly became "Geshem ." Thou and the Jews think to rebel . Compare Nehemiah 2:19 , and Ezra 4:13 , with the Comment. According to these words . i.e. "Agreeably to what is reported." read more
The letter was “open,” in order that the contents might be generally known, and that the Jews, alarmed at the threats contained in it, might refuse to continue the work. read more
Nehemiah 6:5-6. With an open letter in his hand Before, the message was delivered by word of mouth, but now by letter; yet open, as speaking of a thing commonly known, or in order that every one might see of what he was accused. It is reported among the heathen The neighbouring people, whom you proudly and disdainfully call heathen. And Gashmu saith it Probably the same as Geshem, mentioned Nehemiah 6:1. That thou and the Jews think to rebel Thus he endeavours to possess Nehemiah... read more
The wall completed (6:1-7:73)With the wall nearing completion, the enemies saw that their only hope lay in getting rid of Nehemiah himself. They tried to draw him out into the country where they could murder him, but Nehemiah was aware of their tricks (6:1-4). They then spread rumours, by means of an open letter, that Nehemiah was planning a revolt against Persia, but their efforts came to nothing (5-9).The enemies thought of yet another plan. They tried to make Nehemiah act in a way that would... read more
servant = young man. open letter. That others might read it. read more
Nehemiah 6:5. With an open letter in his hand— Norden tells us, that when he and his company were at Essuaen, an express arrived there, dispatched by an Arab prince, who brought a letter directed to the reys, or master of their bark, enjoining him not to set out with his bark, or carry them any further; adding, that in a day's time he should be at Essuaen, and would there give his orders respecting them. "The letter, however, according to the usage of the Turks," says this author, "was open;... read more
5-9. Then sent Sanballat his servant . . . the fifth time with an open letter in his hand—In Western Asia, letters, after being rolled up like a map, are flattened to the breadth of an inch; and instead of being sealed, they are pasted at the ends. In Eastern Asia, the Persians make up their letters in the form of a roll about six inches long, and a bit of paper is fastened round it with gum, and sealed with an impression of ink, which resembles our printers' ink, but it is not so thick.... read more
4. The attacks against Nehemiah 6:1-14Nehemiah recorded three separate plots the Jews’ enemies instigated to frustrate his effective leadership. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Nehemiah 6:5
An open letter . Letters in the East are usually placed in silken bags, which are then tied up and carefully sealed. An "open letter" invited perusal; and the object of sending this one "open' must have been to create alarm among the Jews, and to excite them against Nehemiah. Compare the conduct of Sennacherib's ambassadors ( 2 Kings 18:27-33 ). read more