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 with an apprehension that his undertaking to build the walls of Jerusalem was generally considered as a factious and seditious proceeding, and would be resented accordingly at court. Some of the best men, even in their most innocent and excellent performances, have lain under a similar imputation. That thou mayest be king, according to these words That is, according to these reports; or, according to these things, namely, when these things, which thou art now doing, shall be finished.
Related Commentaries of Nehemiah 6:5
Nehemiah 6:5-6
5 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;
6 Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmua 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.