Nehemiah 6:6 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

Bible Comments

It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it. — Nehemiah can quote the very letter, with its dialectical change of Geshem into Gashmu. Sanballat sends Tobiah in his own name, and represents Geshem as circulating a report which, reaching the distant king, would be interpreted as rebellion. It is hinted that the heathen, or the nations, would take the part of the king. And the words of the prophets concerning the future King are referred to as likely to be attributed to Nehemiah’s ambition. Finally, the letter suggests the desirableness of friendly counsel to avert the danger.

Nehemiah 6:6

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.