King James Version
What Does Nehemiah 6:2 Mean?
“That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.”
Context
1
Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)
2
That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.
3
And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
4
Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(2) **Sanballat and Geshem.**—In the original of Nehemiah 6:1, Tobiah is not distinguished from Sanballat by another preposition, as Geshem is; and here he is omitted, as not to appear in the conference otherwise than as Sanballat’s secretary.
**In some one of the villages in the plain of Ono.**—Probably, *in Hahkiphirem,* the name of a village in the plain of Ono, which was on the borders of Philistia, more than twenty miles from Jerusalem.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Nehemiah 6:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Nehemiah 6:2
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge