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.

NEHEMIAH 6:2KJV
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Nehemiah 6:2 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 6:2 mean?

Nehemiah 6:2 describes how Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to Nehemiah, inviting him to meet with them in one of the villages on the plain of Ono, but Nehemiah realized they intended to harm him. The verse shows Nehemiah’s discernment in recognizing a hidden threat behind what seemed like a friendly invitation.

In this scene, Nehemiah is leading the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. Sanballat and Geshem are local opponents who want to stop the work. Their invitation to meet in the plain of Ono, away from Jerusalem, is a trap. Nehemiah’s awareness and caution highlight the dangers he faces, not just from open enemies but from deceptive schemes.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 6:2

  • "Meet" (נִוָּעֲדָה, niwāʿădāh): This word carries the sense of arranging or appointing a meeting, often for a specific purpose. Here, it suggests a formal invitation, but the real purpose is hidden.
  • "Villages" (כְּפָרִים, kəfārîm): This word refers to small settlements, not major towns, emphasizing the secluded and less secure setting of the proposed meeting.
  • "Plain" (בִּכְּפִירֵי עֹ֖נֹו, bi-kəfirē ʾŌnō): The plain of Ono was northwest of Jerusalem, outside the city’s protection, making it a risky place for Nehemiah to go.
  • "Mischief" (רָעָה, rāʿāh): This word means evil, harm, or trouble. Nehemiah understands that their real intention is to do him harm, not to negotiate.

Why Nehemiah 6:2 matters

  • The verse clarifies that opposition to Nehemiah’s work was not always direct; sometimes it came through subtle and deceptive means, requiring wisdom to discern.
  • Nehemiah’s response shows the importance of being alert to hidden dangers, especially when leading or protecting a community.
  • This verse connects to the wider narrative by showing how Nehemiah’s leadership is tested not only by physical threats but also by schemes and plots, underscoring the persistent opposition faced during the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“Geshem” Hebrew H1654 · used in 4 verses

  • Nehemiah 2:19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?
  • Nehemiah 6:1 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;)
  • Nehemiah 6:6 Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu 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.

“Ono” Hebrew H207 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 8:12 The sons of Elpaal; Eber, and Misham, and Shamed, who built Ono, and Lod, with the towns thereof:
  • Ezra 2:33 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.
  • Nehemiah 7:37 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one.

“Sanballat” Hebrew H5571 · used in 10 verses

  • Nehemiah 2:10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.
  • Nehemiah 4:7 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,
  • Nehemiah 6:12 And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

“plain” Hebrew H1237 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • Joshua 12:7 And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions;
  • Ezekiel 3:22 And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.