Nehemiah 6:6-13

6In it was written: “It is reported among the nations, and 1Gashmu says, that 2you and the Jews intend to rebel; for that reason you are rebuilding the wall. And you are to be their king, according to these reports. 7You have also appointed prophets to proclaim in Jerusalem concerning 3you, ‘A king is in Judah!’ And now it will be reported to the king according to these reports. So come now, let’s consult together.” 8Then I sent a message to him saying, “Nothing like these things that you are saying has been done, but you are 4inventing them 5in your own mind.” 9For all of them were trying to frighten us, 6thinking, “7They will become discouraged with the work and it will not be done.” But now, 8God, strengthen my hands.

10When I entered the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, 9who was confined at home, he said, “Let’s meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let’s close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you, and they are coming to kill you at night.” 11But I said, “10Should a man like me flee? And who is there like me who would go into the temple 11to save his own life? I will not go in.” 12Then I realized 12that God certainly had not sent him, but he uttered his prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13He was hired for this reason, 13that I would become frightened and act accordingly and sin, so that they might have an evil report in order that they could taunt me.