נחמיה, פרק ו׳, פסוק ז׳

A threatening letter arrives, filled with false accusations of treason meant to strike fear into the heart of a leader. The entire message is a direct quotation from this intimidating correspondence [רש״י].

The letter claims that Nehemiah has appointed prophets to speak on his behalf. However, the primary approach among commentators is that this term does not refer to individuals possessing divine inspiration. Rather, it describes highly eloquent speakers and skilled orators. Nehemiah is accused of hiring these persuasive individuals to publicly declare and spread rumors throughout Jerusalem that Judah now has a king, implying that Nehemiah has crowned himself.

Following these severe allegations, the letter outlines the looming danger. It warns that these rumors of rebellion and self-appointment could easily spread and reach the ears of the Persian king. If the king were to hear such claims, it would result in absolute disaster for Nehemiah.

To close the letter, the sender proposes a cunning solution, inviting Nehemiah to meet and consult together. The writer adopts the false persona of a caring and loyal friend looking out for Nehemiah's best interests. Under this guise, he suggests they sit down to strategize how to either cover up the situation or publicly deny the rumors before the Persian king learns of them and takes fatal action [רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד].