You have also appointed prophets to proclaim of you at Jerusalem, saying, ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now it will be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let’s take counsel together.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 7. Prophets. This was false; though, no doubt, the true prophets who lived at that time, would promote the laudable undertakings of Nehemias. Bible.—To counteract their influence, the enemies hired Semaia and Noadias, verse 10 and 14.—Together, that thou mayst clear thyself; (Vatab.) or that we may repress these rumors, lest the king should suspect us of any connivance. The first sense appears to be preferable. Nehemias did not take the information as a piece of civility. Calmet.—The enemies left it ambiguous, whether they would not join their forces with his, in case he meant to revolt. Menochius.