Finding this scheme unsuccessful, they resorted to a more daring stratagem. Sanballat sent Nehemiah a messenger bearing an open letter which said: "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. . . . And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together."

Da denne plan mislykkedes, fandt de på en mere snedig list, Sanballat sendte en mand hen til Nehemias med et åbent brev, hvori der stod: "Det hedder sig blandt folkene, og Gasjmu bekræfter det, at du og jøderne pønser på oprør; derfor er det, du bygger muren, og at du vil være deres konge. Og du skal endog have fået profeter til i Jerusalem at udråbe dig til konge i Juda. Dette rygte vil nu komme kongen for øre; kom derfor og lad os tales ved!"