Book of Nehemiah - Chapter 6 - Verse 2

When Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to Nehemiah, inviting him to meet in the plain of Ono, they were not seeking reconciliation or peace. Instead, their true intentions were malicious. They hoped to trick Nehemiah into leaving Jerusalem, where he was overseeing the rebuilding of the city walls. By luring him to a remote location, they planned to harm him and disrupt the work that Nehemiah and his people were carrying out. This verse serves as a reminder that in times of great purpose or important tasks, there will always be those who seek to undermine and obstruct progress. Nehemiah's refusal to meet with Sanballat and Geshem in Ono demonstrates not only his wisdom and discernment but also his unwavering commitment to fulfilling the task that had been entrusted to him.

One of the interesting theological interpretations of the verse from Nehemiah 6:2 lies in the symbolism of the location where Sanballat and Geshem proposed to meet Nehemiah. The village of Ono, located in the plain, holds significance in the story as it represents a place of distraction and temptation for Nehemiah. The word "Ono" itself can be translated to mean "strength" or "vigor," indicating that the enemy sought to weaken Nehemiah by luring him into a compromising situation. Additionally, the fact that Sanballat and Geshem wanted to meet in one of the villages instead of a more public setting could imply their intention to deceive and harm Nehemiah without others knowing. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment and staying vigilant against the schemes of the enemy, even when they come in seemingly harmless forms.