Nehemiah 6:1-2 "Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) (2) That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief."
The work of the wall was finished. All that lacked was to set up the gates.
There can be no doubt that Nehemiah and all the men were worn out from their
hard labor. It was imperative to complete the wall; yet the enemy could still
intrude without the gates being in place.
The two interrupters were still active in trying to disrupt the work.
They knew the defence had been set to prevent them from entering the city, so
they went to plan B.
They sent a message to Nehemiah, "Come to us in the plain of Ono."
If we can't get in there, we will bring him into this strange place where we
will have our way. Even the name of the place tells us that Nehemiah should not
go. "Oh no" Nehemiah, do not go to Ono. They want to separate
you from those who are assisting you.
When is a lamb the most exposed, or susceptible, to attack? Is it not
when it is separated from the flock? Where would Nehemiah be the most exposed,
or susceptible, to attack? Would it not have been in the plain of Ono where he
would be facing the enemy alone?
Where are you and I the most exposed, or susceptible, to attack? Is it not
when we separate ourselves from others who are strong in faith? It is most
important for each of us to surround ourselves with others who are strong in
their faith and walk with the Lord. We are wide open to danger when we
try to walk this path called life on our own.