Gashmu, also known as Geshem, is a figure mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah, specifically in Nehemiah 6:1-6. He is identified as an Arab leader who played a significant role in opposing the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem during the time of Nehemiah. Gashmu's actions are emblematic of the external opposition faced by the Jewish people as they sought to restore their city and religious practices after the Babylonian exile.

Biblical Context

The narrative of Gashmu is set during the period of the Persian Empire, when Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I, was granted permission to return to Jerusalem to oversee the reconstruction of its walls. This was a critical time for the Jewish community, as the walls represented not only physical security but also a restoration of their national identity and religious integrity.

Opposition to Nehemiah

Gashmu is mentioned alongside Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite as key figures in the opposition against Nehemiah's efforts. In Nehemiah 6:1-2 , it is recorded: "When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and that no gap was left in it (though to that time I had not yet installed the doors in the gates), Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: 'Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.' But they were planning to harm me."

Gashmu's involvement in this plot highlights the political and social tensions of the time. The opposition leaders were likely concerned about the re-establishment of Jerusalem as a fortified city, which could threaten their influence and control in the region.

Accusations and Deception

In Nehemiah 6:5-6 , Gashmu is directly named in a false accusation against Nehemiah: "Then Sanballat sent me this same message a fifth time by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter that read: 'It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and that is why you are rebuilding the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king.'"

This accusation was part of a broader strategy to intimidate and discredit Nehemiah, suggesting that his true intention was to rebel against the Persian king. The mention of Gashmu in this context indicates his active participation in the conspiracy to thwart Nehemiah's mission.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Gashmu's identity as an Arab leader reflects the diverse ethnic and political landscape of the region during the Persian period. The Arabs, along with other neighboring groups, had vested interests in the affairs of Judah and Jerusalem. Gashmu's opposition to Nehemiah underscores the broader geopolitical dynamics at play, as various factions sought to maintain their power and influence.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of Gashmu and his opposition to Nehemiah serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges faced by God's people in fulfilling their divine mandate. Despite the external threats and internal pressures, Nehemiah's unwavering faith and leadership exemplify the resilience and determination required to accomplish God's purposes.

Gashmu's role in the narrative ultimately highlights the triumph of divine providence over human schemes, as the walls of Jerusalem were successfully rebuilt, symbolizing the restoration and renewal of the Jewish community in their ancestral homeland.Gashmu

a variation of the name GESHEM. (Nehemiah 6:6) (B.C. 446.)

GASHMU

gash'-mu, gash'-moo (gashmu):

A form of the name GESHEM (which see), found in Nehemiah 6:6 (compare Nehemiah 6:1), "And Gashmu saith it." According to BDB the same termination -u is found in Nabatean proper names.

1654. Geshem -- an opponent of Nehemiah
Geshem or Gashmu. 1653, 1654. Geshem or Gashmu. 1655 . an opponent of
Nehemiah. Transliteration: Geshem or Gashmu Phonetic Spelling ...
/hebrew/1654.htm - 6k

1656. goshem -- rained upon
... Word Origin another reading for gasham, qv Gashmu Definition see NH1654. rained
upon From gasham; equivalent to geshem -- rained upon. see HEBREW gasham. ...
/hebrew/1656.htm - 6k

Heathen Plots
... 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 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 55 heathen plots.htm

Gashmu (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GASHMU. gash'-mu, gash'-moo ... in Nabatean proper
names. Multi-Version Concordance Gashmu (1 Occurrence). ...
/g/gashmu.htm - 7k

Geshem (5 Occurrences)
... Or Gashmu, firmness, probably chief of the Arabs south of Palestine, one of the
enemies of the Jews after the return from Babylon (Nehemiah 2:19; 6:1, 2). He ...
/g/geshem.htm - 9k

Gasp (5 Occurrences)

/g/gasp.htm - 8k

Gashing (1 Occurrence)

/g/gashing.htm - 6k

Revolt (18 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 6:6 in which was written, It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu
says it, that you and the Jews think to rebel; for which cause you are building ...
/r/revolt.htm - 13k

Plotting (13 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 6:6 in which was written, It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu
says it, that you and the Jews think to rebel; for which cause you are building ...
/p/plotting.htm - 9k

Planning (8 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 6:6 in which was written, It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu
says it, that you and the Jews think to rebel; for which cause you are building ...
/p/planning.htm - 9k

Bocheru (2 Occurrences)
... For the ending ("-u"), compare the forms gashmu (Nehemiah 6:1, 6) and melikhu (Nehemiah
12:14 the King James Version and the Revised Version, margin). ...
/b/bocheru.htm - 7k

Buildest (7 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 6:6 Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith
it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest ...
/b/buildest.htm - 8k

Rebel (35 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 6:6 in which was written, It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu
says it, that you and the Jews think to rebel; for which cause you are building ...
/r/rebel.htm - 18k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus