# Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same way the fifth time

Identifying this message separately means it is distinct in some way from the previous four messages and, therefore, should be noted.

# the fifth time

"the 5th time" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

# an open letter

The letter was an unsealed diplomatic communication. This was an insult to the recipient because the courier was free to read it and spread its contents among the people of the region.

# in his hand

This means he had the letter in his possession, but he did not necessarily carry it in his hand at all times. AT: "in his possession" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

# It is reported among the nations

This can be stated in active form. AT: "The rumor in the region is" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

# are planning to rebel

This means that they are planning to rebel against Artaxerxes, the Persian king, who was currently ruling the Jews. AT: "are planning to rebel against Artaxerxes" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/servant]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/letter]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/written]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/report]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/nation]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/jew]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/rebel]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/king]]