6:17 In those days the aristocrats of Judah repeatedly sent letters to Tobiah, and responses from Tobiah were repeatedly coming to them. 6:18 For many in Judah had sworn allegiance to him, 1 because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah. His son Jonathan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah. 6:19 They were telling me about his good deeds and then taking back to him the things I said. 2 Tobiah, on the other hand, sent letters in order to scare 3 me.
1 tn Heb “were lords of oath.”
2 tn Heb “my words.”
3 tn Or “to intimidate” (so NIV, NRSV, NLT).