Overview
Gashmu (also called Geshem) was an Arab official who, along with Sanballat and Tobiah, actively opposed Nehemiah's reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls. When direct intimidation failed, Gashmu spread false rumors claiming Nehemiah planned to rebel against the Persian king. This opposition represents the spiritual resistance believers may face when undertaking God's purposes.
Key Scriptures
"When Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he mocked the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, 'What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore things? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?'" (Nehemiah 4:1-2, ESV).
"Then Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, 'Come and let us meet together in one of the villages in the plain of Ono.' But they intended to do me harm" (Nehemiah 6:2, ESV).
Application
When opposition arises against God's work, remain steadfast in prayer and focused on the task, trusting God's protection rather than being discouraged by false accusations.