Nehemiah 4:7,8

That the breaches began to be stopped That is, the breaches which the Chaldeans had made and left in the walls were well nigh repaired. Then they were very wroth They had flattered themselves with a notion that the work would soon stand still of itself; but when they heard that it went on and prospered, they were angry at the Jews for pushing it forward so hastily, and at themselves for being so slow in opposing it. And conspired all of them together Though of different interests among themselves, yet they were unanimous in their opposition to the work of God. To come and fight against Jerusalem Why? what quarrel had they with the Jews? Had the Jews done them any wrong, or did they design them any? No: they lived peaceably by them; but it was merely out of envy and malice that this Sanballat and his brethren opposed and persecuted them. They hated the piety of the Jews, and were therefore vexed at their prosperity, and sought their ruin. And to hinder it Or, to cause the work to cease, as it is expressed Nehemiah 4:11, which they doubted not but they should be able to effect. The hindering of a good work is that which bad men aim at, and promise themselves; but as a good work is God's work, it shall prosper.