Neh 4:7-9 | TNotes | STEP | 4:7 Israel’s enemies from the north ( Sanballat ), the south ( Arabs ), the east ( Ammonites ), and the west ( Ashdodites ) were enraged by the speed and success of Jerusalem’s reconstruction, which threatened these opponents’ political power in the region.

‏ Nehemiah 4:7-9

4:7 ^a Israel’s enemies from the north (Sanballat), the south (Arabs), the east (Ammonites), and the west (Ashdodites) were enraged by the speed and success of Jerusalem’s reconstruction, which threatened these opponents’ political power in the region.
4:9 ^b we prayed ... and guarded: This wise approach to the threat involved both relying on God and doing what was needed.