to come and fight against Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, holds significant religious and political importance as the center of Jewish worship and identity. The enemies' intention to fight against Jerusalem underscores their desire to halt the restoration of the city, which symbolized the re-establishment of Jewish identity and worship. This opposition can be seen as a type of spiritual warfare, prefiguring the ultimate battle between good and evil. The physical attack on Jerusalem can be compared to spiritual attacks on believers, as described in Ephesians 6:12, where the struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.

and create a hindrance
The goal of creating a hindrance was to stop the progress of rebuilding the walls, which were crucial for the protection and stability of Jerusalem. This reflects a common tactic of the enemy to disrupt God's plans and discourage His people. The hindrance can be seen as a metaphor for the obstacles believers face in their spiritual journey. Nehemiah's response to this threat, through prayer and strategic planning, serves as a model for overcoming opposition. This aligns with the New Testament teaching in James 4:7, which encourages believers to resist the devil and stand firm in faith.

Nehemiah notes that every surrounding enemy—Sanballat the Samaritan, Tobiah the Ammonite, the Arabs under Geshem, the Ashdodites, and others—joined forces.

• Scripture shows that opposition to God’s work is often broad-based; see Psalm 2:1-2: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand… against the LORD and against His Anointed.”

• Their unity amplifies the threat, yet it also testifies that the rebuilding was significant enough to alarm them (Nehemiah 2:10, 19).

This was not random harassment; it was a deliberate plan.

• Ezra 4:5 records earlier hired counselors who “frustrated their plans” during temple reconstruction, showing a pattern of carefully organized opposition.

• Acts 4:27-28 echoes the idea: “Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel to conspire against Your holy servant Jesus…” Evil alliances keep surfacing whenever God’s purposes advance.

The enemies intended to move from verbal ridicule to physical presence.

• James 4:7 reminds believers, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The threat to “come” demands readiness but not panic.

• 2 Chronicles 20:1-4 tells of Moabites, Ammonites, and others coming against Judah, prompting immediate prayer—exactly what Nehemiah’s team will do next (Nehemiah 4:9).

Their goal was open conflict, not mere intimidation.

• Ephesians 6:12 clarifies that behind human hostility lies a spiritual battle: “our struggle is not against flesh and blood…”

• Exodus 17:8-13 shows Israel’s first post-Exodus battle with Amalek; victory came through both practical defense and intercession—parallel to the builders’ sword-and-trowel approach (Nehemiah 4:17).

The city represents God’s name and covenant promises; to attack it is to challenge the LORD Himself.

• 2 Kings 19:32-34 records God’s assurance against Assyria: “He will not enter this city… I will defend this city and save it.”

• Revelation 21:2 presents the New Jerusalem as the ultimate, secure dwelling of God with His people, showing the long-range significance of protecting Jerusalem here.

They aimed to stop the wall, derail worship, and discourage the people.

• 1 Thessalonians 2:18, “We wanted to come to you—indeed, Paul wanted again and again—but Satan obstructed us,” highlights that obstruction is a common tactic.

• Galatians 5:7-8 asks, “Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?” Opposition tries to slow or halt obedience, yet God equips His people to persevere.

Nehemiah 4:8 reveals a united, calculated assault intended to halt God’s work in Jerusalem. The enemies’ conspiracy exposes the seriousness of spiritual opposition, yet Scripture consistently shows that such plots cannot override the Lord’s sovereign plan. Recognizing the breadth of the threat, the people will respond with watchful prayer and practical readiness, trusting the same God who still defends His purposes and His people today.

To hinder it.--Rather, to do it hurt.