4:1 mocked the Jews. The pagan enemies that surrounded the Jews tried various means to keep them from building the temple. They had failed politically and sociologically (Ezra 5:6,17; 6:6-7; 9:1; 10:11-12). Then, when Nehemiah began work on the wall, they tried discouragement by ridicule (Nehemiah 2:19; 4:1-3), by threat of violence (Nehemiah 4:7-8), and finally by attempted treachery (Nehemiah 6:2). Likewise, the enemies of God’s Word and God’s plan today use political means, compromising infiltration, ridicule, treachery, and finally violent persecution to defeat God’s people. But God still gives victory to those who are faithful to His Word, consistent in His work, and persistent in prayer.