Nehemiah 4:12

12 But it came to pass, that when the Jews who dwelt among them came, they advised us ten times of all the places from which they would come upon us.

Nehemiah 4:12 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 12 And it came to pass, when the Jews that dwelt by them
Near Samaria, Arabia, and Ashdod, and had intelligence of their designs:

came, they said to us ten times;
that is, they came to them at Jerusalem, and often told them, as this phrase "ten times" signifies, (See Gill on Genesis 31:7),

from all places whence ye shall return unto us:
they will be upon you, come which way you will, so that ye are in the utmost danger: or "from all places"; where you are repairing and rebuilding:

return to us;
that ye may enjoy peace and prosperity with us under Sanballat and escape the wrath and fury you are now exposed to; or "from all places we come, that ye may return to us"; so De Dieu; these Jews, though they pretended to be friends, to their brethren, yet seemed to be in friendship with their enemies, and sought to discourage them, and weaken their minds, and cause them to cease building.

Nehemiah 4:12 In-Context

10 And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish so that we are not able to build the wall.

11 And our adversaries said, They shall not know or see until we come in the midst among them and slay them and cause the work to cease.

12 But it came to pass, that when the Jews who dwelt among them came, they advised us ten times of all the places from which they would come upon us.

13 Therefore, I set in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I set the people by families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.

14 Then I looked and rose up and said unto the nobles and to the rulers and to the rest of the people, Do not be afraid of them: remember the Lord, who is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.