Nehemiah 4:12

12 And it came to pass, that when the Jews that dwelt by them came and told us ten times, out of all the places from whence they came to 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 Juda said: The strength of the bearer of burdens is decayed, and the rubbish is very much, and we shall not be able to build the wall.

11 And our enemies said: Let them not know, nor understand, till we come in the midst of them, and kill them, and cause the work to cease.

12 And it came to pass, that when the Jews that dwelt by them came and told us ten times, out of all the places from whence they came to us,

13 I set the people in the place behind the wall round about in order, with their swords, and spears, and bows.

14 And I looked and rose up: and I said to the chief men and the magistrates, and to the rest of the common people: be not afraid of them. Remember the Lord who is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, and your wives, and your houses.