Progress in Spite of Opposition

4 ^[a]When Sanballat^(A) heard that we were rebuilding the wall,^(B) he became furious. He mocked the Jews^(C)

Attempts to Discourage the Builders

6 When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies^(A) heard that I had rebuilt the wall and that no gap was left in it^(B)—though at that time I had not installed the doors in the gates^(C)—

⁷ For you yourselves know how you must imitate^(A) us: We were not irresponsible among you; ⁸ we did not eat^(B) anyone’s food^[a] free of charge;^(C) instead, we labored^(D) and struggled,^(E) working^(F) night and day, so that we would not be a burden^(G) to any of you. ⁹ It is not that we don’t have the right^(H) to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate^(I) us. ¹⁰ In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.”^(J)