Charles Ellicott Commentary Nehemiah 2:20

"Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem." — Nehemiah 2:20 (ASV)

He will prosper us. —The reply is a defiance in the name of the God of heaven. The closing words imply that, as in the days of Zerubbabel, the Samaritan enemies truly desired to have their share in the undertaking. Nehemiah echoes Zerubbabel’s answer, but strengthens it; they had nothing in common with Jerusalem, not even a place in its memorials, except one of shame.