Charles Ellicott Commentary Nehemiah 4:1

"But it came to pass that, when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews." — Nehemiah 4:1 (ASV)

Mocked the Jews. — The mockery comes afterwards. Here, as often in Nehemiah, a general statement is made which is afterwards expanded.