Charles Spurgeon 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)

It was necessary to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, which had been lying in ruins. They proceeded pretty briskly, for everyone had a mind to work. There never was a good work yet that some did not oppose, and there never will be until the Lord comes. Sanballat heard what the Jews were doing, and he was very angry. He was wroth, and took great indignation. He was consumed with anger that God's work was continuing.