John Gill Commentary Nehemiah 2:17

"Then said I unto them, Ye see the evil case that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach." — Nehemiah 2:17 (ASV)

Then said I unto them
The priests and princes of the Jews:

you see the distress that we are in ;
lie open to our enemies, and exposed to their insults:

how Jerusalem lies waste, and the gates thereof are burnt with fire ,
(Nehemiah 1:3) (Nehemiah 2:3Nehemiah 2:13) ,

come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem that we be no more a
reproach ;
to their neighbours about them, who scoffed at them as a defenceless people and frequently came in upon them, and spoiled and plundered them of their goods and substance.