John Gill Commentary Nehemiah 4:12

"And it came to pass that, when the Jews that dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times from all places, Ye must return unto us." — Nehemiah 4:12 (ASV)

Ver. 12 And it came to pass, when the Jews that dwelt by them Near Samaria, Arabia, and Ashdod, and had intelligence of their designs:

came, they said to us ten times; that is, they came to them at Jerusalem, and often told them, as this phrase "ten times" signifies, (See Gill on Genesis 31:7),

from all places from where you shall return to us: they will be upon you, come which way you will, so that you are in the utmost danger: or "from all places"; where you are repairing and rebuilding:

return to us; that you may enjoy peace and prosperity with us under Sanballat and escape the wrath and fury you are now exposed to; or "from all places we come, that you may return to us"; so De Dieu; these Jews, though they pretended to be friends, to their brethren, yet seemed to be in friendship with their enemies, and sought to discourage them, and weaken their minds, and cause them to cease building.