This section evokes a familiar cycle: work is begun, opposition arises, and the work resumes. This cycle has been repeated several times in Ezra and Nehemiah. In some ways, it reflects our experience in life. We begin a project, something comes up to stop it, then we resume work and complete the job. The people in Jerusalem must have been frustrated at times. Perhaps some even wondered if the Lord was still on their side. However, despite the opposition, the city walls were rebuilt. The Lord was faithful to His promise. The city gained protection from her enemies.

Nehemiah 3–4 describes the rebuilding of the walls and the gates. It also lists the individuals and families who partook in the rebuilding. Note that chapter 3 begins with the work of the priests and ends with the work of the goldsmiths (v. 32). Again, the efforts of all these individuals show how the Lord stirred up His people to restore Jerusalem.