He spoke to the monarch with submission and respect (2:3a), in a straightforward manner (2:3b) rather than using his "positional power".  The king acceded and giving him more than he requested (2:8b, 9). Obviously, he found favour with the king. Why? Possibly, it could it be because he had displayed good attitude and aptitude as a worker? It could also be he had done his homework and asked what he needed (2:7,8a).

Most important reason is that  God answered Nehemiah's prayer. Earlier on, he had prayed to God to grant him divine and human favour (v 10). He acknowledged, "And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me" (2:8b).

He obtained the king's favour when he was given a) Authorization; b) A set time to build; c) Materials d) escort to ensure safe conduct through the unfriendly terrain  country and e) a personal letter of introduction to the governor! The fact he completed rebuilding the walls in 52 days  in spite of obstacles informs us that he had also received God's favour. 

Prayer secured the pagan king's favour and cooperation. It obtained the necessary supplies and protection. Prayer also endowed Nehemiah with courage and wisdom in dealing with adversaries. It imparted to him business shrewdness  and tact in adjusting problems of labor  and wages. It equipped him to deal with wily and crafty officials. It afforded him peace in the midst of slander  and lies. It renewed his faith and optimism (Sanders 1989: 120). 

Prayers work wonders.  God can work through any king regardless of his culture or beliefs (e.g. Cyrus). Finding favour with authorities is important because many governments are secular in nature. Nehemiah found favour with the King because he trusted God. "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God"(Psalm 20:7; NIV).

Opposition from Others

In Nehemiah 2:10, we are told that when Sanballat the Horonite (governor of Samaria), and Tobiah (governor of Ammon) the Ammonite official (and later Gersham too  ) heard of Nehemiah's arrival to rebuild the city gates, they were upset and angry.  They began a campaign to thwart his rebuilding effort.

The question is "Why were Sanballat governor of Samaria and Tobiah governor of Transjordan sought to oppose the rebuilding project of Nehemiah?" After all, they worshipped the same God. Sanballat’s sons Deliah and Shelemiah both contained the short form of Yahweh. Tobiah (the Lord is good) was a believer too.  Was it not a project for the sake of the people's defence?  Some possible reason could be:

• Human jealousy
• Pride hurt because not being consulted
• The idea was not mine

Why Was it not a good thing? A rebuilt wall was a threat to the Samaritan officials who had been in charge of the land since Judah's exile. The increase number of returnees made them angry because they did not want the returnees taking control of the land  and threatening their secure position. Perhaps Sanballat hoped to be the governor of Judah too. The arrival of Nehemiah spoiled his plans and he tried to frighten Nehemiah  by  scorn (4:2; 6:6),  threats (4:8), and bluffs (6:7).       

Surveying the Situation (2:11-16; cf. Luke 14:28-30 )

Nehemiah came to Jerusalem and waited there for three days (2:11).^[1] He surveyed the ruins in the night in silence. "Three days without a word to anyone. No luncheons with city officials, no press conferences, no guided tours around the wall, no fireworks or parade down the main street. Only silence".^[2]  Why? A survey was done in the night most probably to avoid public attention, detection and spies who were jealous of him. What God had put his mind, he decided not to share with too many people perhaps he knew the danger. Some other possible reasons include: to get a first-hand view of the situation objectively and not one clouded by what others wanted him to see;  find out who was working already and in what areas  which would give him a chance to collect his thoughts and devise a plan before plunging into the project.

Fig 3^[1]

Mobilising  and  Motivating the People (2: 17-18a)

But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king (2:17-18a).

Response of the People (2:18b)

They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work  (2:18b). Nehemiah managed to motivate the people to help him rebuild the city walls.

• He presented a need/ challenged them - “see the trouble  we are in!" Note the pronoun used "we" and not "you".  The art of learning to say "we"!
• He persuaded them to help him/ asked for their help  - "Let us build up the wall of Jerusalem". Nehemiah recognized that he needed the help of the people.  He couldn't do it alone. Leaders tend to forget that we are in the people business.  Leaders are where they are because of the people's support.  Even the most gifted and talented leader is handicapped without the moral support of the people.  It grieves my heart to come across some arrogant leaders who challenged their people to leave the organizations if they do not submit to the demands of the  organization. Some will while others remained because they are cowed to submission.
• He convinced them  to them that God's favour was upon him
• He told them that the king had given the authorization. How important for you to be able  to say the "hand of God" is upon you when you start something new? How do you know God’s hand is upon you?  How to be sure? Signs? Wonders? Out of the ordinary?

Nehemiah managed to inspire and influence them to go along with him. That is what Leadership is all about - "influence". You can't tell someone that you have leadership qualities if you cannot inspire, influence, motivate people to follow you. Similarly, you can't tell me you have the gift of preaching when you preach and people fall asleep.  

Opposition's Ridicule (2:19-20)

When God calls you to do something, is everything always smooth sailing? No,  of course as we find out later on. There will be detractors around.

But when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously. “What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” (2:19). 

Sanballat the governor of Samaria attempted to discourage the people and thwart the rebuilding of the broken city walls of Jerusalem (2:10-13:28). Tobiah, an Ammonite official also mocked the rebuilding of the walls  and tried to discourage the people (2:10-13:17). In the end, as Nehemiah prayed and planned, we are told that “God had frustrated their plans  (4:15; REB).

In doing God's work, there will always be obstacles and opposition. There will always be a Sanballat or Tobiah who is critical, negative, discouraging, at times disparaging, casting aspersion on your motive,  and seeking to stop your work for one reason or another. Do you know of a Sanballat or Tobiah in your church?  Are they members of your church or in the diaconate or Church Council? If you do not have, I have  good news coming soon! You will have them sooner or later. Expect opposition and obstacles when you do God's work.

Fig 4^[1]

Nehemiah's  Reply

I replied, “The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall. But you have no share, legal right, or historic claim in Jerusalem” (2:20).

Nehemiah's handling of the opposition or criticism is a classic example of how to do it.  His reply to those who opposed his plan / his person  was  "God of heaven will help us succeed." One plus God equals majority! Ultimately, all success comes from him.  Humans beings may frustrate or hinder God's plan, but ultimately they cannot stop / destroy it in the end. God is in control and in charge.  

How we respond to opposition is important.  You and I have a choice - to be positive or negative. Sometimes opposition can turn out to be God's blessings and give us an opportunity to grow. Through it we become not only a kingdom worker but a warrior. When intimidation and innuendos come, the best recourse is — prayer followed by some soul searching. Trust God that he will vindicate you in the end rather than exacting a revenge.