That we be no more a reproach Exposed to the scorn and insults of the people around about. I told them of the hand of my God, &c. That is, he informed them how favourable God had made the king to him, and what discourse he had had with him, and what authority and commission he had received from him. They said, Let us rise up and build Let us begin and proceed with vigour, diligence, and resolution, as those that are determined to go through with the work. They strengthened their hands Their own and one another's.
Related Commentaries of Nehemiah 2:17
Nehemiah 2:17-18
17 Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress 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.
18 Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.