Nehemiah continued to exercise the same caution and prudence that had hitherto marked his course. Knowing that bitter and determined enemies stood ready to oppose him, he concealed the nature of his mission from them until a study of the situation should enable him to form his plans. Thus he hoped to secure the co-operation of the people and set them at work before the opposition of his enemies should be aroused.

Nehemias gik stadig forsigtigt og klogt til værks. Han var klar over, at han ville komme til at kæmpe med forbitrede og hårdnakkede modstandere, og skjulte derfor sit forehavende for dem, indtil han havde sat sig ind i situationen og kunne lægge planer i overensstemmelse med sine iagttagelser. Han håbede derved at kunne sikre sig folkets samarbejde og få dem til at påbegynde arbejdet, før hans fjender satte sig imod det.