The builders were soon beset by more active opposition. They were compelled to guard continually against the plots of their adversaries, who, professing friendliness, sought in various ways to cause confusion and perplexity, and to arouse distrust. They endeavored to destroy the courage of the Jews; they formed conspiracies to draw Nehemiah into their toils; and falsehearted Jews were found ready to aid the treacherous undertaking. The report was spread that Nehemiah was plotting against the Persian monarch, intending to exalt himself as a king over Israel, and that all who aided him were traitors.

Håndværkerne skulle snart møde mere aktiv modstand. De måtte ustandselig være på vagt over for fjendernes anslag. Under en maske af venlighed forsøgte disse på forskellig måde at skabe forvirring og mistillid og vanskeliggøre arbejdet. De søgte at slå modet ned hos jøderne og stifte sammensværgelser for at få Nehemias i deres garn. Det lykkedes dem endog at få nogle forræderiske jøder over på deres side. De satte det rygte i omløb, at Nehemias var ved at gøre oprør imod perserkongen, at han havde planer om at lade sig selv udråbe til konge over Israel, og at alle de, der hjalp ham, var forrædere.