The opponents employ tactics of intimidation and deception: "And our enemies said, 'They will not know and will not see us, until we come upon them and kill them and stop the work.'" The opponents' strategy involves a surprise attack designed to kill the builders and halt construction before the community can mount an effective defense. The contemptuous assumption that the Jews will not perceive the approaching threat reflects the opponents' underestimation of Nehemiah's security measures and their belief that the builders are too focused on construction to maintain adequate surveillance. This statement reveals the opponents' intention to use violence and surprise to break the project and demoralize the community.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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