Nehemiah 2:20
“Then I answered them, and said to them, “The God of heaven will prosper us. Therefore we, his servants, will arise and build; but you have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.””
What does Nehemiah 2:20 mean?
Nehemiah is responding to enemies who mocked the Jewish people's plan to rebuild Jerusalem's walls after their exile. His words aren't arrogant boasting, but a declaration of trust: God has already promised to help this work succeed, so they're moving forward with confidence. When he says the opponents have "no portion, nor right, nor memorial" in Jerusalem, he's drawing a clear line between those committed to God's purpose and those working against it, essentially saying this isn't their project to influence or control. For anyone facing opposition to something you believe God is calling you toward, Nehemiah's response shows the quiet strength that comes from resting your confidence in God rather than in winning an argument with critics.