Chapters 4 to 6 describe at least nine different tactics that the opposition used to try to stop the work on the walls. They attacked the Jewish people with derision (4:1-6) and designed intimidation (4:7-9). This resulted in difficulties within the Jewish ranks: discouragement (4:10), dread (4:11-23), and deceitful covetousness (5:1-19). When attacks on the people failed to stop the work, the opposition turned to attack their leader, Nehemiah. They tried deal making (6:1-4), disparagement (6:5-9), dangerous threats (6:10-14) and deception (6:17-19); but none of these tactics worked either. Nehemiah proved to be a leader who was “steadfast and immovable” and led his people to finish the work in fifty-two days!