Just as the enemies’ taunt was spoken publicly to the leadership in attendance (Nehemiah 2:16), so Nehemiah’s response in spoken in the hearing of the public. He had earlier told the people of Jerusalem of the hand of…God that had been upon me for good
(Nehemiah 2:18), a conversation that necessarily would have included Nehemiah’s own understanding of God’s identity (Nehemiah 2:8; Nehemiah 1:5). Though Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem might not understand the depth of the name God of heaven,
Nehemiah’s wider audience most certainly would have grasped that their enemies’ taunting was hollow given the identity of their mighty God. Further, the use of this name at this stage functions as an invitation to Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem to keep their eyes open to see for themselves that this God is more than able to prosper his people’s efforts.
20 Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.”