The term conveys the notion of success, specifically in the sense that someone (the God of heaven
) causes that success to occur. With the use of this term, Nehemiah is saying that he and the people with him are no more than instruments of the God who will now accomplish his purposes. By drawing the enemies’ attention to God, Nehemiah is moving the focus away from politics (are you rebelling against the king?
) to the realm of the greater truth that Israel’s God is enthroned above all kings.
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.”