We default to assuming that Nehemiah wants God to hear
his prayer. Though that is undoubtedly accurate, the lack of an object (in the Hebrew) to the verb hear
leaves open the possibility that Nehemiah wants the Lord to listen to Sanballat’s derision and respond in step with his promises (2 Kings 19:14).
4 Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives.