The people were undoubtedly aware of the king’s prohibition published some thirteen years ago, forbidding the reconstruction of the city walls (Ezra 4:21). That awareness would obviously hinder any effort on Nehemiah’s part to awaken enthusiasm among the people for the project. So he deliberately mentions that the king himself has reversed his earlier command. Nehemiah is careful to attribute this development to God’s gracious and sovereign hand.
18 And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.