The work on the wall was completed in less than two months (Nehemiah 6:15). Yet the present paragraph describes Nehemiah’s self-denying approach to his work as governor for the full twelve years of his tenure. The references to the wall show that his self-denying attitude was crucial to the success of the wall-building project. Had Nehemiah, after the wall was complete, begun to use his position to indulge himself (as his predecessors had done), he would have undermined the confession embodied in the rebuilding of the wall, that God is the source of Israel’s defence, food, unity, etc. His fear of God
(= reverence for the God described in Nehemiah 1:5) compelled a lasting lifestyle that demonstrated dependence on this God for all life’s needs.
16 I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work.