translated “to half its height” is somewhat ambiguous, but it probably means the wall was approximately half of its projected height. The unexpected success of these inexperienced workers fires the anger of Sanballat and others who oppose the Jews. We learn now, by the way, that the leaders of Ashdod are part of the conspiracy against the Jews. This means that the Jewish community is completely surrounded by enemies: Ashdod (east, on the Phoenician coast); Ammon (west, in the Transjordan); Sanballat