Nehemiah 4:5
And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders. And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.
The prayer belongs to the history of opposition met in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. That opposition included hidden hostility from professed friends who aided the enemies of God's cause and made the labor heavier for the builders. In stubborn rebellion they set their own wills against what God required.
When hindrance followed hindrance, Nehemiah turned to God in prayer for help. The Lord heard his prayers and opened a way so that the work could go forward. Part of that answer came as God worked through heathen kings to carry out His purpose and meet the need for help.