Nehemiah 4:4 (BSB)

Hear us, O God, for we are despised. Turn their scorn back upon their own heads, and let them be taken as plunder to a land of captivity.

From Nehemiah 4. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Nehemiah 4:4

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Nehemiah 4:1-6: Here is, I. The spiteful scornful reflection which Sanballat and Tobiah cast upon the Jews for their attempt to build the wall about Jerusalem. The country rang of it presently; intelligence was brought of it to Samaria, that nest of enemies to the Jews and their prosperity; and here we are told how they received the tidings. 1. In heart.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Nehemiah 4:4: Hear, O our God, for we are despised,.... Here begins the prayer of Nehemiah, who had been informed of what these men said in contempt of him, and his builders, and to whom he sent no answer, but applied to God: and turn their reproach upon their own head; as they have despised and reproached us, let them be despised and reproached by their neighbours...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Nehemiah 4:4: Hear, O our God; for we are despised--The imprecations invoked here may seem harsh, cruel, and vindictive; but it must be remembered that Nehemiah and his friends regarded those Samaritan leaders as enemies to the cause of God and His people, and therefore as deserving to be visited with heavy judgments.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Nehemiah 4:4: Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: (c) This is the remedy that the children of God have against the derision and threatenings of their enemies, to flee to God by prayer. (d) Let them be spoiled and led away captive.