And what said the Word?
It was clearly laid down in the law of Moses that no man, unless he was a priest, might enter the Holy Place; if he attempted to do so, death would be the penalty.
'The stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.' So Nehemiah bravely answers: 'Should such a man as I flee?
and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life?
I will not go in.' Who is there, that, being as I am--that is, being a layman, not a priest--as I am, could go into the temple and live?
for that is the better translation.

In other words, if I, Nehemiah, who am not a priest, should break the clear command of God, by crossing the threshold of the temple, instead of saving my life I should lose it.

I will not go in.
So failed this dastardly plot to get Nehemiah to sin, in order that his God might desert him.

The sentinel stood unmoved at his post, Nehemiah goes on steadily with his work.

Should such a man as I flee?
And in fifty-two days after its commencement, in less than two months, the wall was finished, vi.