1)
Why did they mock us?
1.
Rashi: They heard our intent to build the city wall.
2)
Why did they say that they intend to rebel?
1.
Rashi: You want to build the wall in order to rebel against the king.
2.
Malbim: Koresh already commanded to cease building the wall (Ezra 4:21). What is written in the name of the king cannot be retracted. However, [this was not rebellion, for] the king wrote that it will not be built until he authorizes it. If so, the king can retract to give permission. Now they had permission!
