Nehemiah 4:13-18 ▼

13 So I stationed the people by families behind the wall in the lower exposed areas, equipping them with their swords, spears, and bows.

14 Looking things over, I stood up and spoke to the officials, the military leaders, and the rest of the people: |Don't fear them. Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord. Fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.|

15 Our opponents heard that we had learned about them, that God had brought their plans to failure, and that each and every one of us had come to work on the wall.

16 From that day on, half of my helpers engaged in the work while the other half kept spears, shields, bows, and armor ready. The senior officials backed all of the Judeans

17 who worked on the wall. Those who carried building materials worked with one hand, carrying a spear in the other.

18 Each builder worked with a sword strapped to his side, while a trumpeter remained beside me to sound an alarm.