Nehemiah 4:13

13 I set in the lower places behind the wall in exposed places, I even set the people, according to their families, with their swords, their spears and their bows.

Nehemiah 4:13 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 4:13

Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall
Where the wall was lowest, and the enemy could more easily break it down, or get over it:

and on the higher places;
where the wall was higher; or rather on the towers upon the walls, as the word signifies the tops of rocks, which are dry and smooth, see ( Ezekiel 24:2 Ezekiel 24:8 ) .

I even set the people after their families;
according to their rank, number, strength, and valour:

with their swords, their spears, and their bows;
with weapons they could use both near, and at a distance.

Nehemiah 4:13 In-Context

11 And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come into the midst of them and kill them, and put an end to the work.

12 And it came to pass that when the Jews that dwelt by them came and told us so ten times, from all the places whence they returned to us,

13 I set in the lower places behind the wall in exposed places, I even set the people, according to their families, with their swords, their spears and their bows.

14 And I looked, and rose up, and said to the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not afraid of them: remember the Lord who is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your houses.

15 And it came to pass that when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had defeated their counsel, we returned all of us to the wall, every one to his work.