Nehemiah 4:18

18 Each of the builders had his sword tied to his side while building. And the man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.

Nehemiah 4:18 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 4:18

For the builders had everyone his sword girded by his side,
and so builded
Thus accoutred he wrought, and was prepared for either service:

and he that sounded the trumpet was by me;
to give the alarm of war, that everyone might lay aside his work, and prepare for the battle: this officer stood by Nehemiah, that when he found it necessary, might give him orders to sound his trumpet, for the men to gather to him.

Nehemiah 4:18 In-Context

16 From that day, half of my servants were working on craftsmanship, half were holding spears, small shields, bows, and breastplates. The commanders were behind the whole house of Judah.

17 The ones who were building the wall and the ones {who carried the materials} were carrying in one hand while doing the task, and with the other hand were grasping a weapon.

18 Each of the builders had his sword tied to his side while building. And the man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.

19 I said to the nobles, to the prefects, and to the rest of the people, "The work is great and widespread, and we are spread out over the wall far from each other.

20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, come together to us there. Our God will fight for us."