Nehemiah 4:18

18 And the builders each man having his sword girt upon his loins, and so they built: and the trumpeter with his trumpet next to him.

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 And it came to pass from that day half of them that had been driven forth, wrought the work, and half of them kept guard; and spears, and shields, and bows, and breast-plates, and rulers behind the whole house of Juda,
17 even of them that were building the wall:—and those who carried the burdens under arms: with one hand wrought his work, and with the other held his dart.
18 And the builders each man having his sword girt upon his loins, and so they built: and the trumpeter with his trumpet next to him.
19 And I said to the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work great and abundant, and we are dispersed upon the wall, each at a great distance from his brother.
20 In whatsoever place ye shall hear the sound of the cornet, thither gather yourselves together to us; and our God shall fight for us.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.