6
So we rebuilt the wall until the entire wall was joined together up to half its [height], for the people had the will to keep working.
7
When Sanballat, Tobiah, and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they became furious.
8
They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw it into confusion.
9
So we prayed to our God and stationed a guard because of them day and night.
10
In Judah, it was said: The strength of the laborer fails, since there is so much rubble. We will never be able to rebuild the wall.
11
And our enemies said, "They won't know or see anything until we're among them and can kill them and stop the work."
12
When the Jews who lived nearby arrived, they said to us time and again, "Everywhere you turn, [they] attack us."
13
So I stationed [people] behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows.
14
After I made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord, and fight for your countrymen, your sons and daughters, your wives and homes."
Sword and Trowel
15 When our enemies realized that we knew their scheme and that God had frustrated it, every one of us returned to his own work on the wall.