10
But Judah said, "The strength of the burden-bearers is failing, and there is much rubbish; we are not able to work on the wall."
11
And our enemies said, "They will not know or see till we come into the midst of them and kill them and stop the work."
12
When the Jews who lived by them came they said to us ten times, "From all the places where they live they will come up against us."
13
So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows.
14
And I looked, and arose, and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes."
15
When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work.
16
From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail; and the leaders stood behind all the house of Judah,
17
who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were laden in such a way that each with one hand labored on the work and with the other held his weapon.
18
And each of the builders had his sword girded at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.
19
And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, "The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another.
20
In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us."