Nehemiah 4:13

13 So I stationed men behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and 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 enemies said, “Before they know or see a thing, we will come into their midst, kill them, and put an end to the work.”

12 At that time the Jews who lived nearby came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.”

13 So I stationed men 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 had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

15 When our enemies heard that we were aware of their scheme and that God had frustrated it, each of us returned to his own work on the wall.