6
So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
7
When Sanballat and Tobiah, together with the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were furious,
8
and all of them conspired to come and fight against Jerusalem and create a hindrance.
Discouragement Overcome
9 So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night.
10
Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: “The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.”
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.