Nehemiah 4:18

18 and everyone who was building kept a sword strapped to their waist. The man who was to sound the alarm on the bugle stayed with me.

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 From then on half of my men worked and half stood guard, wearing coats of armor and armed with spears, shields, and bows. And our leaders gave their full support to the people

17 who were rebuilding the wall. Even those who carried building materials worked with one hand and kept a weapon in the other,

18 and everyone who was building kept a sword strapped to their waist. The man who was to sound the alarm on the bugle stayed with me.

19 I told the people and their officials and leaders, "The work is spread out over such a distance that we are widely separated from one another on the wall.

20 If you hear the bugle, gather around me. Our God will fight for us."