Nehemiah 4:18

18 and each builder had his sword fastened to his side. The man who was supposed to sound the trumpet alarm was 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 that day on, half of my men worked on the wall, and the other half were wearing body armor and holding spears, shields, and bows. The leaders stood behind all the Judeans

17 who were rebuilding the wall. The workers who were carrying loads did the work with one hand and held their weapons with the other,

18 and each builder had his sword fastened to his side. The man who was supposed to sound the trumpet alarm was with me.

19 I told the nobles, the leaders, and the rest of the people, "So much work has to be done in different places that we are widely separated from one another on the wall.

20 When you hear the trumpet, assemble around me. Our God will fight for us!"