Nehemiah 4:13

13 I stationed the people behind the deepest part of the wall in the open places according to their 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 Then our enemies said, "They will not know nor see until we come upon them and will kill them and stop the work."

12 When the Jews who lived beside them came, they said to us ten times, "From all of the places where they live, [they will come up] against us."

13 I stationed the people behind the deepest part of the wall in the open places according to their families, with their swords, spears, and bows.

14 And I looked, got up, and said to the nobles, prefects, 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, your daughters, your wives, and your houses."

15 It happened when our enemies heard that their plan was known to us, that God had frustrated [it], and we all returned to the wall--each to his work.