Nehemiah 4:18

18 Each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who blew the trumpet 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 that day on, half of my men did the work. The other half were given spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers stationed themselves behind all of the people of Judah.

17 The people continued to build the wall. Those who carried supplies did their work with one hand. They held a weapon in the other hand.

18 Each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who blew the trumpet stayed with me.

19 Then I spoke to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people. I said, "This is a big job. It covers a lot of territory. We're separated too far from one another along the wall.

20 When you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us at that location. Our God will fight for us!"