Nehemiah 4:18

18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside 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 servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and body-armor; and the leaders posted themselves behind the whole house of Judah,

17 who were building the wall. The burden bearers carried their loads in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and with the other held a weapon.

18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.

19 And I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, "The work is great and widely spread out, and we are separated far from one another on the wall.

20 Rally to us wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet. Our God will fight for us."