Chapter 5: Swords and Trowels

Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the people of Ashdod all plotted together to march against Jerusalem and create confusion. The threat now came from every direction.

Jews living near the enemies brought warnings to Nehemiah again and again.

JEWS NEAR THE ENEMIES“Wherever you turn, they will attack us.”— Nehemiah 4:12

They said it ten times. Ten times the same warning reached Jerusalem from different directions.

Nehemiah stationed armed men at the lowest, most exposed points of the wall. He posted them by families, with their swords, spears, and bows. Then he stood before the people.

NEHEMIAH“Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”— Nehemiah 4:14

When the enemies learned their plot had been discovered, they pulled back. But the danger did not disappear. From that day forward, everything changed. Half of Nehemiah's men worked on the wall while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and armor. Those who carried materials held their load with one hand and a weapon with the other. Every builder wore a sword strapped to his side while he worked.

Nehemiah set up a trumpet system. The wall stretched wide and the workers were spread far apart. If the enemy struck at any point, the trumpet would sound and everyone would rally to that position.

NEHEMIAH“The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”— Nehemiah 4:19-20

They worked from the first light of dawn until the stars came out. No one went home. No one changed their clothes except to wash. They slept where they stood.