Nehemiah 4:7-15

7So I stationed people in the lower places behind the wall in the exposed places. I stationed the people by families with their swords, spears and bows.

8When I looked things over, I rose up and said to the nobles, the rulers and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the great and awesome Lord, and fight on behalf of your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

9Now when our enemies heard that their plan was known to us, and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his work.

10From that day on, half of my men were doing the work, while half of them took hold of the spears, shields, bows and breastplates, and the leaders were behind the entire house of Judah.

11Those building the wall and those bearing heavy burdens kept one hand on the work and the other holding a weapon.

12So each of the builders had his sword strapped to his side while they were building, and the shofar blower was beside me.

13Then I said to the nobles, the rulers and the rest of the people, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from one another on the wall.

14Wherever you hear the sound of the shofar, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”

15So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from dawn until the stars came out.