Nehemiah 4:19–23

Threats can't stop the work

Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. 20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”

21 So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. 22 At that time I also said to the people, “Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve as guards by night and workmen by day.” 23 Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.

Those who commuted to Jerusalem for the work were now to stay in the city to provide a greater force against night attacks. This would also cut down on traffic in and out of the city at dawn and dusk and so reduce the risk of infiltration. With these precautions, the Jews seemed to have beaten the enemies outside Jerusalem. Sad to say, the enemy within was just as dangerous. ...