Nehemiah 4:7–15

7 1Now when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the 2repair of the walls of Jerusalem went on, and that the breaches began to be closed, they were very angry.

8 All of them aconspired together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause a disturbance in it.

Discouragement Overcome

9 But we prayed to our God, and because of them we aset up a guard against them day and night.

10 Thus 1in Judah it was said,

“The strength of the burden bearers is failing,

Yet there is much 2rubbish;

And we ourselves are unable

To rebuild the wall.”

11 Our enemies said, “They will not know or see until we come among them, kill them and put a stop to the work.”

12 When the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times, “1They will come up against us from every place where you may turn,”

13 then I stationed men in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, the 1exposed places, and I astationed the people in families with their swords, spears and bows.

14 When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people: “aDo not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and bfight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.”

15 When our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that aGod had frustrated their plan, then all of us returned to the wall, each one to his work.