2 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to throw us into confusion.
3 We prayed to our God and posted a watch against them day and night for fear of what they might do.
4 Meanwhile the Judahites were saying:“Slackened is the bearers’ strength,there is no end to the rubbish;Never will we be ableto rebuild the wall.”
5 Our enemies thought, “Before they are aware of it or see us, we will come into their midst, kill them, and put an end to the work.”
6 When the Jews who lived near them had come to us from one place after another, and had told us ten times over that they were about to attack us,
7 I stationed guards down below, behind the wall, near the exposed points, assigning them by family groups with their swords, spears, and bows.
8 I made an inspection, then addressed these words to the nobles, the magistrates, and the rest of the people: “Do not fear them! Keep in mind the Lord, who is great and to be feared, and fight for your kindred, your sons and daughters, your wives and your homes.”