They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.
Those who were building the wall and those who were carrying supplies all worked with one hand while holding a weapon in the other hand.
The workers had to stay ready for battle even while doing construction work, showing how they balanced necessary tasks with staying alert to danger.
📚 Historical Context
This took place around 445 BC when Nehemiah was leading the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Jewish people returned from exile in Babylon. The surrounding enemies, including Sanballat and Tobiah, were threatening to attack the workers and stop the rebuilding project. The situation was so dangerous that the workers had to be prepared to fight at any moment while continuing their construction work.
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