KJV ORIGINAL
So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
So we worked on the project, and half of our people held spears from sunrise until the stars came out at night.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The workers had to stay armed and ready for battle all day long while they rebuilt Jerusalem's wall, showing their dedication despite constant danger.
📚 Historical Context
Nehemiah was leading the Jews in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls after their return from Babylonian exile around 445 BC. Local enemies like Sanballat and Tobiah were threatening to attack the workers and stop the construction. The situation was so dangerous that the builders had to work with weapons in hand, ready to defend themselves at any moment.
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