13. for I had said to the nobles, the magistrates, and the rest of the people: “Our work is scattered and extensive, and we are widely separated from one another along the wall;
14. wherever you hear the trumpet sound, join us there; our God will fight with us.”
15. Thus we went on with the work, half with spears in hand, from daybreak till the stars came out.
16. At the same time I told the people to spend the nights inside Jerusalem, each with an attendant, so that they might serve as a guard by night and a working force by day.
17. Neither I, nor my kindred, nor any of my attendants, nor any of the bodyguard that accompanied me took off our clothes; everyone kept a weapon at hand.