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Nehemiah 4:18

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Nehemiah 4:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.
Nehemiah 4:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Nehemiah 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.
16And it came to pass from that time forth, that half of my servants wrought in the work, and half of them held the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.
17They all builded the wall and they that bare burdens laded themselves; every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other held his weapon;
18and the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.
19And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another:
20in what place soever ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us; our God will fight for us.
21So we wrought in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.
← Nehemiah 4:17Nehemiah 4:19 →
← Full Chapter 4 Nehemiah Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For the builders had everyone his sword girded by his side, and so builded, etc.] Thus accoutred he wrought, and was prepared for either service: and he that sounded the trumpet was by me; to give the alarm of war, that everyone might lay aside his work, and prepare for the battle: this officer stood by Nehemiah, that when he found it necessary, might give him orders to sound his trumpet, for the men to gather to him.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Sounded - To call the people together, when, and where it was necessary. Nehemiah 4:23”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:18-19 Through the trumpeter, Nehemiah could sound the alarm to direct workers to any portion of the wall that might be attacked.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“by his side: Heb. on his loins he that sounded: Num 10:9; Ch2 13:12-17 Nehemiah 4:20”
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Related study paths

Read Nehemiah 4 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification