¹³ So I stationed people behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows.

¹⁶ From that day on, half of my men did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor.^(A) The officers supported all the people of Judah,

²² At that time, I also said to the people, “Let everyone and his servant spend the night inside Jerusalem, so that they can stand guard by night and work by day.” ²³ And I, my brothers, my men, and the guards with me never took off our clothes. Each carried his weapon, even when washing.^[a]