In upper case letters, the term “Lord” translates God’s name Yahweh, the name that describes him as the almighty Creator who established a covenant of love with a particular people (Israel) and then remains always faithful to the terms built into that covenant. This is the name that features repeatedly in Israel’s history, including in the exodus from Egypt and their entry into the Promised Land. In lowercase letters, the term Lord
translates a Hebrew term denoting the one who has authority and so denotes an owner or master. With his choice of the word Lord
(instead of “Lord”) Nehemiah is directing the people’s attention to God’s supreme authority, one that extends even over Sanballat and the nations conspiring with him.
14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”