The word translated as held
is the same word used repeatedly in Nehemiah 3:1–32 of workmen who repaired
the broken-down wall. This half of Nehemiah’s personal staff contributed to the repairing of the wall by standing by with weapons in hand, visibly ready for enemy attack. Their readiness permitted their fellow workers to remain focused on the physical rebuilding.
Their weapons partially overlapped the weapons, namely, the spears and bows, given to those stationed in the space behind the wall (Nehemiah 4:13). In addition, Nehemiah’s personal staff carried shields,
disk-shaped defensive armaments made of leather, intended to protect the body from the blows of incoming projectiles (for example, stones). The coats of mail
consisted of small plates of bronze or iron sewn onto cloth or leather and worn over the torso as protection from swords and spears. Their wearing of these coats of mail and carrying of these shields, plus spears and bows, communicated to (distant) observers that the people of Jerusalem were well prepared for attack. Hence, the enemies no longer had the advantage of surprise. Moreover, these young men would be the first to absorb incoming missiles, thus giving the workers (and the people
of Nehemiah 4:13) a chance to prepare for an attack.
16 From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah,