Then I saidto them, "Do not let the gatesof Jerusalembe openeduntilthe sunis hot,and whilethey are standing[guard], let them shutand boltthe doors.Also appointguardsfrom the inhabitantsof Jerusalem,eachat his post,and eachin frontof his own house."
It cameabout that justas it grewdarkat the gatesof Jerusalembeforethe sabbath,I commandedthat the doorsshould be shutand that they should not openthem untilafterthe sabbath.Then I stationedsome of my servantsat the gates[so that] noloadwould enteron the sabbathday.
Afterthem Benjaminand Hasshubcarriedout repairsin frontof their house.Afterthem Azariahthe sonof Maaseiah,sonof Ananiah,carriedout repairsbesidehis house.
then I putHananimy brother,and Hananiahthe commanderof the fortress,in chargeof Jerusalem,for he was a faithfulmanand fearedGodmorethanmany.
Now the citywas largeand spacious,but the peoplein it were fewand the houseswere not built.
Unlessthe LORDbuildsthe house,They laborin vainwho buildit; Unlessthe LORDguardsthe city,The watchmankeepsawakein vain.
For He has strengthenedthe barsof your gates;He has blessedyour sonswithinyou.
"Behold,I sendyou out as sheepin the midstof wolves;sobe shrewdas serpentsand innocentas doves.
