4:14 fight for your brethren. The Jews at this time had no standing army, nor could they hire mercenaries. Thus they all must be ready to fight for their own families and for their Jewish brethren. With each taking turn, half the men would stand guard while the other half repaired the wall (Nehemiah 4:16). Even those who worked had ready weapons (Nehemiah 4:17-18). Above all, they had faith that their “great and terrible” Lord whom they served, would help them (Nehemiah 4:14). And He did!