Nehemiah 4:16

It came to pass from that time forth Lest our enemies should repeat their enterprise; that the half of my servants wrought in the work Of my domestic servants, and of my guards, who should have attended upon my own person. And the other half held the spears, the shields, &c. That is, all their weapons: they stood in their arms, prepared for battle. And the rulers were behind all Partly to encourage them in their work, sometimes assisting them with their own hands; and partly to direct and command them in case of an assault.