Definition: So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 4:21. It's a really interesting story about dedication and hard work! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a group of people working very diligently – almost tirelessly – to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They weren’t just doing the work, they were actively labouring – meaning they were putting in a lot of effort and energy. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “So we laboured…” : This means they were working hard, diligently, and with purpose. It wasn’t just casual activity; there was a sense of commitment. “…in the work…” : They were focused on a specific task – rebuilding the walls. “And half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.” This is the key part! It describes what they were doing. Here's what it means: Spears: These are kind of like long, sturdy sticks or poles used for defense and to hold things. Rising of the morning… till the stars appeared: This is a poetic way of saying they worked very early in the day – really early, even before the sun was fully up. The "stars appearing" part suggests they were working late into the night, perhaps monitoring progress or making sure everything was being done correctly. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse paints a picture of immense dedication and perseverance. It’s not just about completing a task; it's about commitment to a long-term goal – rebuilding a city. It highlights the importance of hard work, diligence, and unwavering effort in achieving something significant. In short, this verse tells us that these people were working incredibly hard, and a large portion of them were actively guarding the walls of Jerusalem throughout the night. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Talk about the context of the story in Nehemiah? Discuss the symbolism behind this imagery (like the stars)?