Nehemiah 7:2-4

International Children’s Bible

² I put my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah, in charge of Jerusalem. Hananiah was commander of the palace. He was honest, and he feared God more than most men. ³ I said to them, “The gates of Jerusalem should not be opened until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are still on duty, have them shut and bolt the doors. Appoint people who live in Jerusalem as guards. Put some at guard posts and some near their own houses.”

The Captives Who Returned

⁴ The city was large and full of room. But there were few people in it. And the houses had not yet been rebuilt.