Nehemiah 7:2-4

Lexham English Bible

² I gave command over Jerusalem to my brother Hanani and Hananiah the commander of the citadel. For he was a faithful man and feared God more than many. ³ I said to them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot. While they are standing guard let them shut and fasten the doors. And appoint guards from the inhabitants of Jerusalem, one at his post and another opposite his house.” ⁴ The city was widespread and large, but the people in it were few and no houses were rebuilt.