John Gill Commentary Nehemiah 4:9

"But we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them." — Nehemiah 4:9 (ASV)

Nevertheless, we made our prayer unto our God Spread their case before him in prayer, entreating direction and help from him:

and set a watch against them day and night, because of them ; to give notice of their approach, that they might prepare to defend themselves; though they prayed to God, and trusted in him for deliverance, they did not neglect the use of means.