[Verse 1] Nehemiah heard that Jerusalem's remnant Lived under ruin, reproach, and despair. He sat down weeping, confessed through the winter, Then stood before Artaxerxes in prayer. Letters and timber were granted for journey; By night he inspected the breaches alone. Then he called nobles and workers together: "Come, let us build; be no more a reproach." [Work Refrain] Stone in one hand, Sword at the side. Build through the mockery, Watch through the night. Family by family, Gate after gate; The wall rises faster Than enemies' hate. [Verse 2] Sanballat threatened, and Tobiah derided; Plots tried to draw Nehemiah away. False prophets offered a fearful retreat, But he would not hide nor abandon the day. Fifty-two days and the circuit was finished; Nations perceived that the work came from God. [Chorus] The wall was finished, Then the people gathered still. Ezra stood above the assembly, Opened law and read God's will. Levites gave the sense and meaning; Tears ran where the truth was heard. "Grieve not; the joy of the Lord is your strength," They answered the word. [Final Movement] Choirs walked opposite over the ramparts, Cymbals and trumpets made gladness resound. The wall was finished, the covenant renewed, And Jerusalem's joy was heard far around.