Besides drawing water, the city must begin an urgent building project to strengthen its fortresses. Going into the clay, treading the mortar, and taking hold of the brick mould are all part of the process of building stronger fortification. There is a sense of urgency, even desperation in the instructions. Great effort must be exerted to prepare the city for attack.
14 Draw water for the siege; strengthen your forts; go into the clay; tread the mortar; take hold of the brick mold!