16 From that day on, half of my servants carried on the work while half of them held the spears , the shields , the bows and the breastplates ; and the captains were behind the whole house of Judah . 17 Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon . 18 As for the builders , each wore his sword girded at his side as he built , while the trumpeter e stood near me. 19 I said to the nobles , the officials and the rest of the people , "The work is great and extensive , and we are separated on the wall far from one another . 20 "At whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet , rally to us there . Our God will fight for us." 21 So we carried on the work with half of them holding spears from dawn e until the stars appeared . 22 At that time I also said to the people , "Let each man with his servant spend the night within Jerusalem so that they may be a guard for us by night and a laborer by day ." 23 So neither I, my brothers , my servants , nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us removed our clothes , each took his weapon even to the water .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:16-23
Commentary on Nehemiah 4:16-23
(Read Nehemiah 4:16-23)
We must watch always against spiritual enemies, and not expect that our warfare will be over till our work is ended. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit, which we ought to have always at hand, and never to have to seek for it, either in our labours, or in our conflicts, as Christians. Every true Christian is both a labourer and a soldier, working with one hand, and fighting with the other. Good work is likely to go on with success, when those who labour in it, make a business of it. And Satan fears to assault the watchful Christian; or, if attacked, the Lord fights for him. Thus must we wait to the close of life, never putting off our armour till our work and warfare are ended; then we shall be welcomed to the rest and joy of our Lord.