Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 4:18
For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and [so] built. And he that sounded the trumpet [was] by me.
18. For the builders ] R.V. And the builders. Not, as A.V., a fresh explanatory sentence, but a continuation of the foregoing, a description of the other class of those engaged in the work.
his sword girded by his side ] Both hands were occupied in the work of laying the stones, which would be done chiefly by skilful mechanism with pulleys and rollers. The free action of both hands would be requisite. But though thus fully occupied, they were to be armed against a surprise attack. The mention of the ‘sword’ here accounts for its absence in Neh 4:16.
And he that &c.] This is a distinct parenthetical sentence introducing the personal reminiscence. The men were scattered over a large area, and the commands of the governor were to be given by sound of trumpet, so that the alarm could be given to all at the same time.
by me ] i.e. at my side, cf. Neh 4:3. The words imply that Nehemiah was the life and soul of the defence, and that he was untiring in moving from point to point in the wall, superintending the work and directing the disposition for the defence.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
To call the people together, when and where it was fit and necessary.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
For the builders had everyone his sword girded by his side, and so builded,…. Thus accoutred he wrought, and was prepared for either service:
and he that sounded the trumpet was by me; to give the alarm of war, that everyone might lay aside his work, and prepare for the battle: this officer stood by Nehemiah, that when he found it necessary, might give him orders to sound his trumpet, for the men to gather to him.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
18. Every one had his sword girded by his side This was probably literally the case. Swords are not mentioned in Neh 4:16 as among the arms held in readiness by the half of the people that watched while the others worked. Swords could be worn so as not greatly to hinder the workmen in their work.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Neh 4:18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and [so] builded. And he that sounded the trumpet [was] by me.
Ver. 18. For the builders every one had his sword girded by his side ] Heb. on his loins; that is the place for the sword to hang on: Psa 45:3 , “Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty.” And Rev 19:16 , Christ’s name is written upon his vesture, that all may see it, and upon his thigh, where his sword hangs, to show that he won it by his valour. Among the Turks at this day, as the right hand is held uppermost for a scholar, so the left for a soldier; because it gives a man possession of his companion’s sword; though the Turks seldom bear weapons but in travel; and then some of them seem no less like a walking, than these builders did like a working, armoury.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
For = And.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
by his side: Heb. on his loins
he that sounded: Num 10:9, 2Ch 13:12-17
Reciprocal: Neh 4:13 – in the lower places Eze 33:3 – he blow 1Co 14:8 – General
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
WITH SWORD AND TROWEL
The builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.
Neh 4:18-21
The restoration of Gods temple by the armed labourers of Nehemiah is a familiar and noble illustration of the restoration of the spiritual temple, which temple are ye, says St. Paul. Steadfast labour through trouble and hindrance is the method by which at once Gods high purposes are accomplished and His servants disciplined and perfected. We can labour with but one hand, as it were; the other is on the hilt of our sword the while.
I. If we are temples of the Holy Ghost at all, as St. Paul assures us lovingly that we already are, we know this, that we are not perfect, well-built, undefiled shrines.Much is lost, but even in our souls there is a remnant left. The foundations of the first building are yet traceable. If the skyward roof is gone, and the tall and shining pillars lie low, we may yet set our feet on the unstirred marbles of the pavement.
II. But this were poor comfort if this were all.Little would it profit to know how glorious the past had been if we believed that its glory had departed never to return. In the time of Nehemiah it was dawning anew. If the Jews were no more a proud, unbroken race, they were a free people, a ransomed and liberated nation. And to us surely the application is very plain. We too have been set free, not without the strong crying and tears of our Saviour and our Prince, not that we may leisurely enjoy His realm, but be active and able lords of our own, and in His spirit and by our labour restore in ourselves that holiness and glory which we have lost.
III. The rebuilding was a very different scene from the first building.Of old, in profound peace, in wealth, in joy, the Temple, and the kings house, and the city walls had risen higher and higher. Now they laboured sore beset, savage, taunting foes about them and among them. It has been, and it is, even so with us; nor can we expect it otherwise. How far off and how fair is the story of the first foundation of this house of ours! How painful do we daily find the process of its rebuilding! Evil men and evil spirits fain would hinder the restoration of our holy city and of the temple that is in our hearts. Therefore there is but one thing for us to do: we must build our walls sword on side.
IV. Lastly, though this our temple be rebuilding at such disadvantage, in a way so different from its first rise, yet the promise is for us good also, as of old, that the glory of the latter house shall exceed the glory of the former. That shall be more precious which was restored at the price of such trouble and pains than that which was founded in wealth and ease. Man reformed after his fall shall be greater and holier than unfallen man. Redeemed, he shall stand higher than when untempted.
Archbishop Benson.
Illustration
The actual builders needed both hands, and so they had their swords girded by their sides. Gods builders have to fight. Their fighting is to be auxiliary to their building. Our true work is constructive, and when we have to engage in destructive or controversial tasks, we have to take care that we do not lose sight of the real end of all our toils and conflictsthe rearing of the walls of the city of God.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
Neh 4:18. He that sounded the trumpet was by me To give the alarm, and call the people together, when and where it was necessary. It appears by this he was continually with them while they wrought upon the wall.