SEV Biblia, Chapter 4:16
¶ Mas fue que desde aquel día la mitad de los jóvenes trabajaban en la obra, y la otra mitad de ellos tenía lanzas y escudos, y arcos, y corazas; y los príncipes estaban tras toda la casa de Judá.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 4:16
Verse 16. Half-wrought in the work] This is no unusual thing, even in the present day, in Palestine: people sowing their seed are often attended by an armed man, to prevent the Arabs from robbing them of their seed, which they will not fail to do if not protected. Habergeons] In the Franco-Gallic, hautbergon signifies a coat of mall; but as in Teutonic [Teutonic] signifies the neck, and [Teutonic], to cover or defend; it may be considered rather as signifying a breastplate, or armour for the breast.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 16. And it came to pass from that time forth , etc.] That they were thus alarmed of danger from their enemies: that the half of my servants wrought in the work ; of building the wall; his domestic servants, his guards, or mighty men, as Jarchi, men of war, the soldiers: and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows ; some offensive, others defensive weapons; some to fight with at a distance, others near at hand: and the habergeons ; coats of mail, which they took and clothed themselves with: and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah ; the Jews that were working at the wall, to animate and encourage them, protect and defend them.
Ver. 17 They which builded on the wall , etc.] That laid the mortar and stones upon it, and timber where it was necessary: and they that bore burdens ; that carried the mortar, stones, and timber to the builders, and served them: with those that laded ; which prepared the above for them, and laid them on their shoulders: everyone with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon ; which is not to be understood strictly and literally, for without both hands they could not well perform either of the above works; but proverbially, signifying that they were intent on both working and fighting, and were ready and prepared to do the latter, as well as the former, having weapons lying by them, or girt about them, as is explained in the following verse.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 16-23 - We must watch always against spiritual enemies, and not expect that ou 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 neve to have to seek for it, either in our labours, or in our conflicts, a Christians. Every true Christian is both a labourer and a soldier working with one hand, and fighting with the other. Good work is likel 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, neve putting off our armour till our work and warfare are ended; then we shall be welcomed to the rest and joy of our Lord __________________________________________________________________
Original Hebrew
ויהי 1961 מן 4480 היום 3117 ההוא 1931 חצי 2677 נערי 5288 עשׂים 6213 במלאכה 4399 וחצים 2677 מחזיקים 2388 והרמחים 7420 המגנים 4043 והקשׁתות 7198 והשׁרינים 8302 והשׂרים 8269 אחרי 310 כל 3605 בית 1004 יהודה׃ 3063
