Nehemiah 4:18

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 Nehemiah 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. Nehemiah 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.