Nehemiah 4:17 - Exposition

And they which bare burdens, with those that laded . Rather, " both they which bare burdens, as they laded." The builders, or those engaged upon the work, are divided into two classes—

Of these, the latter did their work with one hand, while in their other hand they held a weapon; the former needed both hands for their employment, but even these wore swords in theft girdles.