Charles Ellicott Commentary Nehemiah 4:17

"They all builded the wall and they that bare burdens laded themselves; every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other held his weapon;" — Nehemiah 4:17 (ASV)

Those who built. —Divided into masons and their burden-bearers. The latter held in one hand a weapon; the former built with both hands and had their weapons at their side.