John Gill Commentary Nehemiah 5:16

"Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work." — Nehemiah 5:16 (ASV)

Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall
Of building the wall of Jerusalem; here he gave his constant attendance to direct and encourage the workmen, and see that they kept to their work, and did it well:

neither bought we any land ;
neither he nor the principal men with him, though they could have bought it cheap, but they chose not to take the advantage of the poverty of the people:

and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work :
all were employed in it, taking no wages for their work, being maintained at his expense.