Matthew Henry Commentary Nehemiah 4:16-23

"And it came to pass from that time forth, that half of my servants wrought in the work, and half of them held the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. 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; and the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me. And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another: in what place soever ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us; our God will fight for us. So we wrought in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared. Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and may labor in the day. So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard that followed me, none of us put off our clothes, every one [went with] his weapon [to] the water." — Nehemiah 4:16-23 (ASV)

We must always watch against spiritual enemies and not expect that our warfare will be over until our work is ended. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit, which we ought always to have at hand and never have to seek it, either in our labors or in our conflicts, as Christians. Every true Christian is both a laborer and a soldier, working with one hand and fighting with the other.

Good work is likely to continue with success when those who labor in it make a business of it. And Satan fears to assault the watchful Christian; or, if attacked, the Lord fights for him. Thus, we must wait until the close of life, never putting off our armor until our work and warfare are ended; then we will be welcomed to the rest and joy of our Lord.