Nehemiah 4:18, commentary and pictures

Every builder had his sword girded by his side as he built the wall of Jerusalem, so the rebuilding went forward in the midst of danger while each worker stayed ready to defend himself and the work against enemies. This is described as building with one hand while fighting with the other. The man who sounded the trumpet remained by Nehemiah to give the alarm, while priests bearing sacred trumpets were stationed at different parts of the wall. At their signal the people were to come without delay to the place in danger, so that all could respond together at the threatened point. That trumpet call also signified that God would fight for them.

Work that advances the kingdom of Christ meets opposition and therefore requires building while resisting it, with perseverance and readiness to resist attacks upon the truth. It requires keeping on through difficulty and discouragement while armed against hindrance. For builders of Christ's church, to work with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other means both to build up the temple of God and to tear down and fight against bigotry, prejudice, violence, and false foundations. Paul and his fellow workers thus build living stones of converted Jews and Gentiles upon Christ while contending continually against opposition that hinders the work. Stone after stone is still added until the church increases, because new workers take the place of those who fall by persecution, as Stephen, James, Paul, Peter, and John fell.

Faithful builders upon the true foundation keep building with sword girded by the side when the rubbish of false doctrine obstructs the work and when persecution, fraud, iniquity, and every hindrance oppose its progress. Though wearied by constant struggle, they are tempted to turn away from the true foundation for the sake of peace and the security of property and life. The undaunted ones refuse to fear their enemies, remember the Lord who is great and terrible, and proceed with the work armed and ready.