I. There are pressing difficulties in the believer's way while he is engaged in the prosecution of his work. The Christian life is a scene of perpetual conflict. Heart-corruption is the greatest foe of the Christian. From that he cannot flee. And had he nothing else than this corruption to fear while he strives to rear up the spiritual edifice i.e.,to advance in grace and in godliness he would yet require to be furnished, as the people were under Nehemiah, with the weapon to defend as well as with the implement to build.
II. When we consider the very dangerous position which the Christian occupies, with a crafty adversary on the one side viz., Satan an alluring and sometimes a threatening foe on the other side viz., the world and a treacherous heart within, his proper attitude is that which was assumed by the people spoken of in the text, every one of whom, while with one of his hands he wrought in the work, with the other hand held a weapon. (1) The Jews in the text were in the exercise of constant watchfulness. They knew that there was evil meditated against them, but they knew not the moment when the onset might be, and therefore, like wise men, they stood prepared for it. Christian watchfulness is one of the most indispensable and, at the same time, one of the most comprehensive duties to which the disciples of Jesus are called. (2) The Jews were careful to furnish themselves with the means of defence. The Christian has the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (3) The attitude of the Jews indicates the firmest determination to make progress in their work. Advancement is the watchword of the Christian. Let each one act upon it.
A. D. Davidson, Lectures and Sermons,p. 83.