For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, [O God], strengthen my hands.
Ver. 9. For they all made us afraid] This they aimed at; but could not attain unto; for faith quelleth and killeth distrustful fear, Psalms 46:1,2. Audacia est pro muro, saith Sallust. Let the wicked flee when none pursueth, but the righteous will be bold as as lion, Proverbs 28:1 .
Saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work] So measuring them by themselves, as if they would have been soon scared and discouraged. But they knew not the Aes triplex, the power of the Spirit, that spirit of power (opposed to the spirit of fear), of love, and of a sound mind, 2 Timothy 1:7. They knew not the privy armour of proof that these good Jews had about their hearts.
Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands] He acknowledgeth himself to be in the condition of a poor garrison soldier, that hath no help or supplies but from the Captain of his salvation which, therefore, he thus humbly calleth in and craveth. Of ejaculations, see Nehemiah 2:4. This here is despatched in four words.