John Trapp on Nehemiah 4:12

Verſe 12. And it came to paſſe, that when the Jewes which dwelt by them ſaw] Their brethren from abroad gave the workmen intelligence; and this was a very friendly office: for praemonitus praemunitus, premonition is the beſt means of prevention. It is the property of a brother, though at other times not ſo kinde, yet in affliction and extremity, to finde nature working in him, and to do his beſt. See Prov. 17.17. with the Note.

They ſaid unto us ten times] i. e. often-times; Gen. 3.41. Num. 14.22. The Lord knoweth how to deliver his, as he did David from Saul, Peter from the Jewes, Acts 12. Paul from thoſe Conſpiratours, Acts 23. and this ſinful nation oft from the blood-thirſty Papiſts. Maſſes were ſaid in Rome for the good ſucceſſe of the Catholike deſigne (the Powder-plot:) but no prayers in England, for our deliverance: and yet they were defeated (Sorex ſuo periit indicio) and we delivered. Admirable mercy.

From all places whence ye ſhall returne, &c.] Some read it thus, And it came to paſſe, when the Jewes which dwelt beſide them, came and told us of their practiſes ten times out of all places, whence they came unto us, I ſet in the low places &c. And here, I cannot tell, ſaith one, whether theſe Intelligencers be worthy more praiſe, or diſpraiſe. It was their duty to have come home, ſtood in ſtormes, and help to build Jeruſalem. But God which turneth our negligence and fooliſhneſſe to the ſetting forth of his wiſdom and goodneſſe, gave them a good will and boldneſſe to further that building as they might. Thus God uſeth the ſervice of all men and creatures to the comfort of his people.