John Trapp on Nehemiah 4:13

Verſe 13. Therefore I ſet in the lower places] I took them off their work, and appointed them to ſtand upon their guard; appointing them their ſeveral ſtations, and giving them orders.

I even ſet the people after their families] Or, according to their kindreds: for he knew that Nature will move one kinſman to be truer to another in all dangers, then a ſtranger: and that one kinſman will open his grief to his friend, and take comfort at his hand, rather then to him whom he knoweth not. Hence Nehemiah in policy ſorted his ſouldiers after this ſort.

With their ſwords, their ſpears, and their bowes] Theſe were the ancient weapons of war: neither had Death yet learned to cut his way thorough a wood of men, but of the mouth of a murthering piece. Whether the Emperour Wenceſlaus did well or ill in executing Barthold Swarts for inventing Gun-powder Anno Domini 1378. I determine not.