John Trapp on Nehemiah 4:16

Verſe 16. And it came to paſſe from that time forth] As it is ſtoried of that peerleſſe Q. Elizabeth, that in times of greateſt Peace, ſhe ever made preparation for War: ſo did this incomparable Nehemiah; ſtill fearing ſome new practiſe, and not knowing what thoſe reſtleſſe heads were even now a hammering.

That the half of my ſervants wrought in the work] No ſervants they were for Nehemiah, if they would not work. He was an active man himſelf, trading every talent: and thoſe about him muſt all be active. One would wonder how this Courtier ſhould become on the ſudden ſo cunning a Souldier, and ſhould marſhal his men ſo skilfully, ſetting the younger before to bear the brunt of the battel, and the Elders behind to direct and encourage, according to that of the Poet.

[non-Latin text not transcribed].

But it was his God that inſtructed him to this diſcretion and taught him, Eſay 28.26. and he might well break out and ſing with David, Bleſſed be the Lord my ſtrength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight, Pſal. 144.1. Quando Chriſtus Magiſter, quàm citò dicitur quod docetur? ſaith Auſtin. Gods Scholars muſt needs be exact in a ſhort ſpace.

And the habergeons] Theſe were armour for back and breaſt. In the Chriſtian Panoply there's no mention of armour for the back (though there is for the breaſt;) becauſe a Chriſtian Souldier ſhould never flie,Eph. 6. but be like Androclid, whom when one derided, becauſe, being lame, he went into the war, he anſwered merrily, that he came thither to fight, not to run away.