John Trapp on Nehemiah 6:17

Verſe 17. Moreover in thoſe dayes the Nobles of Judah] Heb. The White ones: either, becauſe they went in white garments, as Joſeph, Mordecai, &c. or becauſe they were illuſtrious and famous for wiſedome and vertue. But in theſe Nobles of Judah was nomen inane, crimen immane. Here was ſedes primà, vita ima, dignitas in indigno; hoc eſt, ornamentum in luto, white garments they might have, but withal, ſooty ſouls, and black manners.

Sent many Letters unto Tobiah] Heb. Multiplyed their Letters (or Packets) walking to Tobiah, with whom thereby they held correſpondency; as at this day they do with the Turkiſh Viſiers and Baſha's of ſtate, giving them continual intelligence of the affairs of Chriſtendom, and adviſing moſt of that miſchief which the Turk puts in execution againſt us.