21 So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.
21 So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out.
21 So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out.
21 And so we kept working, from first light until the stars came out, half of us holding lances.
21 So we labored in the work, and half of the men held the spears from daybreak until the stars appeared.
21 We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset. And half the men were always on guard.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:21
Commentary on Nehemiah 4:16-23
(Read Nehemiah 4:16-23)
We must watch always against spiritual enemies, and not expect that our warfare will be over till our work is ended. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit, which we ought to have always at hand, and never to have to seek for it, either in our labours, or in our conflicts, as Christians. Every true Christian is both a labourer and a soldier, working with one hand, and fighting with the other. Good work is likely to go on with success, when those who labour in it, make a business of it. And Satan fears to assault the watchful Christian; or, if attacked, the Lord fights for him. Thus must we wait to the close of life, never putting off our armour till our work and warfare are ended; then we shall be welcomed to the rest and joy of our Lord.