1)
Why was the sword tied to his loins?
1.
Malbim: One cannot build with one hand while holding a sword in the other. If the enemy comes, it is easy to draw the sword. One who carries a load, it is not easy to do so.
2)
Why does it say "Etzli"?
1.
Rashi: He was always by me. Malbim ? this was so he is ready to blow a Siman of war when needed (Nechemyah was the lookout).
