Nehemiah 3:5 Commentary and Bible Study

There are one or two things we could draw attention to. In verse 5: ‘Next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.’ There is this sudden discordant note in the record. It's going to be naming all the families that laboured, but not the nobles of that particular family, and the reason is probably to be found in chapter 6:17-18, which hints that some were in the pay of the pagan neighbours, so they had no enthusiasm for the work.The leaders of the Tekoites did not work hard, but the ordinary Tekoites did. They fell out with each other, not suppressing quarrels and differences for the sake of the work. It is a wonderful thing when there is unity in a local church, but sometimes fallen human nature asserts itself, and there is opposition to the work. This must not be allowed to stop or discourage others.