Nehemiah 3:5

“And next unto them the Tekoites repaired, etc.] The inhabitants of Tekoa, a city in the tribe of Judah; (see <300101>Amos 1:1) but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord; either of Nehemiah, as some, or rather of the lord and prince appointed over their families, as Aben Ezra, to whom they would not be subject; though it seems best, with Jarchi, to understand it of the Lord their God, by whose command this work was begun; but they refused to give any assistance to it with their purses or presence, but withdrew from it, as refractory oxen withdraw their necks from the yoke. This is observed to their disgrace, when the common people of their city were ready to work, and…”

“Tekoites - See 2 Samuel 14:2 note. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Their nobles - Did not submit to it, would not further it, either through sloth or covetousness, or secret compliance with the enemies of the Jews. Of their Lord - Of God, whom they owned for their Lord, whose work this was, because it had proceeded thus far by his singular providence: and because it was done for the defence of the city, and people, and temple of God. And therefore they are branded to all posterity. Let not nobles think any thing beneath them, by which they may benefit their country. What is their nobility good for, but that it places them in an higher and larger sphere of usefulness? Nehemiah 3:7”

“3:5 The leaders of Tekoa might have been influenced by Geshem (2:19), who controlled the area south of Tekoa.”

“the Tekoites: Neh 3:27; Sa2 14:2; Amo 1:1 their nobles: Jdg 5:23; Jer 5:4, Jer 5:5; Co1 1:26; Ti1 6:17, Ti1 6:18 put not: Jer 27:2, Jer 27:8, Jer 27:12, Jer 30:8, Jer 30:9; Mat 11:29; Act 15:10 Nehemiah 3:6”