Nehemiah 3:5

And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.

And next unto them {H3027} the Tekoites {H8621} repaired {H2388}; but their nobles {H117} put {H935} not their necks {H6677} to the work {H5656} of their Lord {H113}.

Next to them the men from T'koa made repairs; but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.

Next to him, the Tekoites made repairs, but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.

And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their lord.

Commentary

Context

Nehemiah chapter 3 meticulously chronicles the painstaking process of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, a monumental task undertaken by various families, guilds, and communities returning from Babylonian exile. This verse highlights a specific contribution from the Tekoites, a community south of Jerusalem, known for their diligence in the broader effort. The entire chapter emphasizes the unified effort under Nehemiah's inspired leadership, driven by a divine call to restore the city and its defenses against external threats. The urgent need for the wall's reconstruction is evident from the surrounding narrative, particularly the opposition faced by the Israelites from neighboring peoples (see Nehemiah 4:1).

Key Themes

  • Shared Responsibility: The first part of the verse, "And next unto them the Tekoites repaired," demonstrates the vital principle that God's work requires the collective effort of many. Every segment of society was called to contribute to this communal project.
  • Leadership and Example: The striking contrast is found in the "nobles" (leaders or prominent citizens) of Tekoa. Their refusal to engage in the physical labor stands in opposition to the diligent efforts of the common people. True spiritual leadership, as exemplified by Nehemiah himself (Nehemiah 2:18), involves active participation and setting an example for others.
  • Commitment to God's Work: The phrase "work of their Lord" underscores that this was not merely a civic project but a divinely ordained task. The nobles' reluctance was, therefore, a refusal to commit to God's call, perhaps due to pride, comfort, or a sense of superiority, indicating a lack of spiritual resolve.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "put not their necks to the work" is a powerful ancient idiom. It signifies a refusal to bear a burden, to submit to labor, or to humble oneself for a task. It evokes the image of animals refusing to put their necks into a yoke for plowing or pulling. For the Tekoite nobles, this implies stubbornness, disobedience, or an unwillingness to lower themselves to manual labor, especially for those in positions of power or privilege. This contrasts sharply with the humility and diligence expected in service to God (compare with Jesus' invitation to take His easy yoke in Matthew 11:29).

The term "their Lord" emphasizes the divine ownership and spiritual significance of the task. The work was not just for Nehemiah or for the city, but ultimately for God Himself.

Practical Application

  • This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's work often requires the participation of all, regardless of social status, wealth, or perceived importance. No one is too high or too privileged to serve in the kingdom of God.
  • It highlights the critical role of leadership in setting an example. Leaders are called to serve and participate, not merely to direct from a distance (as Christ exemplified in Mark 10:45).
  • The "nobles" serve as a cautionary tale against spiritual apathy, pride, or a reluctance to engage in the practical, often humble, tasks required for the advancement of God's kingdom. Every believer is called to contribute their part to the collective effort (see 1 Corinthians 12:27 on the body of Christ), and true nobility in God's eyes is found in humble service.
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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 3:27 (4 votes)

    After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.

  • 2 Samuel 14:2 (3 votes)

    And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:

  • Jeremiah 27:8 (1 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, [that] the nation and kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation will I punish, saith the LORD, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by his hand.

  • Jeremiah 27:2 (1 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD to me; Make thee bonds and yokes, and put them upon thy neck,

  • Jeremiah 27:12 (1 votes)

    ¶ I spake also to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:26 (1 votes)

    For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, [are called]:

  • Judges 5:23 (1 votes)

    Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.