Nehemiah 3:5 - Next to them, the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles didn’t put their necks to the Lord’s work.

Generated Verse: Nehemiah 3:5

What does "Nehemiah 3:5" mean?


This verse from Nehemiah 3:5 highlights a disparity in the commitment to rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. Let's break it down:

"Next to them, the Tekoites made repairs..." This indicates that the common people from the town of Tekoa were actively involved in the rebuilding effort. They were physically working and contributing to the project.

"...but their nobles didn’t put their necks to the Lord’s work." This is the key part. It means that the leaders or upper class (the "nobles") from Tekoa were not participating in the rebuilding. The phrase "put their necks to the Lord's work" is a figurative expression. It suggests:

They weren't taking on the burden or responsibility: Rebuilding the wall was hard work and potentially dangerous. The nobles weren't willing to share in that burden.
They weren't submitting to the authority or will of God: They didn't see the rebuilding as a divine mandate that required their obedience and participation. They were unwilling to humble themselves and contribute to a task they perhaps viewed as beneath their social status.
Lack of dedication: They were not as dedicated to God and Jerusalem as the common people of Tekoa.

In essence, the verse contrasts the dedication of the common people of Tekoa, who were actively involved in rebuilding the wall, with the apathy and unwillingness of their nobles, who refused to participate in what was considered "the Lord's work". This is an example of a situation where the leaders are not setting a good example, and the common people are showing greater dedication to God.

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