Nehemiah 3:5 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Next unto them the Tekoites repaired The inhabitants of the city of Tekoa, in the tribe of Judah. But their nobles put not their necks to the work Would not submit to it, would not further it, either through pride, or 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 a higher and larger sphere of usefulness?