And next to them the Thecuites built: but their great men did not put their necks to the work of their Lord.

and by his hand have the Tekoites strengthened, and their honourable ones have not brought in their neck to the service of their Lord.

Near them, the Tekoites were at work; but their chiefs did not put their necks to the work of their Lord.

Next to them, the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles did not put their necks to the work of their lord.

And beside them, the Tekoites built. But the nobles among them did not put their necks to the work of their Lord.

Tekoites - See 2-Samuel 14:2 note.

And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles (b) put not their necks to the work of their Lord.
(b) The rich and mighty would not obey those who were appointed officers in this work, neither would they help them.

And next unto them the Tekoites repaired,.... The inhabitants of Tekoa, a city in the tribe of Judah; see 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 did.

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?