c). Eliashib intimidated the leadership to accomplish his purpose.

Nehemiah 7:2 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.
Read Nehemiah 13:4-9 Hanani was the governor in the absence of Nehemiah. Hanani was a good and faithful man, but he was not as Nehemiah. He allowed the people to do things that Nehemiah would not have. We are reminded of the difference between Moses and Aaron. Aaron gave in to the desires of the people instead of leading them in the right way. Leadership is not always a family trait.
Note that Elishib’s strength influenced others (to build the wall) but his weakness also influenced those around him. When the leadership is self-serving the people will suffer!

2). The people joined together in the work. 3:2
The Lord teaches us in His Word the benefits of depending on Him and on one another –
Psalms 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
If one family did not do their best and build their portion of the wall securely, the entire community would be in danger. It is the same with the church! If we do not serve the Lord together according to His direction, we leave an opening for danger and destruction in the church.

Colossians 2:18-19 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

3). The pride of some was noted. 3:5

a). The Tekoite Nobles remind us of that group of proud souls who will always be numbered among God’s people who believe that they are better than others, they are not subject to the normal duties and responsibilities of men.
Proverbs 18:11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

Proverbs 28:11 “The rich man is wise in his own conceit…”

Psalms 49:6-11 They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption. For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.
We are admonished in God’s Word to be humble and obedient unto the Lord, no matter what our state in life is –

1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

b). The Tekoites chose to serve the Lord instead of following the example of their leaders. Refer to 3:27
They could have excused themselves and been like the heads of the family, but they had personal integrity. They rose above the example of these whose pride and arrogance kept them from serving.

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

4). The preliminary work was completed. 4:6
The people were encouraged in the work by step by step completion of the task. They may have been overwhelmed if they were directed to construct the wall in its entirety – length and height. They were able to quickly build the wall around the city to its half height, then complete the building knowing that they could accomplish the task.