If I were teaching on Nehemiah 3 I would probably have to teach about community because that is the only thing I see coming out of this chapter, unless you’re an archaeologist. It is pretty unparalled in modern day for a community to set aside their time and money for such a massive project. It is really cool to see that this was all done by perfumers and goldsmiths and priests. People seemed to just pitch in by repairing whatever was by their house. You can also see how much smaller the community was in Jerusalem after the exile.
Of course there is always a group who will not submit to the Lord as evident in verse 5. These guys had two problems that consistently plague mankind’s ability to see God: money and pride. These guys were nobles so they had money and when you have physical comfort it can hinder your ability to see a need for God (not always, but often). It also sounds like they didn’t want to join in the labor because the work was beneath them. It’s hard to experience community when you see yourself as better than others. It’s always good to remind yourself that you have absolutely nothing that you can offer God, but it’s by His grace that He chose you and has given you absolutely everything that you do have.