The Tekoites and Their Nobles by Walter C. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 14, 1910

The Tekoites and Their Nobles

By Walter C. Thompson

WALTER C. THOMPSON

“And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of the Lord.” It appears from this text that the noblemen of Nehemiah’s time were not unlike certain noblemen of other days, their chief characteristic being a constitutional aversion to work. They had, however, one claim to distinction—that of descent from an ancient and honorable family; this, they felt, gave them a certain prestige that demanded recognition. However, we will not dwell upon this point, but will notice another text: “The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa.” Amos 1:1. These herdmen of Tekoa were, no doubt, the ancestors of the Tekoite noblemen.

The chronology of this last scripture shows it to refer to a time about three and one-half centuries prior to the incident recorded in the first text. Amos, the most notable Tekoite of whom we have record, bears this testimony concerning himself: “I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit. And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.” Amos 7:14, 15. At this time the Lord had need of a man; and Amos little dreamed, as he went faithfully about his menial pursuits, that his measure was being taken for a more responsible position. The incident calls to mind the words of Zech. 4:10: “Who hath despised the day of small things?”

The nobles of whom it was written that they would not put their necks to the work of the Lord, would have disdained to perform the humble duties that were the daily employment of their illustrious ancestor, before the Lord called him to a greater work. Looking back over the lives of men who have made up the favorable history of the world’s achievements, we find that they were men who made every occasion a great occasion. None of them were despisers of the day of small things. Many of them had greater advantages than Amos; but all applied themselves diligently to the work in hand, regardless of its nature.

Says the wise man, “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” Prov. 27:23. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before obscure men.” Prov. 22:29, margin.

Evidently Amos was such a man. Gideon and David were other noteworthy examples of this same fidelity to the more humble pursuits of life. Here were young men who, though they evidently had high aspirations, still did with their might the humble tasks that came to their hands. They did not scorn to ply the flail, or to follow the herds, or to care for the flocks. What was the outcome?—The Lord called Gideon from his threshing-floor, and made him the deliverer of his people from the Midianites; he desired a messenger, and Amos was called from his herds to be a prophet; Israel needed a ruler, and David was anointed king.

There is a valuable lesson in these experiences for those who live at the present time. Are any gatherers of “sycamore fruit”? Faithfully perform your work. Are any followers of herds? Look well to their condition. Are any keepers of sheep? Be diligent to know their state. While you are engaged in these humble occupations, some one may be taking your measure for a more responsible position.

The question for each one is, Shall I emulate the Tekoites? or shall I follow the example of their nobles, who put not their necks to the work of the Lord? To do the former means efficiency in all positions, availability for higher work, a life of service, and a crown of reward; while the latter means a life of failure, and ultimate oblivion.

Let us not despise the day of small things, but make of every occasion a great occasion.

Tacoma, Wash.