But the governor finds, to his sorrow and dismay, that no sooner was his back turned upon Jerusalem, than the people had ceased to bring their tithes and their contributions for the house of God.
It was not surprising then that Nehemiah found the temple so deserted.
How could the Levites serve, how could the choir sing unless they were fed?
They could not live on air, no food was provided for them; what could they do but take care of themselves?
In order to save themselves from utter starvation, they had been driven to leave the temple, and to go to their fields and small farms in the country, which they had been accustomed to cultivate only at such times as they were not engaged in the work of the temple (Num.xxxv.

2).

Now they were compelled to resort to these fields, as a means of keeping themselves and their families from beggary.

No wonder then that few were found ready to help in the temple services.
The first Sabbath after Nehemiah's arrival, he sets out, with an anxious heart, to see how it is kept by his fellow-countrymen.

In the solemn covenant the people had promised carefully to observe the day of rest.
They have broken their word in the matter of the tithes; have they kept their promise with regard to the Sabbath?
Nehemiah, as he walks through the city on the Sabbath day, finds a regular market going on in the streets.