We learned from Nehemiah 3:1 that the high priest set the example in volunteering his time and energy to the project, with his brothers the priests
assisting him. The present verse tells us of (other?) priests labouring on another section of the wall, while Nehemiah 3:28 again mentions priests. These are the men to whom God assigned tasks in the temple (Numbers 18:7), and so by extension their zeal for the Lord’s service was to be an example to the people. Their volunteering in the rebuilding project sets a good example.
22 After him the priests, the men of the surrounding area, repaired.