Nehemiah 3

Nehemiah 3 describes the detailed reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls and gates, led by Nehemiah. This chapter lists the various families and groups who worked on different sections of the wall. It highlights the unity and dedication of the people in the face of opposition, as well as the importance of each person’s contribution, regardless of their social standing or profession. The chapter emphasizes the communal effort and cooperation in restoring the city’s security.

Nehemiah 3:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors. They built as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and consecrated it, then as far as the Tower of Hananel.
2 Next to Eliashib the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.
3 Also the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors, with its bolts and bars.
4 And next to them Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz, made repairs. Next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs. Next to them Zadok the son of Baana made repairs.
5 Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.

Eliashib, the high priest, led by example by taking part in the construction of the Sheep Gate, a crucial entry point for sacrificial animals. The dedication and consecration of this gate highlight its spiritual significance. The cooperation between different families, such as the men of Jericho and the Tekoites, shows a united effort in the rebuilding. However, the nobles of Tekoa stood out for their refusal to participate, which may reflect either pride or laziness, contrasting with the general spirit of dedication.

Nehemiah 3:6 (NKJV)
6 Moreover Jehoiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors, with its bolts and bars.

Jehoiada and Meshullam worked on the Old Gate, another important part of the city's defenses. They ensured the gate was secured properly with beams, bolts, and bars, emphasizing the thoroughness and care in their labor. The mention of specific families repairing particular sections shows that this was a community effort, and every family took pride in their work.

Nehemiah 3:7 (NKJV)
7 And next to them Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, repaired the residence of the governor of the region beyond the River.

The Gibeonites and men of Mizpah worked on the section near the governor's residence. This is significant because it suggests their loyalty and support for Nehemiah's mission, as they were repairing a strategic area tied to governance and leadership. Their involvement indicates that even those from surrounding areas were committed to the success of the rebuilding effort.

Nehemiah 3:8 (NKJV)
8 Next to him Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. Also next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs; and they fortified Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.

Even artisans like goldsmiths and perfumers, who were not typically involved in construction, contributed to the repairs. This shows the all-hands-on-deck nature of the project, where every person, regardless of their trade, was involved in rebuilding the city. The fortification of the Broad Wall highlights the strategic importance of strengthening the city's defenses.

Nehemiah 3:9-10 (NKJV)
9 And next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, leader of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs.
10 Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs in front of his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabniah made repairs.

Leaders like Rephaiah, a district leader, took part in the work, showing that even those in authority were not above manual labor. Jedaiah repaired the section in front of his house, indicating the personal investment many had in this project. People were not just working on communal spaces but also safeguarding their own homes.

Nehemiah 3:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Malchijah the son of Harim and Hashub the son of Pahath-Moab repaired another section, as well as the Tower of the Ovens.
12 And next to him was Shallum the son of Hallohesh, leader of half the district of Jerusalem; he and his daughters made repairs.

Malchijah and Hashub took on a critical section near the Tower of the Ovens, a place likely related to food preparation. Shallum, a district leader, worked alongside his daughters, demonstrating the inclusivity of this effort. Even women were involved in this rebuilding, showing that the work was a family affair and that everyone, regardless of gender, played a part.

Nehemiah 3:13 (NKJV)
13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They built it, hung its doors with its bolts and bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall as far as the Refuse Gate.

Hanun and the people of Zanoah took on the large task of repairing the Valley Gate and the adjacent wall. They rebuilt an extensive section, which included reinforcing the gate with doors, bolts, and bars. This large effort highlights the commitment and willingness of distant communities to contribute significantly to the city's restoration.

Nehemiah 3:14 (NKJV)
14 Malchijah the son of Rechab, leader of the district of Beth Haccerem, repaired the Refuse Gate; he built it and hung its doors with its bolts and bars.

Malchijah, another district leader, took charge of repairing the Refuse Gate, a less prestigious section of the wall that dealt with waste. This shows the humility of the leaders, as even important figures took on tasks that might have been considered undesirable. It reinforces the idea that all contributions were necessary and valued.

Nehemiah 3:15 (NKJV)
15 Shallun the son of Col-Hozeh, leader of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate; he built it, covered it, hung its doors with its bolts and bars, and repaired the wall of the Pool of Shelah by the King’s Garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the City of David.

Shallun worked on the Fountain Gate, a crucial gate near water sources like the Pool of Shelah. His repairs extended to the King's Garden and the steps leading to the City of David, showing his role in maintaining a historically significant area. His work ensured access to water, which was vital for the city's survival and defense.

Nehemiah 3:16-17 (NKJV)
16 After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, leader of half the district of Beth Zur, made repairs as far as the place in front of the tombs of David, to the man-made pool, and as far as the House of the Mighty.
17 After him the Levites, under Rehum the son of Bani, made repairs. Next to him Hashabiah, leader of half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district.

Nehemiah, not to be confused with the main Nehemiah leading the project, worked on the section near the tombs of David, a sacred and historically significant area. The Levites, who typically handled religious duties, also took part in the construction under the leadership of Rehum and Hashabiah. This demonstrates that the task was a shared responsibility, even among those whose usual roles were unrelated to construction.

Nehemiah 3:18-19 (NKJV)
18 After him their brethren, under Bavai the son of Henadad, leader of the other half of the district of Keilah, made repairs.
19 And next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, the leader of Mizpah, repaired another section in front of the Ascent to the Armory at the buttress.

Bavai and Ezer continued the work on the wall, focusing on areas related to military defenses, such as the Armory. These strategic repairs would have been crucial for the city’s protection. The unity of leadership from various districts ensured that no part of the wall was neglected, and the focus on critical defensive structures highlights the importance of securing the city from future attacks.

Nehemiah 3:20-21 (NKJV)
20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai carefully repaired the other section, from the buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
21 After him Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz, repaired another section, from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of the house of Eliashib.

Baruch’s work is noted for being done "carefully," indicating that he took special care in his section of the wall, perhaps going above and beyond what was expected. Meremoth repaired the part of the wall near Eliashib's house, continuing the pattern of collaboration between different groups. The proximity to the high priest’s house may reflect the symbolic importance of restoring religious leadership alongside the physical rebuilding.

Nehemiah 3:22-23 (NKJV)
22 And after him the priests, the men of the plain, made repairs.
23 After him Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs opposite their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs by his house.

Priests from the surrounding plains also contributed to the rebuilding, further emphasizing that the entire community was involved in the project. Benjamin, Hasshub, and Azariah worked on the sections near their own homes, reflecting the personal stake many families had in the project. Their repairs near their homes symbolized the protection of their families and neighbors.

Nehemiah 3:24-25 (NKJV)
24 After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah to the buttress, even as far as the corner.
25 Palal the son of Uzai made repairs opposite the buttress, and on the tower which projects from the king’s upper house that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh made repairs.

Binnui, Palal, and Pedaiah worked on critical areas near the king’s upper house and the prison. These were significant structures that would have required strong fortifications to ensure the security of both the leadership and those imprisoned. Their work shows that they were not only concerned with their own homes but also with protecting the city’s governmental and judicial centers.

Nehemiah 3:26-27 (NKJV)
26 Moreover the Nethinim, who dwelt in Ophel, made repairs as far as the place in front of the Water Gate toward the east, and on the projecting tower.
27 After them the Tekoites repaired another section, next to the great projecting tower, and as far as the wall of Ophel.

The Nethinim, temple servants living in Ophel, contributed by repairing the Water Gate and the surrounding area. This shows that even those of lower status in society, such as servants, played a key role in the rebuilding. The Tekoites, who had already repaired one section of the wall earlier, demonstrated their dedication by working on an additional portion, showing their commitment to the city’s restoration.

Nehemiah 3:28-29 (NKJV)
28 Beyond the Horse Gate the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house.
29 After them Zadok the son of Immer made repairs in front of his own house. After him Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, made repairs.

The priests continued to work near their homes, indicating their personal investment in ensuring the security of the city. Zadok and Shemaiah, both involved in overseeing parts of the wall, took responsibility for areas near their own residences, highlighting the theme of personal responsibility and the protection of their families as part of the larger communal effort.

Nehemiah 3:30-31 (NKJV)
30 After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah made repairs in front of his dwelling.
31 After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the Nethinim and of the merchants, in front of the Miphkad Gate, and as far as the upper room at the corner.

Hananiah, Hanun, and Meshullam took part in the repairs in front of their homes, reflecting the common theme of personal investment in the project. Malchijah, a goldsmith, worked on an important commercial section of the city near the Miphkad Gate, showing that even artisans were involved in securing the areas vital for trade and business. Their efforts ensured the restoration of both residential and commercial areas.

Nehemiah 3:32 (NKJV)
32 And between the upper room at the corner, as far as the Sheep Gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.

The final section of the wall, from the upper room to the Sheep Gate, was repaired by both goldsmiths and merchants, indicating that those who made their living through commerce were also committed to the city’s security. The fact that the Sheep Gate, the starting point of the repairs, was completed last suggests that the entire wall was now fully restored, symbolizing the completion of the project and the protection of the city.