Nehemiah 3

Israel is a nation of remembrance.

Even today there are marks in the walls in the old city gates and walls.

There are old military vehicles littered in the countryside.

These are all reminders of the pain, sacrifice, and enduring nature of their success in surviving as a people and as a nation.

There are also the sounds of sonic booms from the fighter jets overhead continuing to assure the nation’s strength.

These same jets tip their wings as they pass over Masada. Do any of you guys know the story of Masada?

Masada was the place of the Jews last great stand against the Romans in the first century when their beloved city again suffered destruction.

Locations throughout Israel, and most importantly the city of Jerusalem with its walls, gates, towers, and pools, carry the weight of history.

In Nehemiah we see that the Jews as the covenant people of God, were restoring more than just an important city.

Nehemiah and the people were restoring the dignity of the people of promise.

They were providing proper protection of the rebuilt Temple, and were laying the foundation for greater restoration.

Nehemiah understood this and it would serve us well to appreciate the recorded labor in chapter three with these things in mind.

When King David took Jerusalem for his Capital City.

2 Samuel 5:5-9

5 At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years.

6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.”

6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.” 7 Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. 8 And David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack ‘the lame and the blind,’ who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” 9 And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward.

7 Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David.

8 And David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack ‘the lame and the blind,’ who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.”

9 And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward.

Remember the story from : where King David took the city for Israel to the heartbreaking fight and defeat of King Zedekiah while Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians.

Also in we see Jeremiah writing of the pain of separation that was experienced.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

2.

The Rebuilding of the Temple as recorded in and in Haggai.

Ezra 3:10–13 ESV

And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments came forward with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord, according to the directions of David king of Israel. And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people’s weeping, for the people shouted with a great shout, and the sound was heard far away.

Ezra 3:10-13

There was a complexity of thoughts and emotions that came with this task.

But, at its heart was that this was God’s work and it would be accomplished by his people

Nehemiah 2:17–18 ESV

Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.

The Detailed Work of the Walls

is full of details.

Places you most likely have never been to and that most of us will never see in person in our lives.

These places are of extraordinary consequence and these people, while in many ways are long forgotten, but God has given us His word in which we may read, in our own language.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy

is not simply a chapter thrown in as to have 13 chapters instead of 12.

It contains heavily detailed truth and should be treated accordingly.

We need to listen to these details as if we were the first people listening to them.

These places, as they are referenced would immediately call to mind and affections with remembrance.

It would be as if you met someone were to come up to you and lay out all the details of the neighborhood and the city in which you grew up in.

Highlighting landmarks well known and cherished to those who knew such places as home.

So, lets do the hard work.

Lets value these details and commit to progress in our labors as we study God’s Word.

As we look at chapter 3 we need to understand that this is a chapter that gives its attention to the work of repairing, restoring, and rebuilding.

These are the major elements of this book as a whole.

Verses 1 and 2

Nehemiah 3:1–2 ESV

Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.

As we begin to see the addressing of the repairs it becomes very clear that the entire circuit of the wall was accounted for and this occured in a counter-clockwise pattern.

Namely the sheep gate in immediate proximity to the temple.

Nehemiah was likely providing a natural emphasis that this wall building work was a work that God had placed on his heart for his people to accomplish.

At this time as it is still the Old Testament right? The Temple was the most immediate and tangible connection of the LORD to this city, Jerusalem.

Further, this job was one that would have a broad range of diverse people working on it.

Notably the high priest and other priests who would consecrate it and set it apart to God as holy.

Throughout this chapter numerous people are personally identified and the first person identified as such was the high priest Eliashib, who was the grandson of Jeshua, the leader when the Temple was being rebuilt.

Accompanying him in this task were the priests who worked to restore the Sheep Gate and portions of the wall.

In describing this job that was being completed there is also a reference to the two towers so as to provide a range of the area covered by these men.

The tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel.

There is no reference to who rebuilt the towers so it is presumed that they were either already restored at this time or they were already in good condition.

The two towers were consequential for the city as they were postured in a defensively strategic location on the northernmost side of the city where there were less natural/topographical protections.

Following this first report of who was working and the scope of their repairs we see that a pattern begins of one person and or groups working alongside the ones just as mentioned.

This continues through the duration of the chapter as the circuit of the wall continued to be recorded.

Next to the priests, the men of Jericho built.

These were men who had come from Jericho, northeast of Jerusalem and bordering the Jordan River.

They were the first of several groups of persons identified that came from the surrounding areas of Judah to participate in the restoration of Jerusalem and its walls.

This was a job being accomplished by the Jews and not just the people in immediate proximity of Jerusalem.

Next to the men of Jericho a single man is mentioned, Zaccur the son Imri.

Like several other individuals named it was not always completely clear if he was the head of his father’s house and possibly served as a superintendandt or if he was working by himself in this area.

Fish Gate and Walls

Nehemiah 3:3–5 ESV

The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord.

Nehemiah

The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate.

While not of of them were necessarily present at the jobsite, it appears that this company may have been up to to 3,930 people as noted in

The men laid its beams, set its doors, bolts, and bars.

Next to the sons of Hassenaah was Meremoth son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz who was repairing the walls in this area.

It seems that Meremoth, son of Uriah was also a priest as noted in and 12:3.

Meremoth is later recorded as personally repairing another section of the wall (vs 21)

Next to Meremoth, Meshullam son of Berchiah son of Meshezabel repaired portions of the wall.

Its not clear why he was singled out, it does appear that perhaps he had others under him because in there is reference to a Meshullam who was among the leading men.

But this could have been another Meshullam as at least one other is referenced in Ezra.

Like Meremoth, he is also referenced later in verse 30 as working on another area of the wall.

It appears that Meshullam was among the few men who stood with Ezra as he read a preached the Law of Moses from reading in chapter 8:4, but which book of Moses is unclear.

Two Meshullams are referenced as being signees of the covenant of obedience in chapter 10, but neither have their father’s name given.

He is possibly identified as a gatekeeper who stood guard over the storehouses of the gates (12:25), and he is possibly identified as a participant in the assembled choirs on the wall (12:33); but neither is clear because of the duplication of this name.

Next to them Zadok son of Baana repaired portions of the wall.

It is not known if he was the head of his father’s house. It could have been possible that he was working alone.

Next was the Tekoites, who repaired and an unfortunate detail was mentioned. That their nobles would not stoop or lower themselves to serve their Lord.

a.sidenote: to me this is convicting as we need to always remember that we are no better than anyone else. Sometimes we need to be willing to get down on our own knees and do the things that we do not like to do.

The Tekoites were Jews living in and around Tekoa that had come to see the work all the way through to its completion.

There appears to be a clear expression of shame regarding the actions of these nobles.

It was obvious that everyone should have been helping and that no one was above this job.

It was a necessary job.

Yeshanah Gate and Walls

Nehemiah 3:6–12 ESV

Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Gate of Yeshanah. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River. Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired. Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired. Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters.

There were two personally named in repairing the Yeshanah Gate:

Joiada - Son of Paseah

Meshullam - son of Besodeiah

Regarding this gate, like the description for the building of the Fish Gate the work on the Yeshanah Gate was described: laid its beams, set its doors, bolts, and bars.

Next to them Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon son of Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah repaired the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River.

The Gibeonites were not Israelite but they live among them and are a reflection of the diversity of the nations and the evidence of God’s redemptive work among and through Israel.

Gibeon was approximately 6 miles northwest of Jerusalem.

Mizpah was also recognized as a city in Israel’s history and was about 7.5 miles due north of Jerusalem.

The attention of their work was the governor’s seat - not necessarily where this higher-level officer would operate his administration, but a place of occupation when in the area.

“Beyond the River” was a way to reference the opposite side of the Euphrates River - a clear and substantial demarcation for the region and the Persian Empire in particular at this time.

Next to them was Uzziel son of Harhaiah repaired portions of the wall

Uzziel was specifically identified as having the skill of working with gold and here he was faithfully participating in what was effectively raw construction.

Working to see the restoration be successful.

Uzziel was only identified by his father (not further referenced) and his work.

Next to him Hananiah made repairs, but here the work is identified as restoring Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.

Hananiah was identified as one of the perfumers.

Hananiah son of Shelemiah is referenced shortly after this in reference to another area being repaired in verse 30. But it is not clear if this is in fact the same man.

Next to them Rephaiah son of Hur repaired portions of the wall.

Rephaiah was identified as ruler of half the district of Jerusalem.

Next to them Jedaiah son of Harumaph repaired portions of the wall opposite his house.

Not much is to be observed about Jedaiah other than he had a house within the city as he was recorded to be repairing opposite of his house.

Next to them Hattush son of Hashabneiah repaired portions of the wall.

Hattush appears to be one of the signees of the covenant of obedience in chapter 10, but his father’s name is not provided there.

Hattush was also identified as a priest and a chief among his brothers in .

Malchijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-moab repaired portions of the wall and the Tower of the Ovens.

It appears that Malchijah son of Harim was among the guilty men of Israel who married foreign women as we find in

Ezra 10:31 ESV

Of the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Isshijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon,

Ezra 10:31

Next to him Shallum son of Hallohesh and his daughters repaired portions of the wall.

Like Rephaiah, Shallum is identified as ruler of half the district of Jerusalem.

An interesting thing here to note is that the worksers accompanying him were his daughters and regarding this matter there was plenty of debate among commentators as to whether or not these were literally a man’s daughters or cities/villages under his authority.

It appears most consistent to come away that they were indeed his actual daughters.

Regardless of this, it is noted that their work was considered to be noteworthy.

Valley Gate and Walls to the Dung Gate

Nehemiah 3:

Nehemiah 3:13–14 ESV

Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate. Malchijah the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.

Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate.

The work on the Valley Gate was described: “set its doors, bolts, and bars”

Hanun and Zanoah also were stated to have repaired a thousand cubits of the wall (approx. 1500 feet) as far as the next gate, the Dung Gate.

It appears that Hanun participates in helping repair another portion of the wall too as seen in verse 30.

Zanoah was approximately 14.5 miles southwest of Jerusalem.

It is unclear if Hanun was possibly a leader from Zanoah and that is why he was personally mentioned along with them.

The Valley Gate was the place from which Nehemiah initiated his scouting mission when first arriving in Jerusalem.

Malchijah son of Rechab repaired the Dung Gate.

Malchijah is identified as the ruler of the disctrict of Beth-haccherem. However, on account of other persons names Machijah it is unclear who is referenced at different times when no family name/information is provided.

The work on the Dung Gate was described: “Rebuilt the gate and set its doors, bolts, and bars.

Fountain Gate, Proximity to other Gates, Walls, and Structures

Nehemiah 3:15–32 ESV

And Shallum the son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He rebuilt it and covered it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And he built the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the king’s garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the city of David. After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool, and as far as the house of the mighty men. After him the Levites repaired: Rehum the son of Bani. Next to him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, repaired for his district. After him their brothers repaired: Bavvai the son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah. Next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the buttress. After him Baruch the son of Zabbai repaired another section from the buttress to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. After him Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired another section from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of the house of Eliashib. After him the priests, the men of the surrounding area, repaired. After them Benjamin and Hasshub repaired opposite their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah repaired beside his own house. After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah to the buttress and to the corner. Palal the son of Uzai repaired opposite the buttress and the tower projecting from the upper house of the king at the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh and the temple servants living on Ophel repaired to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower. After him the Tekoites repaired another section opposite the great projecting tower as far as the wall of Ophel. Above the Horse Gate the priests repaired, each one opposite his own house. After them Zadok the son of Immer repaired opposite his own house. After him Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, repaired. After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah repaired opposite his chamber. After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired as far as the house of the temple servants and of the merchants, opposite the Muster Gate, and to the upper chamber of the corner. And between the upper chamber of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants repaired.

Nehemiah 3:15-32

Shallum son of Col-hozeh repaired the Fountain Gate

Shallum was identified as the ruler of the district of Mizpah.

Already the men of Mizpah are stated to have been helping in rebuilding the seal of the governor as seen in verse 7.

Shallum was identified as the ruler of the district of Mizpah and later Ezer is stated to be the ruler of Mizpah (3:19), which was the city, whereas Shallum is overseeing the larger district that included the city.

It appears that Shallum did this job himself, but may have been a way to particularly emphasize his participation with the implicit understanding that others were assisting.

The work on the Fountain Gate was described: rebuilt and covered it, as well as set its doors, bolts, and bars.

In addition to the rpair of the Fountain Gate Shallum was specifically stated to have rebuilt the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the king’s garden as far as the stairs that went down from the city of David.

It appears that the Pool of Shelah was what Nehemiah referred to as the King’s Pool when he was on his scouting mission in chapter 2:14.

The Pool of Shelah is also known as the Pool of Siloam whose water supply came from the redirected Gihon Springs by way of Hezekiah’s tunnel.

Hezekiah’s Tunnel - As a proactinve defensive measure Hezekiah redirected a major water source into the city of Jerusalem by way of a magnificent tunnel cut underground.

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