Neh.3:1-32It's Time to Build

Big Idea

Loring W. Batten, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah., International Critical Commentary (New York: Scribner, 1913), 208.Big Idea

God’s work is achieved as all of God’s people take part, with each contributing according to their unique circumstances.

Key Themes

* Every segment of the Judean community in Palestine was represented among those working on the wall.

* Many people worked on segments of the wall that had personal significance to them.

I. Harmonizing Work

vvs. 1-12

Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests began rebuilding the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and installed its doors. After building the wall to the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel, they dedicated it.

2 The men of Jericho built next to Eliashib, and next to them Zaccur son of Imri built.

3 The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They built it with beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.

4 Next to them Meremoth son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz, made repairs. Beside them Meshullam son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel, made repairs. Next to them Zadok son of Baana made repairs.

5 Beside them the Tekoites made repairs, but their nobles did not lift a finger to help their supervisors.

6 Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate. They built it with beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.

7 Next to them the repairs were done by Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, who were under the authority of the governor of the region west of the Euphrates River.

8 After him Uzziel son of Harhaiah, the goldsmith, made repairs, and next to him Hananiah son of the perfumer made repairs. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.

9 Next to them Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler over half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs.

10 After them Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs across from his house. Next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah made repairs.

11 Malchijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-moab made repairs to another section, as well as to the Tower of the Ovens.

12 Beside him Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler over half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs—he and his daughters.

The workers on the north wall and its gates: some laborers worked together in a spirit of unity, but others refused to work (vv.1-12). Most people have a tendency to confuse uniformity with unity. Uniformity has to do with that which is external and unity has to do with that which is internal. Unity means that a oneness in spirit, purpose and feelings exists. Unity means that people are in harmony and agreement. This would describe those who worked with Nehemiah in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.

Notice how many times “they built” and “they repaired” appears in 32 verses.

Notice how many times “Ater Them” and “beside him” or “ Next to Them” appears in 32 verses. This coordination stands out in the phrases "next to him," "next to them," "next to that," "the next section," "beside him," and "beyond them," which occur 28 times in this chapter. So at least thirty-one times in thirty-two verses phrases of harmony is used to work. The list conveys wholehearted commitment on the part of Jerusalem’s citizens. There is a special note that Shallum “and his daughters” (v. 12) also worked on the walls. This comment speaks of the special enthusiasm of this family because, usually, only men were expected to do such work.

There are four terms for the building operations, “build,” “lay beams,” “erect,” and “repair,” the last occurring thirty-three times.

There are four terms for the building operations, “build,” “lay beams,” “erect,” and “repair,” the last occurring thirty-three times.

It is important to notice that in almost every verse of this third chapter of Nehemiah that Nehemiah used the words, next to him, next to them, after him or after them. This means that each worker joined his work to that of another. Because each worker was united in heart, each worker united his efforts in the rebuilding of the walls. There were no workers who were trying to make their area of responsibility overshadow that of anyone else. None of the workers worked out of any selfish motivation. The thing that motivated each worker was not what the worker would get for self. The workers were motivated by what they could do for God and others. They cooperated with one another because there was a cause greater than they were. There is not much that can be done for God and others until people lose sight on their selfish interests.

Life Application: In the work of God, the greatest accomplishments come from a unity of purpose when people of diverse backgrounds, interests, and abilities join together under a compelling vision. Success is achieved not because we are all the same but because our differences are put aside to work for a greater goal.

… but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord. () Their nobles refused to get involved in the work. They wanted the benefits of the wall, but were not willing to do their share of the work. They would share in the security and safety of the wall and gates, but they weren’t about to roll their sleeves up and get to work.

II. Humble Workers

The workers on the west wall: some humbled themselves and took on the undesirable jobs (vv.13-14).

Chapter 3 is the blueprint of how the work was accomplished through teamwork. As high priest, Eliashib led by example. He didn’t come with the attitude of “I don’t do construction; I only do sacrifices at the temple.” Eliashib demonstrated humility, a characteristic which is essential in a man of God.

Because Eliashib humbled himself to do the work, his brothers the priests readily followed his example. Together, they worked to rebuild the Sheep Gate, which was on the northeast side of the wall.

The builders came from diverse regions of Judah (for example, the Tekoites in v. 5, and the inhabitants of Zanoah in v. 13) and from diverse professions (the goldsmiths and the perfumers, v. 8). Both sexes worked on the wall (Shallum and his daughters in v. 12), and even leaders from Judah got their hands dirty: including the high priest and his brethren the priests (v. 1), the Levites (v. 17), and many district leaders (vv. 9, 12, etc.).

The construction of the west wall was an enormous project that included two gates and over 500 yards of wall (about 1720 feet). Both the Valley Gate and the 500 yards of wall were rebuilt by a man named Hanun and the residents of Zanoah (v.13). Undertaking such a long section of the wall suggests a total commitment to the project by these workers. It is also possible that this section of wall was in better condition than most of the other sections. The Dung Gate was located at the southern point of the city and set above the Valley of Hinnom, which was where the rubbish or garbage dump was located. The stench from the constant burning of garbage must have been almost unbearable. This fact made this particular building project most undesirable, suggesting that these workers humbled themselves to take on the undesirable job.

Israel Alive Again: A Commentary on the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah Working Together

The list conveys wholehearted commitment on the part of Jerusalem’s citizens. There is a special note that Shallum “and his daughters” (v. 12) also worked on the walls. This comment speaks of the special enthusiasm of this family because, usually, only men were expected to do such work.

Life Application: Two Lessons

1. The differences and unities of the race. We make too much of distinctions; e. g. rich and poor, learned and ignorant, toilers and thinkers, manufacturers and hands, up-town and down town, West-end and East-end. One God created us, one cross redeems us, one Spirit inspires us; the same book teaches us, similar demons tempt us, similar sorrows confront us, a common grave awaits us, the same heaven is open to us.

2. At times in life we all come face-to-face with unpleasant or undesirable tasks that must be done. How we approach these distasteful or lowly tasks reveals much about our character and attitude. Some people are too prideful to touch lowly tasks, feeling they are too important or too intelligent. Other people would never dirty their hands with common labor, feeling that such work is for common and uneducated laborers. Far too many of us exalt ourselves above others. We think too highly of ourselves, feeling that we are better, superior, or of more value than others.

… but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord. () Their nobles refused to get involved in the work. They wanted the benefits of the wall, but were not willing to do their share of the work. They would share in the security and safety of the wall and gates, but they weren’t about to roll their sleeves up and get to work.

III. Hard Work

The workers on the east wall: some were hard and diligent workers filled with zeal (vv.15-32).

reminds us, the work of God happens most effectively when everyone participates. Judeans of both genders, from various occupations, diverse locations, and social classes—all joined in the great restoration project. The wall was completed in record time (6:15) because everybody worked hard.

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 11: Ezra / Nehemiah / Esther God’s Work Necessitates Total Participation

Nehemiah 3 reminds us, the work of God happens most effectively when everyone participates. Judeans of both genders, from various occupations, diverse locations, and social classes—all joined in the great restoration project. The wall was completed in record time (6:15) because everybody worked hard.

The facts to note are that everyone was assigned very specific tasks and that everyone cooperated together in a unified effort. Each person kept his or her eyes on a specific task and worked to accomplish the project. Each used the specific gift God had given. Throughout this chapter, 38 workers and 42 different groups are named, all cooperating and working together to build their city and its walls.

Practically everyone was taking part in the project:

⇒ political leaders (vv.9, 12, 14, 16, 19)

⇒ priests (vv.1, 22)

⇒ common people, both men and women (vv.2-4, 12) ⇒ business leaders (vv.8, 32) and craftsmen

Nehemiah organized his work groups on several different bases. Some were organized by neighborhood—others by family, social status, and profession. Don't be afraid of diversity in the church. God gives people different gifts and calls us from different cultures and backgrounds. Yet the church is one, and believers are to work and worship together. Close to home.

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 11: Ezra / Nehemiah / Esther God’s Work Necessitates Total Participation

Nehemiah 3 reminds us, the work of God happens most effectively when everyone participates. Judeans of both genders, from various occupations, diverse locations, and social classes—all joined in the great restoration project. The wall was completed in record time (6:15) because everybody worked hard.

Life Application:

The double assignments of some

Nehemiah assigned teams to work as close to home as possible. Thus, they had a personal interest in building that section of wall which would defend their own houses or businesses. People who had houses sitting next to the wall also joined in the project (vv.10, 23, 28-30). This suggests the importance of neighbors cooperating together in looking out for and taking care of their neighborhood. The double assignments of some.

Meremoth, and possibly others, had more than one assignment. See 3:4 and 3:21. In the body of Christ, some Christians are given more than one assignment. This is an added privilege but is also an added responsibility.

Life Application:

Cooperation is an absolute essential in achieving any task that requires more than one person. Oneness of spirit is a must. Unless there is unity, people are moving in different directions, pulling against each other and accomplishing little. The result of pulling against each other is dissension and divisiveness. Think how often dissension and divisiveness rip apart families, friends, workers, classmates, athletes, businesses, social organizations, churches, communities, political parties, nations, and a host of other relationships.

… but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord. () Their nobles refused to get involved in the work. They wanted the benefits of the wall, but were not willing to do their share of the work. They would share in the security and safety of the wall and gates, but they weren’t about to roll their sleeves up and get to work. Close:

Close:

The importance of the gates

The repairing of the wall’s gates is prominently mentioned. The gates had been more completely destroyed than had the remainder of the walls and the gates to a city are of primary importance.

It is vital that we keep in good repair the gates to our souls and the gates to our local churches.

The Sheep Gate

It was through the sheep gate that the sacrificial animals were led to the altar to be sacrificed to atone for man’s sin. This gate was a constant reminder to everyone that … … without shedding of blood is no remission. () The sheep gate is where our Christian walk begins as we realize that Jesus is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. All we like sheep have truly gone astray, but the Lord has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all (). Even after we're saved, the rebuilding process always begins with a renewed focus on the Lamb, a greater love for Jesus. The Fish Gate

Once we see the Lamb of God and become linked to him, the next thing we're called to do is to be workers for Him. At the fish gate, we do just that as we fish for men's souls (). Yet, as we share the good news of the Gospel, people ask us questions, which leads us to the next gate... The Old Gate

When questions arise, we are drawn back to the old gate—the solid teachings and doctrines of the Word—in order to get the firm foundation of faith every believer must know in order to be effective in service. The Valley Gate

After being saved, after witnessing and being driven back to studying the Word, we come to the valley gate—times of trial and difficulty—for, as any teacher knows, testing always follows teaching. "Don't be surprised concerning the fiery trials that come your way," Peter would say (). "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials because the testing of your faith works patience," James would echo. "But let patience have her perfect work that you may be entire and complete, lacking nothing" (see ). In other words, praise the Lord for the valley gate. Jon Courson's Application Commentary - Jon Courson's Application Commentary Old Testament Volume 1.1 Peter 4:12). "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials because the testing of your faith works patience," James would echo. "But let patience have her perfect work that you may be entire and complete, lacking nothing" (see ). In other words, praise the Lord for the valley gate. The Dung Gate

The garbage was carried out of the city through the Dung Gate and tossed into the Hinnom Valley where fires burned around the clock to consume the waste. There are a couple of good lessons here.

First, the proper disposal of waste is essential to the health of a city. Likewise, God’s people must dispose of filthiness that often creeps into our life. Secondly, the work of rebuilding the dung gate would have been dreadfully unpleasant. We can only imagine the smell of the burning garbage. The stench in the air would have constantly been in the nostrils of the workers. Though unpleasant, it was not unimportant. Many times, a builder will have to face unpleasant situations.

The Fountain Gate This gate was next to the Dung Gate. The ever-flowing fountain is a type of the Holy Spirit who indwells the believer. THE WATER GATE This gate is suggestive of the Word of God which is compared to water in the Bible. In Nehemiah chapter eight, the people gathered in the street before the Water Gate to listen to the reading of the Word of God. THE HORSE GATE The Horse Gate is suggestive of warfare and victory. The Christian life is a battlefield in an evil world. It is a war every day. THE EASTERN GATE The Eastern Gate faces the rising sun. It speaks of the Second Coming of Christ. When the glory of the Lord returns THE MIPHKAD GATE The word "Miphkad" means "review or appointed place for judgment." It is probably the gate in which judges settled disputes and controversies.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.

It also means "review or registry." When a stranger came into Jerusalem, he had to have a visa and register at the gate.

Holman Old Testament Commentary - Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther.

This gate was a gate of review also. Soldiers returning from battle would pass through this gate. David reviewed his army here and thanked them for their You may build great cathedrals large or small, you can build skyscrapers grand and tall, you may conquer all the failures of the past, but only what you do for Christ will last.

This gate is also a reminder of the Judgment Seat of Christ where believers will give an accounting to the Lord one day for the way they lived.

Remember only what You do for Christ will last. Remember only what you do for Christ will last, only what you do for Him will be counted at the end; only what you do for Christ will last.

You may seek earthly power and fame, the world might be impressed by your great name, soon the glories of this life will all be past, but only what you do for Christ will last.

Remember only what You do for Christ will last. Remember only what you do for Christ will last, only what you do for Him will be counted at the end; only what you do for Christ will last. courage and effort in battle.

Holman Old Testament Commentary - Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther.

Teach the Text Commentary Series - Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.

Bible Reader's Companion.

Expository Pulpit Series - Nehemiah: Building and Battling.

Loring W. Batten, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah., International Critical Commentary (New York: Scribner, 1913), 208.

Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther.

Mark Roberts and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, vol. 11, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1993), 184.

Fredrick Carlson Holmgren, Israel Alive Again: A Commentary on the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, International Theological Commentary (Grand Rapids; Edinburgh: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.; Handsel Press, 1987), 103.

Bible Biography Series - Nehemiah: The Wall Builder.

George Brooks Preaching Commentary - God's Use of a Man Called Nehemiah.

Jon Courson's Application Commentary - Jon Courson's Application Commentary Old Testament Volume 1.

Treasures From the Scriptures - Treasures from Nehemiah.