Nehemiah 3
Read Nehemiah 3 (WEB)+
1Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the sheep gate. They sanctified it, and set up its doors. They sanctified it even to the tower of Hammeah, to the tower of Hananel. 2Next to him the men of Jericho built. Next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. 3The sons of Hassenaah built the fish gate. They laid its beams, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 4Next to them, Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz 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. 5Next to them, the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles didn’t put their necks to the Lord’s work. 6Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the old gate. They laid its beams, and set up its doors, and its bolts, and its bars. 7Next to them, Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, repaired the residence of the governor beyond the River. 8Next to him, Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, made repairs. Next to him, Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs, and they fortified Jerusalem even to the wide wall. 9Next to them, Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs. 10Next to them, Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs across from his house. Next to him, Hattush the son of Hashabneiah made repairs. 11Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hasshub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired another portion, and the tower of the furnaces. 12Next to him, Shallum the son of Hallohesh, the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, he and his daughters, made repairs. 13Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the valley gate. They built it, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and one thousand cubits of the wall to the dung gate. 14Malchijah the son of Rechab, the ruler of the district of Beth Haccherem repaired the dung gate. He built it, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 15Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of the district of Mizpah repaired the spring gate. He built it, and covered it, and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and the wall of the pool of Shelah by the king’s garden, even to the stairs that go down from David’s city. 16After him, Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth Zur, made repairs to the place opposite the tombs of David, and to the pool that was made, and to the house of the mighty men. 17After him, the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani made repairs. Next to him, Hashabiah, the ruler of half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district. 18After him, their brothers, Bavvai the son of Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah made repairs. 19Next to him, Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, repaired another portion, across from the ascent to the armory at the turning of the wall. 20After him, Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired another portion, from the turning of the wall to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. 21After him, Meremoth the son of Uriah the son of Hakkoz repaired another portion, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib. 22After him, the priests, the men of the Plain made repairs. 23After them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs across from their house. After them, Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah made repairs beside his own house. 24After him, Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another portion, from the house of Azariah to the turning of the wall, and to the corner. 25Palal the son of Uzai made repairs opposite the turning of the wall, and the tower that stands out from the upper house of the king, which is by the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh made repairs. 26(Now the temple servants lived in Ophel, to the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that stands out.) 27After him the Tekoites repaired another portion, over against the great tower that stands out, and to the wall of Ophel. 28Above the horse gate, the priests made repairs, everyone across from his own house. 29After them, Zadok the son of Immer made repairs across from his own house. After him, Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the east gate made repairs. 30After him, Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another portion. After him, Meshullam the son of Berechiah made repairs across from his room. 31After him, Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths to the house of the temple servants, and of the merchants, made repairs opposite the gate of Hammiphkad, and to the ascent of the corner. 32Between the ascent of the corner and the sheep gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.
World English Bible (public domain)
“Next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord.”
Nehemiah 3:5
Summary
Nehemiah chapter 3 provides a detailed account of the reconstruction efforts of the walls of Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. This chapter is primarily a list of the various groups of people and individuals who participated in the rebuilding process, showcasing a diverse array of laborers, including priests, merchants, and common citizens, all working together for a common purpose. Each section of the wall is attributed to specific families or guilds, emphasizing the importance of communal responsibility and cooperation in fulfilling God's mission for His people. Moreover, it reflects the theme of restoration and renewal, not only of the physical walls but also of the spiritual identity of the Israelites as they re-establish their covenant community. Theologically, Nehemiah 3 highlights the significance of unity and collaboration among God's people in their efforts to accomplish His work. Each person's contribution, no matter how small, is integral to the overall restoration process. This chapter serves as a metaphor for the Church today, reminding believers that collective efforts can lead to monumental achievements when working under God's guidance. Furthermore, the chapter underscores the importance of leadership, as Nehemiah orchestrates these efforts and motivates the people to engage in the task at hand, exemplifying servant leadership grounded in faith and vision. Through the variety of roles and tasks detailed in this chapter, Nehemiah 3 also illustrates the principle that everyone has a part to play in the community of faith—no task is too menial when it serves the greater purpose of glorifying God and advancing His kingdom. The proud declaration of each individual's or family’s segment of the wall stands as both a record of their commitment and a lasting testimony of their faithfulness to God’s calling during a time of need.
Key Themes
Go deeper
Ask the AI about Nehemiah 3
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture.
Daily Scripture study
Get a short devotional by email
One passage, one reflection, and one practical question for the day.