Nehemiah 3: Group Study Handout

Overview

Eliashib the high priest and his brothers built the sheep gate, sanctifying it and setting up its doors (vv. 1-2). Next, the men of Jericho and others made repairs on nearby sections. The fish gate was built by the sons of Hassenaah, who laid its beams and set up its doors (vv. 3-5). Joiada and Meshullam repaired the old gate, while the Tekoites contributed but their nobles did not participate. Melatiah and Jadon repaired the governor's residence (vv. 6-14). Nehemiah, as a ruler, made repairs near the tombs of David and the pool (vv. 15-21). The priests, Levites, and other leaders continued the work, repairing sections across from their houses (vv. 22-32). Various community members collaborated in the rebuilding efforts, highlighting the collective effort in restoring Jerusalem's walls and gates.

Key verse

“Next to them, the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles didn’t put their necks to the Lord’s work.”

Nehemiah 3:5 (WEB)

Outline

1. Nehemiah 3:1–2 The Sheep Gate is Built
2. Nehemiah 3:3–5 The Fish Gate and Repairs
3. Nehemiah 3:6–14 Repairs on Multiple Gates
4. Nehemiah 3:15–21 Continued Work by Leaders
5. Nehemiah 3:22–32 Community Contributions

Discussion questions

1. In v1, what specific gate do Eliashib and the priests build?
2. What did the Tekoites fail to do in v5?
3. In v5, why do the nobles of the Tekoites not participate in the work?
4. In v12, what might be the implications of Shallum’s daughters participating in the repairs?
5. When have you felt your contribution to a group effort was undervalued, similar to the Tekoite nobles in v5?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Nehemiah 3: Nehemiah 12, Nehemiah 10, Jeremiah 30.

Before next time: read Nehemiah 4.