Nehemiah 3:1–5

The builders and their work

Chapter 3 contains another long list of names like the lists that occur so often in Ezra and Nehemiah. Because the places and people named are strange to us, we might find it difficult to get much out of reading these lists. But, like all of Scripture, these lists have a practical value.

The mention of each person who led the building of a portion of the wall reminds us that no work of love performed for the Lord ever goes unnoticed or forgotten. The stories of the widow’s mite (Luke 21:1-4) and Mary’s anointing of Jesus (John 12:1-8) are other portions of Scripture we might call stewardship memorials. These passages provide examples of stewardship and assure us that God will record and remember our deeds of love, even though others may not notice or remember them. Anyone who gives even “a cup of cold water” in Christ’s name “will certainly not lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42). Reading chapter 3 will be more meaningful if we remember that each unfamiliar name is a memorial to some deed of love. We will thank God for the way in which he creates willing hearts in believers of all generations.

This list also demonstrates Nehemiah’s careful preparation and organization. Each leader had his own area and responsibilities clearly outlined. The work was organized so that the whole wall could be rebuilt simultaneously. Nehemiah chose this method so the work could be completed in the shortest time possible, in order to frustrate Sanballat’s attempts to interfere.

Nehemiah chapter 3 provides one of the most comprehensive descriptions of Old Testament Jerusalem. Consequently, it is valuable for students of biblical geography and history.

The northern wall

Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zaccur son of Imri built next to them.

3 The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. 4 Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next section. Next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs, and next to him Zadok son of Baana also made repairs. 5 The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.

Nehemiah begins his description of Jerusalem at the northeast corner of the city, probably so that the high priest and his crew could be placed in the position of honor. The northern wall was the most important and required the heaviest fortifications, since the city had the poorest natural defenses in this direction. The city gates were not simply doors in the walls, but strong, roofed towers that contained a number of guardhouses inside. The gates were one of the most vital parts of the fortifications.

Some workers from nearby villages joined the priests in rebuilding the northern wall. The only sour note was the lack of cooperation by the nobles from Tekoa. The prophet Amos had lived near this town about a dozen miles south of Jerusalem (Amos 1:1).