Nehemiah 3
High Priest rebuild Sheep Gateverses 1-2
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests
and they built the SHEEP GATE – they SANCTIFIED it
and set up the doors of it
even to the tower of Meah they SANCTIFIED it
to the tower of Hananeel
And next to him built the men of Jericho
And next to them built Zaccur the son of Imri
Sons of Hassenaah rebuild Fish Gateverses 3-5
BUT the FISH GATE did the sons of Hassenaah build
who also laid the beams thereof – and set up the doors
there of the locks thereof – and the bars thereof
And next to them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah
the son of Koz
And next to them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah
the son of Meshezabeel
And next to them repaired Zadok the son of Baana
And next unto them the Tekoites repaired
BUT the NOBLES put NOT their necks to the
work of the LORD
Old Gate rebuild by groupverses 6-8
Moreover the OLD GATE repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah
and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah
they laid the beams thereof
and set up the doors thereof
and the locks thereof
and the bars thereof
And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite
and Jadon the Meronothite – the men of Gibeon – and of Mizpah
to the throne of the governor on this side the river
Next to him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah of the goldsmiths
Next to him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries
and they fortified Jerusalem to the broad wall
Israelites rebuild wall next to their homesverses 9-12
Next to them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur
the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem
Next to them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph
even over against his house
Next to him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah
Malchijah the son of Harim and Hashub the son of Pahath-moab
repaired the other piece – and the tower of the furnaces
Next to him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh
the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem
he and his DAUGHTERS
Valley Gate area rebuiltverse 13
The VALLEY GATE repaired Hanun – and the inhabitants of Zanoah
they built it – and set up the doors thereof – the locks thereof
the bars thereof – and a thousand cubits on the wall
to the DUNG GATE
Dung Gate area rebuiltverse 14
BUT the DUNG GATE repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab
the ruler of part of Beth-haccerem – he built it
and set up the doors thereof – the locks thereof
the bars thereof
Fountain Gate rebuilt by groupverses 15-16
BUT the GATE OF THE FOUNTAIN repaired Shallun
the son of Col-hozeh – the ruler of part of Mizpah – he built it
and covered it – and set up the doors thereof
the locks thereof – the bars thereof
and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king’s garden
and to the stairs that go down from the
city of David
After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk
the ruler of the half part of Beth-zur
to the place over against the sepulchers of David
and to the pool that was made
and to the house of the mighty
Levites and other rebuild wallverses 17-18
After him repaired the Levites
Rehum the son of Bani
Next unto him repaired Hashabiah
the ruler of the half part of Keilah in his part
After him repaired their brethren – Bavai the son of Henadad
the ruler of the half part of Keilah
Rebuilt wall between armory & high priest’s homeverses 19-21
And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua – the ruler of Mizpah
another piece over against the going up to the armory at the
turning of the wall
After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece
from the turning of the wall to the door of the house of
Eliashib the high priest
After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece
from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the
house of Eliashib
Israelites rebuild wall next to their homesverses 22-27
And after him repaired the priests
the men of the plain
After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub
over against their house
After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah
by his house
After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece
from the house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall
even to the corner
Palal the son of Uzai – over against the turning of the wall
and the tower which lies out from the king’s high house
that was by the court of the prison
After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh
Moreover the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel
to the place over against the WATER GATE
toward the east and the tower that lies out
After them the Tekoites repaired another piece
over against the great tower that lies out
even to the wall of Ophel
Repairs between Horse Gate to Sheep Gateverses 28-32
From above the HORSE GATE repaired the priests
every one over against his house
After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer
over against his house
After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah
the keeper of the EAST GATE
After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah
and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph another piece
After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah
over against his chamber
After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith’s son
to the place of the Nethinim
and of the merchants
over against the GATE MIPHKAD
and to the going up of the corner
And between the going up of the corner to the SHEEP GATE
repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they built the sheep gate, they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even to the tower of Meah they sanctified it, to the tower of Hananeel. (6942 “sanctified” [qadash] means to render holy or set apart by means of religious rites, consecrated, be dedicated, or to consecrate.)
DEVOTION: The high priest kept his work close to the Temple. It is thought that this gate was the one where the sheep were brought through to be offered as sacrifices in the Temple area by the people.
As we read throughout the chapter, we find people rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem near where they lived or worked. There were some who came from out of the city to help with this work as well because it was important for the nation of Israel to have protection from the enemies.
Our temple today is our body. We need to build it in such a way that the enemies of the world the flesh and the devil don’t have a way to get in without a effort. We have to fight off the enemy on a regular basis and if our defenses are up it is harder for them to have a victory in our life.
How are we doing with the building up of our defenses against the enemies in our world? Are there people coming alongside us to help us with our fight? Are we letting others help us mature in the faith? Are we trying to do it all on our own? These are important questions we have to answer when we live our life for the LORD.
Others are important to our spiritual growth. Listening to the right voices and following the right examples are very important to our growth in the LORD. Remember to not follow the example of those who are not honoring the LORD with their lives.
CHALLENGE: Keep your eyes on the example of Jesus that we find in the Bible. HE was always leading the disciples by example.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 5 And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their LORD. (6677 “necks” [tsawwa’r] means part of the body.)
DEVOTION: On the bodies of animals the yoke was placed on this part of the body so they could do the work that was necessary. Here we find that the nobles were not willing to do the work that was necessary for the rebuilding of the walls of the city. They were allowing others to work but not willing to do it themselves.
Nehemiah mentions this to show that there were some who didn’t support the work that was needed to be done for the city to be safe from it’s enemies.
The location mentions in this verse was in the area of one of the enemies of the building of the walls. This might mean that the nobles were threatened by Gershon to not be involved in the work or they would be attacked.
There are always people who are not willing to work when there is work to be done. They find an excuse to not be there on work days at the church. They would rather give money than do any work at all.
If a church is to move forward it needs all hands on deck even on work days. The building is the first testimony many people see before they even listen to a message. If the building is not kept up visitors will have problems coming back many times. They want a clean and welcoming place to come to worship the LORD.
Our responsibility is not to just give of our money but of our time and talent to the LORD for our witness to be great to those around us. If people see only partial service, that is what they will practice as well, especially members of our own family.
CHALLENGE: When there is physical work to be done at church all hands need to be on deck.
: 12 And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters. (8269 “ruler” [sar] means prince, leader, chief, official or captain.)
DEVOTION: Nehemiah was a great leader. He was in communication with God. He was in communication with the people. He knew that people would want to beautify their back yards. He had all the people that lived in Jerusalem repair next to their own homes. They would take pride in their work.
This verse tells us that a man and his daughters repaired a part of Jerusalem. Women worked construction right next to their parents. The list of names of those repairing the walls might not seem important to us but their names are important to the LORD.
These names gave us the families that were represented in the city. We find that the goldsmiths, merchants, priests, Levites and the common people repaired the city.
We also find in this chapter that the nobles didn’t think they had to do any work to repair the city. This will be addressed later in the book.
The LORD wants all individuals to work at building HIS kingdom. The rich and the poor have to work to see the work of the LORD go forward in our society.
One pastor had millionaires sit next to the poor in his church to show that the LORD wants all to work together to serve the LORD. IF the millionaires think that they are better than the poor folks in the church – the church is in trouble. We are individually important to the LORD.
The only sad part in the chapter is that the nobles would not work on the walls. There are always people in the church of the LORD who don’t want to work. They are good at telling people what needs to be done but won’t do it themselves. We need to see what needs to be done and DO IT.
Are we all working together to see that the LORD receives the glory? We are involved in the building of the church. We are to occupy until HIS return.
CHALLENGE: Leaders are to lead. If you are leader, lead by example. In the church this means that any project you want the people to be part – you should be a part of too.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 25 Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning of the wall, and the tower which lies out from the king’s high house, that was by the court of the prison. After him, Pedaiah the son of Parosh. (4307 “prison” [mattara] means guard, a group of soldiers, serving to protect or keep watch over some place or person, ward, custody, or a place of confinement.)
DEVOTION: There was a place near the palace of David where they built a place where they put people who were held because of something they had done in the nation. The king was the final judge of these individuals.
It was also a place where there was a corner in the city. It was a point where the guards could look over the wall and see what was coming toward the city. So it not only a place where people were held but also to see if there was an enemy coming toward the city.
We need to be watching the area around our place where we live to see who is coming toward us. It is important that we protect our house against all intruders. Each one of us is the king of his castle or home. It is important to protect our families from those who would hurt us but at this time period it was important to protect the king.
A safe area is needed for our families because there are people who would like to remove the leader of the land or of the home.
There needed to be a guard house close to the king’s house to protect him from any intruders. We need to be guarding not only our house but our heart against those who would try to lead us astray or hurt us.
We live in a world that doesn’t want anyone serving the God of the Bible fully. They want to break down the beliefs of our house. As the head of the house we need to make sure that we protect our house from those who would want to hurt us or our family with wrong beliefs or tempt us to go in the wrong direction.
CHALLENGE: There are people who want to hurt the leader of the house as well as the leader of a nation. We need to guard both.
: 32 And between the going up of the corner to the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants. (2388 “repaired” [chazaq] means to restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken, grow or make strong, or strengthen.)
DEVOTION: Here we find that the workers made a full circle of the city. They covered all the parts of the wall. Everyone did their part to protect the city and the Temple except the nobles.
In this verse we find that the merchants were involved with the repairs. No one thought it was below them to help with the work. With everyone working the work was done decently and in order. That is how the LORD wants HIS work to be done. HE doesn’t like confusions. Everyone knew their part and did their part to see that there was success in the work.
This is an example for us in the local church again. Everyone is given gifts that are necessary for the work of the LORD to move forward in the local body. If everyone is doing their part the work will continue in such a way that the name of the LORD is glorified and the testimony of the church is good.
When everyone continues to work in the local church everything will go smoothly each Sunday. No one will be looking for faults in others because they will be too busy doing their work. Those who are not doing their work are in the hands of the LORD to work on, so that, they will do the work HE has called them to. The Holy Spirit convicts them of their sin and we don’t have to waste our time worrying about but only be concerned about whether we are doing the work that the LORD has given us.
CHALLENGE: Remember we are to be encouragers and those who are finding fault in others are not encouragers. Be an encourager!!!
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
Eliashib the high priestverses 1, 20
House
Priestsverses 1, 22
Sheep gateverse 1
Sanctified it
Tower of Meah to tower of Hananeel
Levitesverse 17
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal)verse 5
Work of their LORDverse 5
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead – God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Nobles not working on wallsverse 5
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Sanctifyverse 1
Buildersverses 1, 2, 15
Repairverses 4-7, 9-14, 16-24, 27-32
Fortifiedverse 8
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Men of Jerichoverse 2
Zaccur – the son of Imriverse 2
Fish gate – sons of Hassenaahverse 3
Meremoth – son of Urijahverse 4
Tekoites – repairedverse 5
Nobles didn’t put hand to the workverse 5
Old gate – Jehoiada &Meshullamverse 6
Throne of the governorverse 7
Uzziel – goldsmithverse 8
Hananiah – apothecariesverse 8
Fortified Jerusalem to broad wall
Rephaiah – son of Hur verse 9
Tower of the furnacesverse 11
Shallum – ruler of half part of Jerusalemverse 12
Valley gate repaired Hanunverse 13
Dung gateverses 13, 14
Fountain gateverse 15
Shallum – ruler of part of Mizpah
Nehemiah – rulerverse 16
Sepulchers of David
House of the mighty
Hashabiah – ruler of half part of Keilahverse 17
King’s high houseverse 25
Court of the prison
Water gateverse 26
East gateverse 29
Place of the Nethinimsverse 31
Merchants
Gate Miphkadverse 31
Sheep gateverse 32
Repaired by goldsmiths and merchants
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
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QUOTES regarding passage
3:1 “Eliashib” was the grandson of Jeshua (Neh 12:10), the leader in the time of the construction of the temple. The priests, even the high priest, did not just direct others, but they themselves “went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate.” The Sheep Gate (cf. John 5:2) was near the northeast corner of the wall and near the temple area. It probably was so named because sheep destined for sacrifice usually were brought in there to the market.
3:5 “Tekoa,” located southeast of Bethlehem, was the home of the prophet Amos. Since it was close to the area controlled by Geshem the Arab, perhaps the nobles who “would not put their shoulders to the work” were influenced by or afraid of him. Whatever their reason, it indicates that some of the Jews did not support Nehemiah’s plan. (Breneman, M. (1993). Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (electronic ed., Vol. 10, p. 187). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
3:5 nobles did not support the work of their masters. One explanation, beyond just the laziness of the rich, is that these nobles had been pledged to Tobiah for personal gain (6:17-19). (MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Ne 3:5). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
the sheep gate] This was a gate in the eastern wall, not far from the pool of Bethesda, marg. ref., which was perhaps originally a sheep-pool.
The exact line which the writer follows in describing the circuit of the wall will probably be always a matter of dispute. According to the view here taken, the line described commences near the pool of Bethesda, on the east of the city, and is traced thence, first, northwards, then westwards, then southwards, and finally eastwards, as far as the pool of Siloam (v. 15). From this point, it seems to the writer of this note that the line of the outer wall is not followed, but, instead of this, the inner wall of the “city of David,” which included the Temple, is traced. This wall is followed northwards from the pool of Siloam, past the “sepulchre of David” and Hezekiah’s pool to the “armoury” (v. 19) at its north-west corner; it is then followed eastwards to “the tower which lieth out from the king’s house” (v. 25); from this it is carried southwards, along the western edge of the Kidron valley to the “great tower which lieth out” (v. 27), and then south-westwards to the point at which it commenced near Siloam (v. 27). The special wall of the “city of David” being thus completed, the writer finishes his entire account by filling up the small interval between the north-east angle of this fortification and the “sheep-gate” (vv. 28–32), from which he started.
they sanctified it] The priests commenced the work with a formal ceremony of consecration. When the work was completed, there was a solemn dedication of the entire circuit (see 12:27–43). (Barnes, A. (1879). Notes on the Old Testament: I Samuel to Esther. (F. C. Cook, J. M. Fuller, Eds.) (pp. 461–462). London: John Murray.)
Did not submit to it, would not further it, either through pride, or sloth and carelessness, or covetousness, or secret compliance with the enemies of the Jews. To the work of their Lord; either, 1. Of Nehemiah, who was their lord and governor, and had given a general command for the carrying on of this work. Or, 2. Of God, whom they owned for their Lord, whose work this was, partly because it had proceeded thus far by God’s singular providence and blessing; and partly because it was done for the defense of the city, and people, and temple of God. And therefore, they are branded to all posterity for the neglect of so great and pious a work. (Poole, M. (1853). Annotations upon the Holy Bible (Vol. 1, p. 886). New York: Robert Carter and Brothers.)
Despite its mundane appearance, this chapter is more than a construction record. Although the walls and gates would serve a military purpose (cf. Neh 4), the book’s concern for separation from pagan influence suggests it also had symbolic significance (cf. 13:19–22). Rather than simply providing security, the walls encouraged in the people of God a sense of identity and distinctiveness. Their restoration also represented a reversal of the humiliation of defeat and destruction suffered because of Israel’s sin (cf. 2:3, 17). Like the restored temple, the rebuilt walls would assure the Jews of God’s redemptive presence among them. For the Christian, however, the continuing demonstration of God’s powerful and loving presence is the cross (Rom 5:5–11).
This chapter also contains important teachings for Christians today. One reason the work progressed was that everyone took part, from rulers and temple personnel to merchants and citizens with their families (cf. 1 Cor 12:4–13, 27–30). Even the people from the villages who lived a distance from Jerusalem also helped. They felt part of the community, even though they personally received fewer direct benefits. McConville suggests that “their co-operation on the walls is one of the Old Testament’s finest pictures of its ideal of Israelite brotherhood” (cf. John 17:21–23; 1 Thess 1:7–8; 2 Cor 8:3–5; 9:1–2). Even their enemies were amazed at the results (notice the same in Acts 2:43–47; 4:32). In order not only to survive but also to be effective in the midst of opposition from a hostile secular culture, the church must exhibit a cooperative spirit. Another reason for the Jews’ success was Nehemiah’s wise delegation of labor. He knew how to choose leaders and to delegate authority (cf. 2 Tim 2:2). Also, many built the part nearest their own house. A leader must take into account family and incentive factors in planning and delegating responsibilities (cf. Eph 4:11–13). (Breneman, M. (1993). Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (electronic ed., Vol. 10, p. 192). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
The Flame of Gifts
“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6)
The apostle Paul uses more unique words in his writings than any other Bible author. Such is the case with the verb anazopureo, translated as “stir up” in our text for today, which is a compound of three Greek terms.
Ana, a primary preposition and adverb, is most often translated as “again” or “each,” depending on its context. Zoon is a frequently used noun meaning “life” or “living creature.” And pur is a root word meaning “fire” or “fiery.” Since it is only used this one time in the Scriptures, the translation is a bit difficult to coin an adequate English word or phrase for.
“Bring the fire alive (again)” is certainly implied from the syntax. “Make each fire alive” would emphasize the implied multiplicity of gifts. The tense indicates an ongoing process, and the direct object (the gift) seems to emphasize the need for Timothy’s action—since God gave Timothy the special leadership gift(s) when Paul personally ordained Timothy.
Paul’s first letter to Timothy implies that the young disciple had allowed the “fire” to grow weak in his ministry. Difficulty, discouragement, or doubt can attack anyone. Apathy, pessimism, worry, or lack of confidence can spin into lack of support or encouragement from friends or coworkers. Whatever the cause, the results are the same.
We can quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) so that we no longer sense His leading. We can even grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), bringing conviction to us in an effort to bring repentance and restoration. Such discipline is not pleasant but is necessary (Hebrews 12:11). But if we are to live in active joy while serving the Lord, we must “stir up” the gifts that He has carefully given us. (HMM III of The Institute for Creation Research)
When Satan tempts Jesus, he offers Him things which God has already promised to give to Jesus. The things are not wrong in and of themselves, but they are not in God’s time or in God’s way. Each time Jesus rebuffs Satan, He does so with Scripture. Each time Satan offers Jesus something, Jesus’ reply is, “No, because it is written . . .” To be victorious, we must know Scripture well enough to use it in our spiritual warfare, to see through the tricks of Satan. (Quiet Walk)
Idolizing Blue Bell
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:31
I think the human race has a problem with addictions. The well-known addictions to drugs, alcohol, sex and pornography have destroyed lives and families for generations. But there are other addictions, even within the Christian community, that are not as evil but are still addictions.
Like food. Let me illustrate personally. Barbara and I approach food very differently. She eats to live. I love to eat. Food to her is necessary fuel for life. But for me there have been times in my life when I’ve simply idolized food, specifically ice cream.
For years, I felt a day was not complete unless I had enjoyed a mountainous bowl of Blue Bell Vanilla Nut Bean ice cream swimming in chocolate sauce and sprinkled with savory crushed almonds. Honestly, I think I was addicted. And my waistline showed it, the natural consequence of my addiction forced me to face reality. I became convicted that I was placing way too much importance on ice cream. I decided that I would use Lent, a 40-day period leading up to Easter that recalls the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, to fast from all desserts. It was fascinating to see how God used this time in my life to create a healthier perspective on food. So much so that for the past three years, I’ve used this annual season to fast from desserts. Let me ask you a question: Is there anything that has a grip on your life? Something that has become an addiction and even an idol that has supplanted God in your allegiance? Perhaps it’s time to talk about it as a couple and come clean. You and your spouse may need to create some accountability and a lifestyle that will bring about a real life change that honors God. (Moments with You Couples Devotional by Dennis and Barbara Rainey)
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