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More Nehemiah commentaries
Nehemiah 1:1-11
Nehemiah prays for his people
Nehemiah 2:1-8
Nehemiah was fearful of what others may think
Nehemiah 2:9-20
Nehemiah determines to rebuild the wall
Nehemiah 3:1-14
Delegation of the work load
Nehemiah 3:15-32
Helping everyone to feel a part of the objective
Nehemiah 4:1-6
Ridicule and Criticism comes to Nehemiah
Nehemiah 4:7-14
Nehemiah reminds the people of their calling
Nehemiah 4:15-23
Nehemiah sets up a communication system
Nehemiah 5:1-13
Nehemiah deals with oppression
Nehemiah 5:14-19
The Generosity of Nehemiah
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Delegation of the work load
Nehemiah 3:1–14
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
Dave Dravecky, who loses not only a game but a career, a livelihood, his pitching arm, and his shoulder. He is energetically rebuilding his life and looking forward to whatever tomorrow might bring. He now runs Outreach of Hope non-profit organization to help people that are suff … More
The task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was so enormous that it called for great organization and the help of everyone. Nehemiah’s plan is unique and various aspects of this plan are outlined in this chapter. He begins with the Sheep Gate and proceeds counterclockwise. The map of Jerusalem in the times of Nehemiah shows the 10 gates and four towers mentioned in this chapter. It is interesting to note that the rebuilding process is inaugurated by Eliashib, the high priest and the other priests which rebuilt the Sheep Gate (v. 1). This would have been of particular interest to them, because animals were brought through this gate to the temple for sacrifice. The people of Jericho rebuilt the next section of the wall, and Zaccur son of Imri rebuilt the section after this (v. 2).
The city gates were hubs of activity. One of the main routes through Jerusalem entered the city at the Fish gate (v. 3). The fish market was near this gate. Other families did their part on the huge job of rebuilding the city wall (v. 4). However, not everyone was sympathetic to the cause of Nehemiah. The wealthy leaders of Tekoa did not participate in the building program (v. 5). They were lazy and would not put their effort to work.
Nehemiah assigned everyone a specific place in the wall to work (vv. 6-14). Many of these assignments were made near the people’s houses. Because of personal interest, this would make them more highly motivated. It would also avoid the wasting of valuable travel time. Commuters also had a part and were assigned sections of the wall where there were few homes. Other workers were assigned jobs based upon their vocations.
Application
The work of the universal church requires the efforts of various members in order for the body of Christ to function properly (I Cor. 12:12-27). The question is whether I am doing my part. I need to find my place and fulfill my responsibility to the Lord and those He has placed over me.
Nehemiah 3:1-14 (English Standard Version)
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, son of Hakkoz repaired. And next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabel repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana repaired. And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord. Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Gate of Yeshanah. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River. Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired. Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired. Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters. Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate. Malchijah the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
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