Nehemiah 3 Commentary

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Nehemiah 3:1 Then Eliashib the high priest arose with his brothers the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors. They consecrated the wall to the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel.

• Eliashib (KJV): Ne 12:10 Ne 13:28 
• the sheep gate (KJV): This gate is supposed to have immediately communicated with the temple, and to have been called the sheep gate, because the sheep intended for sacrifice passed through it.  But, after all which learned men have written on this subject, which is but of little interest, we scarcely know any thing about these gates:  what they were, why called by these names, or in what part of the wall they were situated, beyond what may be learned from the parallel passages. Ne 12:39 Joh 5:2+ 
• sanctified it (KJV): Ne 12:30 De 20:5+ Ps 30:1 *title Pr 3:6,9+ 
• the tower (KJV): Ne 12:39 Jer 31:38+ Zec 14:10+ 

NEHEMIAH'S JERUSALEM

Then Eliashib the high priest arose with his brothers the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors. They consecrated the wall to the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel.

Believer's Study Bible - The expression "Eliashib the high priest" occurs here and in v. 20. Eliashib, the son of Joiakim, was the grandson of Jeshua (12:10, 11), who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2; Ezra 3:2). He allied himself with Tobiah (13:4), probably by marriage. His grandson likewise joined with the family of Sanballat, and came into conflict with Nehemiah (13:28). The "Tower of the Hundred," together with the "Tower of Hananel" at the northeast corner of the wall, was located between the Fish Gate, near the modern Damascus Gate, and the "Sheep Gate" near the pool of Bethesda (so named because sheep were brought in here to be sacrificed). Proceeding west to east along the north wall, one would pass both towers, which were evidently located close together.
 

Nehemiah 3:2 Next to him the men of Jericho built, and next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.  

• next unto him (KJV): Heb. at his hand
• the men (KJV): Ne 7:36 Ezr 2:34 
• Zaccur (KJV): Ne 10:12 

Next to him the men of Jericho built, and next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.  

Nehemiah 3:3 Now the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors with its bolts and bars.

• the fish gate (KJV): Ne 12:39 2Ch 33:14+ Zep 1:10+ 
• the beams (KJV): Ne 3:6 Ne 2:8 
• the doors (KJV): Ne 6:1 Ne 7:1 

Now the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors with its bolts and bars

Ryrie - Fish Gate (see map). Located in the northern section of the wall, just W of the Tower of Hananel. 

Nehemiah 3:4 Next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah the son of Hakkoz made repairs. And next to him Meshullam the son of Berechiah the son of Meshezabel made repairs. And next to him Zadok the son of Baana also made repairs.

• Meremoth (KJV): Ne 3:21 Ne 10:15 
• Urijah (KJV): Ezr 8:33, Uriah
• Meshullam (KJV): Ne 10:7 

Next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah the son of Hakkoz made repairs. And next to him Meshullam the son of Berechiah the son of Meshezabel made repairs. And next to him Zadok the son of Baana also made repairs.

Believer's Study Bible - The Hebrew word for "made repairs," which occurs throughout ch. 3, means to "make strong," and does not imply restoration to an original condition.

Ryrie -  Some men, such as Meremoth, accepted a second allotment of work (cf. vv. 21, 5, 27). 

Nehemiah 3:5 Moreover, next to him the Tekoites made repairs, but their nobles did not support the work of their masters.  

• the Tekoites (KJV): Ne 3:27 2Sa 14:2+ Am 1:1 
• their nobles (KJV): Jud 5:23+ Jer 5:4,5 1Co 1:26+ 1Ti 6:17,18+ 
• put not (KJV): Jer 27:2,8,12+ Jer 30:8,9+ Mt 11:29+ Ac 15:10+ 

Moreover, next to him the Tekoites made repairs, but their nobles did not support the work of their masters

Ryrie - The nobles of Tekoa (the birthplace of Amos 10 mi, or 16 km, S of Jerusalem) refused to work, perhaps fearing reprisals from Sanballat. masters (referring to their overlords) or perhaps lord (referring to Nehemiah). 

Nehemiah 3:6 Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors with its bolts and its bars.

NEHEMIAH'S JERUSALEM

Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Old (Jeshanah) Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors with its bolts and its bars

Believer's Study Bible - The meaning of "Old Gate" is unclear, and thus its location is uncertain. Based on 12:39 and 2 Kin. 14:13, some have identified it with the Corner Gate. The account of rebuilding and repairing begins (v. 1) and ends (v. 32) at the "Sheep Gate" and proceeds counterclockwise.
 

Nehemiah 3:7 Next to them Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, also made repairs for the official seat of the governor of the province beyond the River.

• the Gibeonite (KJV): Jos 9:3-27+ 2Sa 21:2+ 
• Mizpah (KJV): Ne 3:19 2Ch 16:6+ 
• the throne (KJV): That is, probably, the palace of the Persian governor, west of the Euphrates; the term throne being used to signify any royal abode:  for Sir J. Chardin, describing a splendid tent erected by the king of Persia, says "that there was an inscription wrought upon the cornice of the anti-chamber, which gave it the appellation of the throne of the second Solomon."  Sitting upon a throne has, however, sometimes been granted to governors. Ne 2:8 

Next to them Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, also made repairs for the official seat of the governor of the province beyond the River.

Believer's Study Bible - The phrase "one of the perfumers" indicates a member of a guild of perfume makers or dealers.

Nehemiah 3:8 Next to him Uzziel the son of Harhaiah of the goldsmiths made repairs. And next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.

• the goldsmiths (KJV): Ne 3:31,32 Isa 46:6 
• of the apothecaries (KJV): Ge 50:2 Ex 30:25+ Ec 10:1+ 
• fortified (KJV): or, left
• the broad wall (KJV): Ne 12:38 

Next to him Uzziel the son of Harhaiah of the goldsmiths made repairs. And next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.

Nehemiah 3:9 Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, the official of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs.

• the ruler (KJV): Ne 3:12,17 

Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, the official of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs

Nehemiah 3:10 Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah made repairs.

• even (KJV): Ne 3:23,28-30 
• Hattush (KJV): Ne 10:4 

Next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah made repairs

Ryrie - Those assigned to repair the wall in front of their house would be especially motivated (also Neh 3:23, 28-30). 

Nehemiah 3:11 Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of Furnaces.

• Harim (KJV): Ne 10:5 
• Pahathmoab (KJV): Ne 7:11 Ne 10:14 Ezr 2:6 Ezr 8:4 
• other piece (KJV): Heb. second measure
• the tower (KJV): Ne 12:38 

Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of Furnaces

Ryrie - Malchijah. A restored wrongdoer (cf. Ezra 10:31), he helped build the Tower of Furnaces (SW corner, just N of the Valley Gate, v. 13). 

Nehemiah 3:12 Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, the official of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs, he and his daughters.  

• the ruler (KJV): Ne 3:9,14-18 
• he and his daughters (KJV): Ex 35:25+ Ac 21:8,9+ Php 4:3+ 

Next to him Shallum the son of Hallohesh, the official of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs, he and his daughters.  

Nehemiah 3:13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They built it and hung its doors with its bolts and its bars, and a thousand cubits of the wall to the Refuse Gate. 

• the valley gate (KJV): Ne 2:13 
• Zanoah (KJV): There were two towns of the name of Zanoah in the tribe of Judah:  see the parallel passages. Ne 11:30 Jos 15:34,56+ 1Ch 4:18+ 

NEHEMIAH'S JERUSALEM
REFUSE GATE = DUNG GATE

Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They built it and hung its doors with its bolts and its bars, and a thousand cubits of the wall to the Refuse (Dung - KJV) Gate

Ryrie - Through the Refuse Gate, at the southern tip of the city near the Pool of Siloam, refuse was carted to the Valley of Hinnom to be burned. 

Nehemiah 3:14 Malchijah the son of Rechab, the official of the district of Beth-haccherem repaired the Refuse Gate. He built it and hung its doors with its bolts and its bars.  

• the dung gate (KJV): Ne 2:13 Ne 12:31 
• the ruler (KJV): Ne 3:9,12,15-18 
• Bethhaccerem (KJV): Beth-haccerem was a town of Judah, situated on a mountain, between Jerusalem and Tekoa, according to Jerome on Jer. ch. 6.  Dr. Pococke conjectures that the Mountain of the Franks, called also the Mount of Bethulia, from a village of that name near it, west-north-west of Tekoa, is the ancient Beth-haccerem; the position of which seems to agree with the citadel of Herodium, built by Herod, on a moderate-sized hill, sixty furlongs from Jerusalem. Jer 6:1 

Malchijah the son of Rechab, the official of the district of Beth-haccherem repaired the Refuse Gate. He built it and hung its doors with its bolts and its bars

Nehemiah 3:15 Shallum the son of Col-hozeh, the official of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He built it, covered it and hung its doors with its bolts and its bars, and the wall of the Pool of Shelah at the king’s garden as far as the steps that descend from the city of David.

• the gate (KJV): Ne 2:14 Ne 12:37 2Ch 32:30+ 
• the ruler (KJV): Ne 3:9,12,14 
• Mizpah (KJV): Ne 3:7 Jud 20:1,3+, Mizpeh, Jer 40:6 
• Siloah (KJV): Siloah was situated under the eastern wall of Jerusalem, between that city and the brook Kedron, and is described by Chateaubriand as lying at the foot of Mount Zion.  Dr. Richardson represents the pool of Siloam as occurring higher up the valley of Jehoshaphat, towards the north, than the well of Nehemiah, a little beyond the village of Siloa, and nearly opposite the tombs of Jehoshaphat and Zechariah. Isa 8:6+, Shiloah, Lu 13:4+ Joh 9:7+, Siloam
• the stairs (KJV): 2Sa 5:6,7+ 

NEHEMIAH'S JERUSALEM

Shallum the son of Col-hozeh, the official of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He built it, covered it and hung its doors with its bolts and its bars, and the wall of the Pool of Shelah at the king’s garden as far as the steps that descend from the city of David.

Nehemiah 3:16 After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, official of half the district of Beth-zur, made repairs as far as a point opposite the tombs of David, and as far as the artificial pool and the house of the mighty men.

• the ruler (KJV): Ne 3:9,12,14 
• Bethzur (KJV): Jos 15:58+ 1Ch 2:45+ 2Ch 11:7+ 
• the sepulchres (KJV): 2Ch 16:14+ Ac 2:29+ 
• the pool (KJV): 2Ki 20:20+ Isa 7:3+ Isa 22:11 
• the house (KJV): 1Ki 14:27,28+ 2Ch 12:10,11+ Song 3:7+ 

After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, official of half the district of Beth-zur, made repairs as far as a point opposite the tombs of David, and as far as the artificial pool and the house of the mighty men

Henry Morris - This Nehemiah is different from the Nehemiah who was governor and author of the book. The name "Nehemiah" means "God is the Comforter" and was probably a common name among God-fearing Israelites (Ezra 2:2).

Believer's Study Bible - This Nehemiah is not the governor but another individual from "Beth Zur" (cf. Josh. 15:58+), which lies between Jerusalem and Hebron. Many identify this "pool" as a man-made reservoir constructed by Hezekiah to assure the city a water supply when under siege (2 Chr. 32:30+; Isa. 22:9-11). The "House of the Mighty" may refer to military quarters.

Nehemiah 3:17 After him the Levites carried out repairs under Rehum the son of Bani. Next to him Hashabiah, the official of half the district of Keilah, carried out repairs for his district.

• the ruler (KJV): Ne 3:16 1Ch 23:4+ 
• Keilah (KJV): Jos 15:44+ 1Sa 23:1,2-13+ 

After him the Levites carried out repairs under Rehum the son of Bani. Next to him Hashabiah, the official of half the district of Keilah, carried out repairs for his district

Nehemiah 3:18 After him their brothers carried out repairs under Bavvai the son of Henadad, official of the other half of the district of Keilah.

After him their brothers carried out repairs under Bavvai the son of Henadad, official of the other half of the district of Keilah.

Nehemiah 3:19 Next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, the official of Mizpah, repaired another section in front of the ascent of the armory at the Angle.

• Jeshua (KJV): Ne 10:9 Ne 12:8 
• Mizpah (KJV): Ne 3:15 
• the turning (KJV): 2Ch 26:9+ 

Next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, the official of Mizpah, repaired another section in front of the ascent of the armory at the Angle

Nehemiah 3:20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from the Angle to the doorway of the house of Eliashib the high priest.

• earnestly (KJV): Ec 9:10+ Ro 12:11+ 
• Eliashib (KJV): Ne 3:1,21 Ne 12:22,23 Ne 13:4,28 

After him Baruch the son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from the Angle to the doorway of the house of Eliashib the high priest

Nehemiah 3:21 After him Meremoth the son of Uriah the son of Hakkoz repaired another section, from the doorway of Eliashib’s house even as far as the end of his house.

• Meremoth (KJV): Ne 3:4 
• Koz (KJV): Ne 7:63 Ezr 2:61 

After him Meremoth the son of Uriah the son of Hakkoz repaired another section, from the doorway of Eliashib’s house even as far as the end of his house

Nehemiah 3:22 After him the priests, the men of the valley, carried out repairs.

• the men of the plain (KJV): Ne 6:2 Ne 12:28 

After him the priests, the men of the valley, carried out repairs

Nehemiah 3:23 After them Benjamin and Hasshub carried out repairs in front of their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah, carried out repairs beside his house.

• over against (KJV): Ne 3:10,29,30 
• Azariah (KJV): Ne 10:2 
• Maaseiah (KJV): Ne 8:4,7 

After them Benjamin and Hasshub carried out repairs in front of their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah, carried out repairs beside his house

Nehemiah 3:24 After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah as far as the Angle and as far as the corner.

• Binnui (KJV): Ne 10:9 
• another piece (KJV): That which had been left by Azariah, after he had repaired the wall by his own house.  It is probable that some of the principal people were either obliged, or voluntarily offered, to repair those parts of the wall which were opposite, or adjacent, to their own houses.  The names of those who repaired the walls are commemorated, because it was an undertaking of piety, virtue, and courage, to restore the holy city. Ne 3:11,19,27 
• the turning (KJV): Ne 3:20 

After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah as far as the Angle and as far as the corner.

Nehemiah 3:25 Palal the son of Uzai made repairs in front of the Angle and the tower projecting from the upper house of the king, which is by the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh made repairs.

• the king's (KJV): Jer 22:14+ Jer 39:8 
• by the court (KJV): Ne 12:39 Jer 32:2+ Jer 33:1+ Jer 37:21 Jer 39:15 
• Pedaiah (KJV): Ne 8:4 
• Parosh (KJV): Ne 7:8 Ezr 2:3 

Palal the son of Uzai made repairs in front of the Angle and the tower projecting from the upper house of the king, which is by the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh made repairs

Nehemiah 3:26 The temple servants living in Ophel made repairs as far as the front of the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower.

• Nethinims (KJV): Ne 7:46-56 Ne 10:28 1Ch 9:2 Ezr 2:43-58 
• dwelt (KJV): etc. or, which dwelt in Ophel, repaired unto
• Ophel (KJV): or, the tower. Ne 3:27 Ne 11:21 2Ch 27:3+ 2Ch 33:14+ 
• the water (KJV): The water gate is supposed to have been that by which the Nethinim brought in water for the use of the temple. Ne 8:1,3 Ne 12:37

NEHEMIAH'S JERUSALEM

The temple servants living in Ophel made repairs as far as the front of the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower. 

Believer's Study Bible - Ophel was between the central Valley of Jerusalem and the Valley of Jehoshaphat, i.e., Kidron. It was on the slope of the temple hill, which explains the dwelling of temple servants there. On the "Nethinim," see Ezra 2:55-58; Ezra 7:7, notes.

Ryrie Study Bible - Water Gate. On the E; nearby was a tower adjacent to the wall guarding the eastern side of Ophel (i.e., Mount Zion, immediately S of the Temple). 

Nehemiah 3:27 After them the Tekoites repaired another section in front of the great projecting tower and as far as the wall of Ophel.  

• the Tekoites (KJV): Ne 3:5 
• the wall (KJV): Ne 3:26 

After them the Tekoites repaired another section in front of the great projecting tower and as far as the wall of Ophel

Nehemiah 3:28 Above the Horse Gate the priests carried out repairs, each in front of his house. 

• the horse (KJV): 2Ki 11:16+ 2Ch 23:15+ Jer 31:40+ 
• every one (KJV): Ne 3:10,23 

NEHEMIAH'S JERUSALEM

Above the Horse Gate the priests carried out repairs, each in front of his house. 

Ryrie - Horse Gate. Near the Temple on the E. Further N was the East Gate, and still further N the Inspection Gate (near the present Golden Gate). Jesus may have entered Jerusalem in His triumphal entry through the Inspection Gate or the East Gate (Matt. 21:10+). 

Nehemiah 3:29 After them Zadok the son of Immer carried out repairs in front of his house. And after him Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, carried out repairs.

• the son (KJV): Ne 7:40 Ezr 2:37 
• Shechaniah (KJV): Ezr 10:2 
• the east gate (KJV): Jer 19:2 

After them Zadok the son of Immer carried out repairs in front of his house. And after him Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, carried out repairs

Nehemiah 3:30 After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah carried out repairs in front of his own quarters.

• another piece (KJV): Ne 3:21 
• Meshullam (KJV): Ne 3:4 

After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah carried out repairs in front of his own quarters

Nehemiah 3:31 After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, carried out repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and of the merchants, in front of the Inspection Gate and as far as the upper room of the corner.

• the goldsmith's (KJV): Ne 3:8,32 

After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, carried out repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and of the merchants, in front of the Inspection Gate and as far as the upper room of the corner

Nehemiah 3:32 Between the upper room of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants carried out repairs. 

• the sheep gate (KJV): Thus the whole city was surrounded with a wall; for Eliashib began at the sheep gate. Ne 3:1 Ne 12:39 Joh 5:2+ 
• the goldsmiths (KJV): The word {tzeraphim} may denote smiths, or refiners, or persons that worked in metals of any kind; but it is generally understood of those who worked in gold.  From the remotest period of the history of the Jews, they had artists in all the elegant and ornamental trades; and it appears that goldsmiths, apothecaries, and merchants were formed into companies in the time of Nehemiah. Ne 3:8,31 

NEHEMIAH'S JERUSALEM

Between the upper room of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants carried out repairs