Nehemiah Chapter 3

The Building of the Walls
A. The record of the builders.

1. (Nehemiah 3:1–2) Builders near the Sheep Gate.

“Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors. They built as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and consecrated it, then as far as the Tower of Hananel. Next to Eliashib the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.”

a. They built, built, built: Nehemiah chapter 3 is intentionally repetitive because the emphasis is on faithful labor. The chapter is not designed to impress the reader with drama or speeches but with steady obedience and coordinated effort. Over and over again the text records that people built, repaired, and strengthened the wall. This repetition underscores that God’s work advances through consistent, often unnoticed labor rather than isolated acts of heroism. Nehemiah wanted it clearly recorded that the wall was rebuilt because many individuals accepted responsibility and did their part.

b. And built the Sheep Gate: The rebuilding begins with a gate, and that is significant. Gates were the most vulnerable points in any ancient city and therefore the most strategically important. By starting at the Sheep Gate and working outward, the builders prioritized security and function before appearance. The Sheep Gate was located on the northeastern side of Jerusalem and was associated with the temple service. It was through this gate that animals were brought in for sacrifice, which made it closely connected to worship and atonement.

i. The Sheep Gate received its name because shepherds brought their flocks through it to be sold and prepared for sacrifice. Historically, this gate remained associated with livestock for centuries. Its placement at the beginning of the chapter is not accidental. The work begins at a gate associated with sacrifice, reminding the reader that restoration begins with worship and obedience to God.

c. Eliashib the high priest: The first individual named is the high priest, which establishes the tone for the entire chapter. Eliashib did not delegate the hard work to others while remaining distant. He personally rose up and worked alongside the other priests. His leadership was visible, active, and practical.

i. Eliashib modeled godly leadership by placing himself at the front of the work. He did not consider manual labor beneath his spiritual calling. This is a critical lesson in biblical leadership. Spiritual authority does not excuse a man from labor or sacrifice. Instead, it demands that he lead by example.

ii. Leaders set the pace and the attitude of those who follow them. If a leader is hesitant, passive, or disengaged, others will mirror that behavior. If a leader works diligently and faithfully, it encourages others to do the same. This explains why Eliashib is mentioned first and why the chapter carefully records the names of more than fifty others. God honors those who step forward in obedience.

d. They consecrated it: To consecrate means to set something apart as holy and dedicated to the Lord. The priests did not treat the gate as merely a civic structure. They recognized it as belonging to God. By consecrating the Sheep Gate and the towers connected to it, they declared that this work was not merely political or military but spiritual.

i. Consecrating the first portion of the wall was a declaration that the entire project belonged to the Lord. It was an act of submission and worship, acknowledging that success would come only by God’s blessing.

ii. This principle applies beyond construction. Scripture teaches that all of life is to be lived as service to God. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17, NKJV). When work is done unto the Lord, even ordinary labor becomes sacred.

e. Next to Eliashib the men of Jericho built: The text emphasizes cooperation and shared responsibility. These men were not priests, and they were not assigned to a gate, yet their work was essential. They strengthened the wall itself, which provided protection and stability for the city. God values every role in His work, whether prominent or unseen.

2. (Nehemiah 3:3–5) Builders near the Fish Gate.

“Also the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors with its bolts and bars. And next to them Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz, made repairs. Next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs. Next to them Zadok the son of Baana made repairs. Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.”

a. The Fish Gate: This gate was associated with commerce, specifically the fish market, likely supplied by fishermen from the Mediterranean coast and the Sea of Galilee. The sons of Hassenaah were responsible for reconstructing the gate itself, including its structural beams and security features. This reminds the reader that God’s restoration work touches everyday economic and practical life, not just religious activity.

b. Made repairs: The repeated phrase highlights the Hebrew word chazaq, which means to strengthen, reinforce, or make firm. This word appears dozens of times in this chapter and emphasizes that the wall was not merely rebuilt but fortified. The goal was durability and resilience.

i. The concept of strengthening extends beyond physical structures. The New Testament applies the same idea to believers. “For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12, NKJV). The church exists to strengthen believers so they are prepared to serve faithfully in the world.

c. Next to them the Tekoites made repairs: The people of Tekoa were willing and diligent, but their leadership failed. The nobles refused to participate in the work.

i. The Hebrew expression indicates stubborn refusal and lack of submission. They would not bend their necks to the authority God had established through Nehemiah. The issue was not skill or opportunity but pride.

ii. These nobles stand out negatively because they are the only group recorded as refusing to work. Their names are not preserved, only their failure. This serves as a warning that status, education, or rank do not excuse a man from obedience to God. Those who refuse to serve ultimately lose honor, while those who labor faithfully are remembered with approval.

3. (Nehemiah 3:6–12) Builders near the Old Gate.

“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 unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river. Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall. And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem. And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah. Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces. And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.” (Nehemiah 3:6–12, KJV)

a. Moreover Jehoiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate: The Old Gate was an important and historic entry point into Jerusalem. Its name likely reflects its antiquity, possibly one of the oldest gates in the city. The work involved structural labor, laying beams and installing doors, locks, and bars, indicating that security and durability were priorities. This was not cosmetic work but serious defensive reconstruction.

i. Among those working in this section were Uzziel the goldsmith and Hananiah the apothecary. These men were skilled tradesmen in refined professions, not construction workers or masons. Humanly speaking, they could have argued that they were unqualified for wall building. Instead, they stepped forward and did what needed to be done.

ii. This demonstrates a critical principle in the work of God. God does not primarily look for credentials or technical expertise but for willingness and obedience. Availability matters more than ability. A man who is willing to serve God where needed, even outside his comfort zone, will often accomplish more than a man with great skill who lacks commitment.

iii. The record of Scripture emphasizes this truth. God consistently uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. The rebuilding of Jerusalem was not accomplished by professionals alone but by priests, craftsmen, rulers, families, and servants, all united by obedience to the calling of God.

b. They fortified Jerusalem unto the Broad Wall: The Broad Wall was a massive defensive structure, remarkably wide and strong. Archaeological excavations in Jerusalem have uncovered this wall, measuring over twenty feet wide in places. This physical evidence stands as a powerful confirmation of the historical reliability of the biblical record.

i. Critics once dismissed such references as exaggeration or legend, yet the discovery of the Broad Wall has silenced many of those claims. Scripture continues to prove itself accurate when subjected to honest historical investigation.

c. Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem: Rephaiah was a civil leader with authority over a significant portion of the city. Yet his leadership did not consist of issuing orders from a distance. He personally engaged in the labor.

i. This is biblical leadership in action. True leadership is not entitlement but service. A ruler who works alongside his people earns respect and sets an example. Scripture consistently portrays godly leadership as humble, sacrificial, and hands on.

d. Jedaiah the son of Harumaph made repairs over against his house: This detail appears multiple times in Nehemiah chapter 3 and carries spiritual weight. God records that certain men repaired the wall directly in front of their own homes.

i. This teaches that responsibility begins at home. Before a man attempts to fix the world or the church, he must be faithful in his own household. The work of God is never disconnected from family life.

ii. The names associated with those who repaired in front of their homes are instructive. Jedaiah means “He who calls unto God,” reminding us that homes should be places of prayer. Benjamin, mentioned later, means “Son of my right hand,” pointing to protection and strength within the home. Zadok means “Justice,” reminding believers that homes must be governed by righteousness and integrity. Meshullam means “Devoted,” emphasizing that homes should be places set apart unto God.

e. Malchijah the son of Harim: This man appears earlier in Scripture as one who had fallen into sin by marrying a pagan wife, as recorded in Ezra 10:31. That failure did not permanently disqualify him. He repented, corrected his course, and years later is found faithfully serving in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

i. This is a strong testimony to the grace of God. Past failure does not prevent future usefulness when there is genuine repentance and obedience. God restores and uses those who humble themselves and return to Him.

f. Shallum the son of Halohesh, he and his daughters made repairs: The inclusion of Shallum’s daughters highlights the collective nature of the work. Everyone who was able contributed. The rebuilding of Jerusalem was a community effort that crossed social, professional, and even gender lines.

i. With so many different individuals working on the wall, unity was essential. Each section was slightly different because different people built it, yet the wall had to function as a single, unified defense.

ii. This mirrors the work of God among His people. Scripture teaches that believers must share one mind and one purpose. “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16, KJV). When God’s people labor together in unity, each contributing according to their role, the work is strong, effective, and honoring to the Lord.

4. (Nehemiah 3:13) Builders near the Valley Gate.

“The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.” (Nehemiah 3:13, KJV)

a. Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate: The Valley Gate opened toward the western and southwestern approaches to Jerusalem and led out toward the Valley of Hinnom. This was a vulnerable stretch of the wall, exposed and extensive. Hanun and the men of Zanoah did not merely repair a gate, they rebuilt it completely, including its doors, locks, and bars, and then continued working for a full thousand cubits of wall. This was one of the longest continuous sections repaired by a single group.

i. The length of this assignment underscores both the scale of the task and the diligence of the workers. A thousand cubits represents an enormous amount of labor, especially given the terrain. Scripture records this to highlight faithfulness rather than prominence. These men were not repairing a famous gate near the temple, yet they carried a heavy workload without complaint.

ii. This teaches that God values endurance and perseverance. Some servants are assigned highly visible tasks, while others labor over long, exhausting stretches with little recognition. Both are equally recorded by God.

5. (Nehemiah 3:14) Builders near the Refuse Gate.

“But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.” (Nehemiah 3:14, KJV)

a. The Refuse Gate: This gate, also known as the Dung Gate, led out to the Valley of Hinnom and was used to remove waste and refuse from the city. It was not an attractive assignment. Yet Malchijah, a district ruler, personally oversaw and completed this work.

i. This is another example of servant leadership. Malchijah did not avoid an unpleasant task because of his position. He accepted responsibility for a gate associated with filth and disposal, understanding that the health and cleanliness of the city depended on it.

ii. Spiritually, this reflects the necessity of removing what defiles. Just as Jerusalem required a gate to carry away refuse, believers must deal honestly with sin and corruption in their lives. God’s work includes cleansing as well as building.

6. (Nehemiah 3:15–25) Builders near the Fountain Gate.

“But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king’s garden, and unto 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 Bethzur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty. 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. And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall. After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto 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. And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain. After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After them 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 unto the corner. Palal the son of Uzai repaired over against the turning of the wall, and the tower which lieth out from the king’s high house, that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh repaired.” (Nehemiah 3:15–25, KJV)

a. The Fountain Gate: This gate was strategically important because it protected Jerusalem’s water supply. The Pool of Siloah and the King’s Garden were closely associated with life, nourishment, and provision. Shallun rebuilt and covered the gate, ensuring both security and preservation of this critical resource.

i. Water in Scripture is frequently a picture of life and spiritual renewal. Protecting the Fountain Gate symbolized safeguarding the source of life for the city. Without water, Jerusalem could not survive a siege.

b. By the King’s Garden: This location carries both historical and symbolic significance. The King’s Garden was a place of beauty, cultivation, and care, associated with Davidic kingship and provision.

i. Charles Spurgeon drew rich spiritual lessons from this phrase, identifying six gardens belonging to the King. He spoke of Eden as the garden of creation, Gethsemane as the garden of submission and suffering, the garden tomb as the place of resurrection, the human heart as a garden to be cultivated by God, the church as God’s collective garden on earth, and the garden of Paradise in heaven as the final restoration. Each reflects God’s ongoing work of redemption and renewal.

c. Leadership and cooperation: This section of the wall involved rulers, Levites, priests, and families, all working in close coordination. Leaders repaired sections assigned to their districts, while others worked directly in front of their own homes.

i. The repeated phrase “after him” emphasizes continuity and unity. Each worker built upon the efforts of the previous one. There was no competition, only cooperation.

ii. Baruch is noted as having earnestly repaired his section. Scripture pauses to commend his zeal. God observes not only what is done, but how it is done.

iii. This long and detailed record reinforces the truth that God values order, faithfulness, and unity. Every section mattered. Every contributor was known. Nothing was wasted or overlooked.

7. (Nehemiah 3:26–27) Builders near the Water Gate.

“Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out. After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.” (Nehemiah 3:26–27, KJV)

a. The Nethinim who dwelt in Ophel made repairs: The Nethinim were temple servants, a group assigned to assist the Levites in the practical service of the house of God. Though they occupied a lower social status, they are recorded here as faithfully participating in the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s defenses. Their dwelling in Ophel placed them near the southeastern portion of the city, close to the temple complex.

i. This emphasizes again that God’s work is not limited to those with prominence or authority. Those who served quietly in supportive roles were equally responsible and equally honored when they labored faithfully.

b. As far as the place in front of the Water Gate: The Water Gate was significant because of its association with spiritual renewal. Later in Nehemiah, this gate becomes the location where Ezra publicly reads the Law to the people. The repairs near this gate ensured access to a place where God’s Word would again be proclaimed and understood.

c. The Tekoites repaired another section: This is a remarkable statement. Earlier in the chapter, the Tekoites were noted for their willingness to work despite the refusal of their nobles to participate. Here, they are recorded as volunteering for additional labor.

i. They were not discouraged by poor leadership above them. They did not allow the failure of others to limit their obedience. Instead, they went beyond what was required. Their example teaches that faithfulness to God is not dependent upon the faithfulness of others.

ii. This kind of service reflects maturity and devotion. They worked not for recognition or position, but because the work needed to be done. God carefully records their extra effort.

8. (Nehemiah 3:28–30) Builders near the Horse Gate.

“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 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.” (Nehemiah 3:28–30, KJV)

a. Beyond the Horse Gate the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house: The Horse Gate was located on the eastern side of Jerusalem and was associated with military movement and readiness. It is fitting that priests repaired this section, reminding the reader that spiritual leadership must also concern itself with the defense and preservation of God’s people.

i. Once again, Scripture emphasizes work done in front of one’s own house. The priests did not neglect personal responsibility while serving publicly. Faithfulness in ministry begins with faithfulness at home.

b. Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the East Gate: Shemaiah held responsibility for the East Gate, yet he is recorded as repairing another section of the wall. This indicates that the gate under his care may not have required repair, so instead of remaining idle, he chose to help where help was needed.

i. This reflects unselfish service. He did not limit his efforts to what directly affected him. He understood the broader need and acted accordingly. This is the mindset of a servant, not a hireling.

c. Meshullam the son of Berechiah made repairs in front of his chamber: The word translated chamber refers to a single room rather than a full house. Meshullam did not possess much by way of property or space, yet his devotion to God and to the work was wholehearted.

i. This provides a powerful contrast. God does not measure devotion by the size of one’s dwelling but by the posture of one’s heart. It is better to serve God faithfully with little than to possess much and remain spiritually indifferent.

9. (Nehemiah 3:31–32) Builders near the Miphkad Gate.

“After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith’s son unto the place of the Nethinims, 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 unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.” (Nehemiah 3:31–32, KJV)

a. The Miphkad Gate: The Miphkad Gate, sometimes called the Muster or Inspection Gate, was associated with assembly, review, and accountability. It was a fitting place for craftsmen and merchants to labor, men accustomed to precision, measurement, and order.

i. Goldsmiths and merchants were men trained in careful work and integrity. Their participation reinforces the theme that God uses every vocation in His service. Businessmen and craftsmen are not excluded from spiritual responsibility.

b. From the Miphkad Gate back to the Sheep Gate: The chapter concludes where it began. The work forms a complete circuit around Jerusalem, ending again at the Sheep Gate. This literary structure emphasizes completeness and unity.

i. The wall was not partially restored or unevenly repaired. Every section was addressed. Every gate was secured. God’s work, when carried out in obedience and unity, is thorough and complete.

ii. The mention of merchants at the end reminds the reader that daily life, commerce, worship, and defense are all interconnected under God’s sovereign plan. Nothing lies outside His concern or authority.

1. This chapter shows the need for believers to work together to accomplish something.

a. Nehemiah chapter 3 presents a picture of God’s people laboring together in unity. The work pleased God because it was done in one accord, with shared purpose, common resolve, and mutual dependence. God often places His people into situations where cooperation is not optional. Through such circumstances, believers learn how to lead with humility, how to follow faithfully, and how to labor together with one heart and one mind for the glory of God.

b. The wall of Jerusalem was continuous, not fragmented. Any gap weakened the entire structure and placed the city at risk. Because of this, every section of the wall mattered, even those that may have seemed insignificant or less visible. No individual could claim that his portion did not matter. Likewise, the wall could never be strong if someone was rebuilding in one place while another was tearing it down elsewhere. Unity was not merely helpful, it was essential.

2. The work done was a reflection on the family.

a. Nearly every individual mentioned in the chapter is identified as the son of someone. This repeated pattern highlights the importance of family legacy and responsibility. In practical terms, it is within the family that children learn how to work, how to accept responsibility, and how to contribute meaningfully. Parents bear a God given responsibility to model diligence and faithfulness before their children.

b. In a spiritual sense, the same principle applies to the family of God. A believer’s work ethic, faithfulness, and commitment reflect not only on himself but also on his spiritual family. Each Christian stands as a representative of the household of faith, and careless or lazy service brings reproach, while faithful labor brings honor.

3. Evidence of Nehemiah’s leadership.

a. Nehemiah proved to be an effective leader by making each man accountable for a specific portion of the work. Every worker had a clearly defined section of wall for which he was responsible, and that responsibility was publicly known. This created a healthy pressure. No one wanted to be remembered as careless or negligent in the work of God.

i. Assigning clear responsibility ensured that the work would be done thoroughly and correctly. Accountability fosters ownership, and ownership produces diligence.

b. Nehemiah was an effective leader because he recorded both faithfulness and failure. The list of names in the chapter does not merely honor those who worked, it also quietly exposes those who refused. Leadership requires honesty, not flattery. God values truth in record keeping just as much as zeal in labor.

c. Nehemiah was an effective leader because he organized the work for maximum efficiency. The repairs were structured around the gates, which were the most vulnerable and strategically important areas of the wall. The work was planned, orderly, and intentional rather than chaotic or reactionary.

d. Nehemiah was an effective leader because he knew where to begin. He started with the spiritual foundation of the work. The high priest is mentioned first, and the first section of the wall was consecrated to God. Nehemiah understood that no physical restoration would last without spiritual alignment and dedication to the Lord.

e. Nehemiah was an effective leader because he united both the great and the humble in the work. Leaders, rulers, priests, craftsmen, merchants, and even those who lived in a single room all labored side by side. Status did not excuse anyone from participation. God’s work erased social distinctions and united the people around obedience.

f. Nehemiah was an effective leader because he allowed people to step outside their usual roles. Goldsmiths, perfumers, priests, and merchants became builders. He did not limit participation based on prior experience. He trusted that God could use willing hearts, even in unfamiliar tasks.

g. Nehemiah was an effective leader because he directed people to focus on their own homes first. Many repaired the wall directly in front of their houses. This reinforced personal responsibility and ensured that every man cared deeply about the quality of his work. A man is more diligent when the work protects his own household.

h. Nehemiah was an effective leader because he did not permanently disqualify people due to past sin or compromise. Men who had previously failed were given opportunity to serve after repentance. Nehemiah understood grace without lowering standards. He expected obedience, but he also believed in restoration.