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Nehemiah 12:39

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And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.

And from above the gate {H8179} of Ephraim {H669}, and above the old {H3465} gate {H8179}, and above the fish {H1709} gate {H8179}, and the tower {H4026} of Hananeel {H2606}, and the tower {H4026} of Meah {H3968}, even unto the sheep {H6629} gate {H8179}: and they stood still {H5975} in the prison {H4307} gate {H8179}.

above the Efrayim Gate, by the gate to the Old City, to the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hanan'el and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate, and halted at the Prison Gate.

over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. And they stopped at the Gate of the Guard.

and above the gate of Ephraim, and by the old gate, and by the fish gate, and the tower of Hananel, and the tower of Hammeah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the gate of the guard.

Commentary

Nehemiah 12:39 is part of a detailed account describing the grand dedication ceremony of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. This particular verse traces the path of one of the two large companies (or choirs) that participated in the procession, marking the completion of a monumental task under Nehemiah's leadership.

Context

After decades of desolation and the return from Babylonian exile, the walls of Jerusalem lay in ruins, leaving the city vulnerable and its inhabitants dispirited. Under the inspired leadership of Nehemiah, the Jewish people united to rebuild these crucial defenses in a remarkable 52 days, despite fierce opposition (Nehemiah 6:15). Chapter 12 culminates this narrative with a joyous and solemn dedication. Two large companies were formed, one led by Ezra and the other by Nehemiah, marching in opposite directions along the top of the newly completed wall. Verse 39 describes the route of one of these companies, moving from the Gate of Ephraim, past the Old Gate, Fish Gate, and various towers, before converging near the Temple area.

Key Themes

  • Celebration of Completion: The verse highlights the culmination of the rebuilding project, emphasizing the joy and thanksgiving that followed immense effort and divine assistance.
  • Order and Unity: The meticulous description of the procession's route underscores the organized and unified nature of the community's worship and dedication. The two companies marching together, yet separately, symbolize a complete encircling of the city in praise.
  • God's Faithfulness: The very existence of this dedication ceremony testifies to God's faithfulness in enabling His people to overcome obstacles and restore their holy city.
  • Re-establishment of Identity: Walking the perimeter of the restored walls was a symbolic act of re-establishing Jerusalem's identity as a secure, dedicated city, and the Jewish people's identity as God's chosen nation.

Geographical Significance

The gates and towers mentioned in Nehemiah 12:39 were significant landmarks on Jerusalem's northern and eastern walls, demonstrating a thorough circumambulation of the city:

  • Gate of Ephraim: Located on the north side, a major entry point, likely named after the territory it faced.
  • Old Gate: Also known as the Jeshanah Gate, possibly one of the oldest gates, reflecting Jerusalem's ancient heritage.
  • Fish Gate: On the north, likely where fish from the Mediterranean or Sea of Galilee were brought into the city for market.
  • Tower of Hananeel & Tower of Meah: These were prominent defensive structures along the northern wall, indicating strength and security. The name "Hananeel" means "God has been gracious," a fitting name for a tower on a wall rebuilt by God's grace. "Meah" means "a hundred," perhaps referring to its height or the number of steps.
  • Sheep Gate: Located on the northeast, near the Temple, it was the gate through which sheep for sacrifices were brought. Its mention here signifies the procession moving towards the sacred precinct.
  • Prison Gate: This gate's exact location is debated, but its mention shows the procession's full circuit, ending near a significant point where they would gather for the final ceremonies (Nehemiah 12:40).

Practical Application

This verse, though a geographical detail, offers timeless lessons:

  • Celebrate Milestones: Just as the Israelites celebrated the completion of the wall, we should acknowledge and celebrate significant milestones in our spiritual journeys and collective endeavors.
  • Unity in Purpose: The two companies marching together, though on different paths, highlight the power of unity in pursuing God's purposes. When believers work together, great things can be accomplished.
  • Dedication and Consecration: The dedication of the wall serves as a powerful reminder for us to dedicate our lives, our efforts, and our resources to God's glory. Every "wall" we build in life, whether a family, a career, or a ministry, should be consecrated to Him.
  • Recognizing God's Hand: The meticulous procession was an act of worship, acknowledging that God was the true builder and protector. We are called to recognize and give thanks for God's enabling hand in all our successes.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 3:1 (8 votes)

    ¶ Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

  • Nehemiah 8:16 (5 votes)

    So the people went forth, and brought [them], and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.

  • Nehemiah 3:3 (5 votes)

    But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who [also] laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

  • Nehemiah 3:6 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Nehemiah 3:25 (4 votes)

    Palal the son of Uzai, 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.

  • 2 Kings 14:13 (3 votes)

    And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

  • Jeremiah 32:2 (2 votes)

    For then the king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which [was] in the king of Judah's house.