Nehemiah 2:13

KJV

And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I went out {H3318} by night {H3915} by the gate {H8179} of the valley {H1516}, even before {H6440} the dragon {H8577} well {H5869}{H5886}, and to the dung {H830} port {H8179}, and viewed {H7663}{H7665} the walls {H2346} of Jerusalem {H3389}, which were broken down {H6555}, and the gates {H8179} thereof were consumed {H398} with fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I went out by night through the Valley Gate, to the Dragon's Well and the Dung Gate, and inspected the places where the walls of Yerushalayim were broken down and where its gates had been burned down.

Berean Standard Bible

So I went out at night through the Valley Gate toward the Well of the Serpent and the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down and the gates that had been destroyed by fire.

American Standard Version

And I went out by night by the valley gate, even toward the jackal’s well, and to the dung gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 2:13 captures a critical moment in Nehemiah's leadership: his clandestine, nighttime reconnaissance of Jerusalem's dilapidated defenses. After a three-day period of quiet observation upon his arrival from Persia, Nehemiah personally undertakes a thorough inspection of the city's broken walls and fire-ravaged gates. This meticulous survey reveals the full extent of the devastation, serving as a foundational step in his divinely appointed mission to rebuild and restore the holy city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 2:13 follows directly from Nehemiah's successful petition to King Artaxerxes, where he secured permission, provisions, and protection for his journey to Jerusalem (cf. [Nehemiah 2:1-8](/nehemiah/2-1 "Nehemiah's Prayer and Petition to Artaxerxes")). Upon his arrival, Nehemiah observes a period of three days (Nehemiah 2:11) before embarking on this crucial nighttime inspection. This strategic delay highlights his prudence and careful planning, ensuring he fully grasped the situation before making his intentions public or mobilizing the people. The detailed account of his route around the city's perimeter sets the stage for his subsequent call to action in [Nehemiah 2:17-18](/nehemiah/2-17 "Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild Jerusalem"), where he reveals the desperate state of the city and inspires the people to begin the monumental task of reconstruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem had lain in ruins for over a century following its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC (cf. [2 Kings 25:8-10](/2_kings/25-8 "The Destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon")). While some exiles had returned under Zerubbabel and Ezra, their efforts had focused on rebuilding the Temple (cf. [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Rebuilding the Temple in Ezra 3")) and restoring spiritual life, but the city walls remained in disrepair, leaving Jerusalem vulnerable and its inhabitants demoralized. Nehemiah, serving as cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I (465-424 BC), was granted an extraordinary commission to rebuild these walls. His journey from Susa to Jerusalem was a significant undertaking, and his arrival would have been met with a mix of hope and skepticism. The "gate of the valley," "dragon well," and "dung port" were specific, identifiable landmarks on Jerusalem's western and southern sides, indicating a methodical survey of the most vulnerable and neglected sections of the city's perimeter.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Nehemiah. Firstly, it underscores **Diligent Leadership**, as Nehemiah does not merely receive reports but personally assesses the immense challenge before him, embodying a hands-on approach to problem-solving. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Confronting Reality**, as Nehemiah directly faces the stark devastation of Jerusalem's defenses—walls "broken down" and gates "consumed with fire"—a necessary step before any meaningful restoration can begin. Thirdly, his nocturnal journey emphasizes **Prudence and Strategic Planning**, demonstrating a leader who understands the need for careful, often discreet, assessment to avoid premature opposition or alarm, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 24:27](/proverbs/24-27 "Proverbs 24:27 - Plan Your Work"). Finally, it foreshadows the overarching theme of **Restoration and Rebuilding**, setting the stage for the monumental work that will follow, a work driven by Nehemiah's vision and God's "good hand" upon him (cf. [Nehemiah 2:8](/nehemiah/2-8 "Nehemiah 2:8 - The Good Hand of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"went out" (Hebrew, _yatza'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate, purposeful departure. Nehemiah's action is not casual but intentional, indicating his resolve to personally inspect the ruins. It implies a shift from passive observation to active investigation, marking the initiation of his practical work.
* **"viewed" (Hebrew, _baqash'_):** More than just a casual glance, _baqash_ implies a careful, diligent, and thorough search or inspection. Nehemiah was not merely looking, but actively seeking to understand the full extent of the damage, examining every detail of the broken walls and gates. This word emphasizes the meticulous nature of his reconnaissance.
* **"broken down" (Hebrew, _parats'_):** This term describes a state of violent breach or collapse, indicating not just decay but intentional destruction. It vividly portrays the devastating impact of the Babylonian siege, emphasizing the complete vulnerability of Jerusalem without its protective walls. The word conveys a sense of utter ruin, highlighting the monumental task of rebuilding.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I went out by night by the gate of the valley":** Nehemiah's decision to conduct this inspection "by night" underscores his prudence and strategic foresight. He aimed to avoid drawing attention from potential adversaries (like Sanballat and Tobiah, introduced later in [Nehemiah 2:10](/nehemiah/2-10 "Nehemiah 2:10 - Opposition to Nehemiah")) and to prevent premature excitement or alarm among the Jewish populace. The "gate of the valley" was likely on the western side of Jerusalem, providing access to the Hinnom Valley, a common starting point for circuits of the city's defenses.
* **"even before the dragon well, and to the dung port":** These landmarks further specify Nehemiah's route, indicating a comprehensive survey of the city's southern and southwestern perimeter. The "dragon well" (possibly the En-rogel spring or a nearby fountain) and the "dung port" (or "refuse gate," used for waste disposal and located on the southern wall) suggest Nehemiah was systematically examining the most neglected and vulnerable sections of the city, where debris and ruin would have been most extensive.
* **"and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire":** This final clause reveals the stark reality Nehemiah confronted. The walls were not merely crumbling from neglect but "broken down," indicating a violent breach. The gates, the primary points of entry and defense, were not just missing but "consumed with fire," a clear sign of the Babylonian destruction. This firsthand observation provided Nehemiah with an undeniable, visceral understanding of the immense challenge ahead, solidifying his resolve and informing his subsequent plans for reconstruction.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 2:13 employs several effective literary devices to convey the gravity of the situation and Nehemiah's character. The use of **Imagery** is prominent, painting a vivid picture of desolation with phrases like "broken down" walls and gates "consumed with fire," allowing the reader to visualize the extent of Jerusalem's ruin. The **Contrast** between Nehemiah's quiet, solitary nighttime journey and the immense, public task of rebuilding highlights his personal commitment and the strategic nature of his leadership. The mention of specific geographical landmarks ("gate of the valley," "dragon well," "dung port") serves as **Topographical Detail**, lending authenticity and realism to Nehemiah's account, grounding his spiritual mission in the tangible reality of the devastated city. This meticulous detail underscores Nehemiah's thoroughness and the methodical approach he took to his divinely appointed task.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah's nocturnal inspection of Jerusalem's ruins is a profound act of leadership rooted in a deep sense of calling and responsibility. Theologically, it demonstrates the principle that effective action, even divinely inspired action, requires diligent assessment of reality. Nehemiah doesn't rely on hearsay but confronts the brokenness firsthand, a necessary step for genuine restoration. This act mirrors God's own engagement with humanity's fallen state, where He fully comprehends the depth of sin and brokenness before initiating His redemptive plan. Spiritually, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the need to honestly assess areas of spiritual decay, neglect, or sin in our own lives, communities, or churches before we can begin the work of repentance, renewal, and rebuilding. Just as Nehemiah surveyed the physical ruins, we are called to examine our spiritual landscape, acknowledging the "broken down walls" that hinder our walk with God and our witness to the world.

* [Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - Prophetic Commission to Build and Plant")
* [Luke 14:28](/luke/14-28 "Luke 14:28 - Counting the Cost of Discipleship")
* [Proverbs 24:27](/proverbs/24-27 "Proverbs 24:27 - Prepare Your Work Outside")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 2:13 offers timeless wisdom for individuals and communities facing daunting challenges. Nehemiah's willingness to personally confront the devastation, even under the cloak of night, teaches us the importance of honest self-assessment and courageous engagement with difficult realities. We are often tempted to avoid or minimize the "broken down walls" in our lives—whether they are relational strains, spiritual apathy, unaddressed sin, or systemic injustices in our communities. Yet, true progress begins with acknowledging the full extent of the damage. Like Nehemiah, we are called to move beyond mere observation to a diligent, prayerful, and strategic assessment of what needs to be rebuilt. This requires humility to see our own shortcomings, courage to face uncomfortable truths, and faith to believe that God can use us to bring about restoration, even in seemingly impossible situations. Our "night inspections" might involve quiet prayer and introspection, seeking God's perspective on areas of our lives that need His reconstructive work, or perhaps a sober analysis of areas in our communities that cry out for justice and healing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "broken down walls" or "fire-consumed gates" do you observe in your own life, family, or community that require honest assessment?**
* **How might you, like Nehemiah, conduct a "night inspection"—a quiet, prayerful, and thorough assessment—before embarking on a significant personal or communal project?**
* **What fears or hesitations might prevent you from fully confronting the reality of a difficult situation, and how can you overcome them with faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did Nehemiah conduct his inspection at night?**

Answer: Nehemiah conducted his inspection at night primarily for strategic and prudential reasons. Firstly, it allowed him to assess the full extent of the damage to Jerusalem's walls and gates without drawing immediate attention from potential adversaries, such as Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official, who were already hostile to any efforts to restore Jerusalem (cf. [Nehemiah 2:10](/nehemiah/2-10 "Nehemiah 2:10 - Opposition to Nehemiah")). Their opposition would become a significant challenge later in the book. Secondly, a nocturnal survey prevented premature excitement or alarm among the Jewish populace, allowing Nehemiah to formulate a comprehensive plan before publicly revealing the immense task ahead and calling the people to action (cf. [Nehemiah 2:17-18](/nehemiah/2-17 "Nehemiah 2:17-18 - Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild")). This discretion ensured he could gather accurate information and strategize effectively before mobilizing the community.

**What was the significance of the "gate of the valley," "dragon well," and "dung port"?**

Answer: These were specific, identifiable landmarks around Jerusalem's perimeter, indicating Nehemiah's methodical and comprehensive route. The "gate of the valley" was likely on the western side, near the Hinnom Valley, a common starting point for circuits. The "dragon well" (possibly the En-rogel spring or a nearby fountain) and the "dung port" (or "refuse gate," located on the southern wall and used for waste disposal) were situated in areas that would have been particularly neglected and filled with debris. By visiting these specific points, Nehemiah was not just taking a casual walk but conducting a thorough, systematic survey of the most vulnerable and dilapidated sections of the city's defenses, gaining a precise understanding of the scope of the rebuilding project. This detailed geographical knowledge would be crucial for his planning and allocation of resources.

**How long had Jerusalem's walls been in this state of disrepair?**

Answer: Jerusalem's walls had been in a state of disrepair for well over a century, specifically since their destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC (cf. [2 Kings 25:8-10](/2_kings/25-8 "The Destruction of Jerusalem")). While some exiles had returned under Zerubbabel and later Ezra, their primary focus had been on rebuilding the Temple and restoring religious life. The city itself, particularly its defensive walls, remained largely unprotected and in ruins. Nehemiah's arrival in 445 BC means that the walls had been broken down for approximately 141 years, underscoring the monumental and long-overdue nature of his rebuilding project.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's diligent inspection of Jerusalem's broken walls, though a historical act of physical restoration, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Just as Nehemiah surveyed the external ruins of a city, Jesus, the ultimate Builder and Restorer, came to survey the internal brokenness of humanity and the spiritual ruins of a world consumed by sin. He did not merely receive reports of humanity's fallen state but personally entered into it, taking on flesh (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) to fully comprehend the depth of our spiritual devastation. His ministry was a "night inspection" of sorts, moving through the darkness of human suffering, sickness, and sin, revealing the true extent of spiritual brokenness before embarking on the ultimate work of restoration through His atoning sacrifice. The "broken down walls" and "consumed gates" of Jerusalem prefigure the spiritual barriers that separate humanity from God and the vulnerability of a life without divine protection. Christ, through His death and resurrection, not only rebuilds these spiritual walls, establishing His church as a fortified city (cf. [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")), but He also becomes the "gate" (cf. [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Gate")) through whom we find salvation and secure access to God. He is the ultimate restorer who takes what is broken and consumed by the fire of judgment and makes it new, offering spiritual security and eternal life to all who believe (cf. [Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.