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 chronicles a pivotal moment in Nehemiah's God-ordained mission: his clandestine, nocturnal reconnaissance of Jerusalem's devastated defenses. Following a prudent three-day period of quiet observation upon his arrival, Nehemiah personally undertakes a meticulous survey of the city's breached walls and fire-ravaged gates. This firsthand inspection reveals the full, stark extent of the devastation, serving as an indispensable foundational step in his divinely appointed task to rebuild and restore the holy city, moving from prayerful discernment to strategic action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 2:13 is situated immediately after Nehemiah's successful petition to King Artaxerxes, where he secured not only permission for his journey to Jerusalem but also crucial provisions and protective letters (cf. [Nehemiah 2:1-8](/nehemiah/2-1-8 "Nehemiah's Prayer and Commission from King Artaxerxes")). Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, Nehemiah wisely observes a period of three days (as noted in [Nehemiah 2:11](/nehemiah/2-11 "Nehemiah's Arrival in Jerusalem")) before embarking on this critical nighttime inspection. This strategic delay underscores his prudence, careful planning, and desire to fully grasp the local situation without immediately revealing his intentions to the populace or potential adversaries. The detailed account of his specific route around the city's perimeter in this verse meticulously sets the stage for his subsequent powerful call to action in [Nehemiah 2:17-18](/nehemiah/2-17-18 "Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild Jerusalem"), where he vividly describes the desperate state of the city and inspires the demoralized people to commence the monumental task of reconstruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem had endured over a century of profound desolation following its catastrophic destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC (cf. [2 Kings 25:8-10](/2_kings/25-8-10 "The Destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon")). Although earlier waves of exiles had returned under leaders like Zerubbabel and Ezra, their primary focus had been on rebuilding the Temple (cf. [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Rebuilding the Temple in Ezra 3")) and re-establishing spiritual worship. However, the city's formidable defensive walls remained in a state of utter disrepair, leaving Jerusalem vulnerable to attack and its inhabitants disheartened. Nehemiah, serving as the trusted cupbearer to the powerful Persian king Artaxerxes I (reigned 465-424 BC), was granted an extraordinary and unprecedented commission to rebuild these crucial walls. His arduous journey from Susa to Jerusalem was a significant undertaking, and his arrival would have been met with a complex mixture of hope, skepticism, and perhaps even suspicion. The specific landmarks mentioned—the "gate of the valley," the "dragon well," and the "dung port"—were identifiable features on Jerusalem's western and southern sides, indicating a methodical and comprehensive survey of the most neglected and vulnerable sections of the city's perimeter.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly illustrates several foundational themes central to the book of Nehemiah. Firstly, it exemplifies **Diligent and Prudent Leadership**, as Nehemiah does not merely rely on secondhand reports but personally assesses the immense challenge before him, embodying a hands-on, meticulous approach to problem-solving. Secondly, it highlights the essential theme of **Confronting Reality**, as Nehemiah directly faces the stark devastation of Jerusalem's defenses—walls "broken down" and gates "consumed with fire"—a painful but absolutely necessary step before any meaningful restoration can commence. Thirdly, his nocturnal journey underscores **Strategic Planning and Discretion**, demonstrating a leader who understands the critical need for careful, often discreet, assessment to avoid premature opposition or public alarm, echoing the timeless wisdom found in [Proverbs 24:27](/proverbs/24-27 "Proverbs 24:27 - Plan Your Work"). Finally, Nehemiah's inspection powerfully foreshadows the overarching theme of **Divine Restoration and Rebuilding**, setting the stage for the monumental work that will follow, a work driven by his unwavering vision and the undeniable "good hand" of God 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, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies a deliberate and purposeful departure, often implying a movement from an inner state or location to an outer one. Nehemiah's action of "going out" by night is not casual but intentional, marking his transition from a period of prayerful waiting and observation to active, practical investigation. It highlights his resolve to personally engage with the ruins, initiating the tangible work of his mission.
* **viewed (Hebrew, _sâbar'_):** While the KJV translates this as "viewed," the Hebrew root implies a more intense action: "to scrutinize" or "to expect with hope and patience." Nehemiah was not merely glancing but diligently examining, carefully inspecting every detail of the broken walls and gates. This word emphasizes the meticulous and thorough nature of his reconnaissance, reflecting a leader who seeks a precise understanding of the challenge, imbued with the patient hope for future restoration.
* **broken down (Hebrew, _pârats'_):** This term describes a violent breach or collapse, indicating not merely decay from neglect but intentional, forceful 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 and a massive breach, underscoring the monumental scale of the rebuilding task that lay before Nehemiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I went out by night by the gate of the valley":** Nehemiah's strategic decision to conduct this crucial inspection "by night" reveals his prudence and foresight. This clandestine approach aimed to avoid drawing immediate attention from potential adversaries (such as Sanballat and Tobiah, later introduced 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 situated on the western side of Jerusalem, providing access to the Hinnom Valley, and served as a logical starting point for a comprehensive circuit of the city's defenses.
* **"even before the dragon well, and to the dung port":** These specific landmarks further delineate Nehemiah's methodical route, indicating a thorough survey of the city's southern and southwestern perimeter. The "dragon well" (likely the En-rogel spring or a nearby, perhaps neglected, fountain) and the "dung port" (also known as the "refuse gate," used for waste disposal and located on the southern wall) suggest Nehemiah was systematically examining the most neglected, debris-laden, and vulnerable sections of the city. This detailed itinerary underscores his commitment to a comprehensive assessment, leaving no significant area uninspected.
* **"and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire":** This concluding clause presents the stark and devastating reality Nehemiah personally confronted. The walls were not simply crumbling from age but were "broken down," signifying a violent breach and widespread destruction. Crucially, the gates, which were the primary points of entry and defense, were not merely missing but "consumed with fire," a clear and painful testament to the thoroughness of the Babylonian destruction. This firsthand, visceral observation provided Nehemiah with an undeniable understanding of the immense challenge ahead, solidifying his resolve and directly informing his subsequent strategic plans for the city's reconstruction.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 2:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the gravity of Jerusalem's state and the character of its leader. The prominent use of **Imagery** paints a desolate picture with phrases like "broken down" walls and gates "consumed with fire," allowing the reader to vividly visualize the extent of Jerusalem's ruin and vulnerability. The **Contrast** between Nehemiah's quiet, solitary, nocturnal journey and the immense, public task of rebuilding that awaits him highlights his personal commitment, strategic discernment, and the profound weight of his mission. The inclusion of specific geographical landmarks such as the "gate of the valley," "dragon well," and "dung port" serves as **Topographical Detail**, lending authenticity and realism to Nehemiah's account. This meticulous detail not only grounds his spiritual mission in the tangible reality of the devastated city but also 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 divine calling and personal responsibility. Theologically, it powerfully demonstrates the principle that effective action, even divinely inspired action, necessitates a diligent and honest assessment of reality. Nehemiah does not rely on secondhand reports or distant prayers alone; he confronts the brokenness firsthand, a painful but indispensable step for genuine restoration. This act mirrors, in a human way, God's own engagement with humanity's fallen state, where He fully comprehends the depth of sin and brokenness before initiating His grand redemptive plan. Spiritually, this verse serves as a potent metaphor for the essential need to honestly assess areas of spiritual decay, neglect, or unaddressed sin in our own lives, our families, our communities, or our churches before we can truly 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 impede our collective 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 profound and timeless wisdom for individuals and communities grappling with daunting challenges. Nehemiah's courageous willingness to personally confront the devastation, even under the cloak of night, teaches us the vital importance of honest self-assessment and courageous engagement with difficult realities. We are often tempted to avoid, minimize, or ignore the "broken down walls" in our own lives—whether they manifest as relational strains, spiritual apathy, unaddressed sin, or systemic injustices within our communities. Yet, true and lasting progress invariably begins with acknowledging the full, unvarnished extent of the damage. Like Nehemiah, we are called to move beyond mere observation to a diligent, prayerful, and strategic assessment of what truly needs to be rebuilt. This requires profound humility to see our own shortcomings, unwavering courage to face uncomfortable truths, and steadfast faith to believe that God can indeed use us to bring about restoration, even in seemingly impossible or overwhelming situations. Our "night inspections" might involve periods of quiet prayer and introspection, seeking God's illuminating perspective on areas of our lives that desperately need His reconstructive work, or perhaps a sober, compassionate analysis of areas in our communities that cry out for justice, healing, and Christ-centered transformation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "broken down walls" or "fire-consumed gates" do you observe in your own life, family, or community that require honest, prayerful assessment?**
* **How might you, like Nehemiah, conduct a "night inspection"—a quiet, deliberate, 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 in God's power to restore?**

### 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 and persistent challenge later in the book. Secondly, a nocturnal survey prevented premature excitement or alarm among the Jewish populace, allowing Nehemiah to formulate a comprehensive and well-considered plan before publicly revealing the immense task ahead and calling the people to action (cf. [Nehemiah 2:17-18](/nehemiah/2-17-18 "Nehemiah 2:17-18 - Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild")). This discretion ensured he could gather accurate information and strategize effectively before mobilizing the community for such a monumental undertaking.

**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, perhaps neglected, 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. This meticulous geographical knowledge was crucial for his planning, the effective allocation of resources, and his subsequent ability to motivate the people to rebuild.

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

Answer: Jerusalem's walls had been in a state of profound disrepair for well over a century, specifically since their catastrophic destruction by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC (cf. [2 Kings 25:8-10](/2_kings/25-8-10 "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 and the law. The city itself, particularly its vital 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, long-overdue, and seemingly impossible 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 redemptive 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 earthly 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 (cf. [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Your Sins Have Separated You")) and the vulnerability of a life without divine protection. Christ, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, not only rebuilds these spiritual walls, establishing His church as a fortified, unassailable 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 sin's judgment and makes it new, offering spiritual security, eternal life, and complete renewal 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.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 1:3

And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province [are] in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also [is] broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

2 Chronicles 26:9

Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning [of the wall], and fortified them.

Nehemiah 2:17

Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we [are] in, how Jerusalem [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

Nehemiah 2:3

And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?

Nehemiah 3:13

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 3:14

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 12:31

Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great [companies of them that gave] thanks, [whereof one] went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate: