Nehemiah 3:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the gate {H8179} of the fountain {H5869} repaired {H2388} Shallun {H7968} the son {H1121} of Colhozeh {H3626}, the ruler {H8269} of part {H6418} of Mizpah {H4709}; he built {H1129} it, and covered {H2926} it, and set up {H5975} the doors {H1817} thereof, the locks {H4514} thereof, and the bars {H1280} thereof, and the wall {H2346} of the pool {H1295} of Siloah {H7975} by the king's {H4428} garden {H1588}, and unto the stairs {H4609} that go down {H3381} from the city {H5892} of David {H1732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shalun the son of Kol-Hozeh, leader of the district of Mitzpah, repaired the Fountain Gate; he rebuilt it, covered it and set up its doors, along with its bolts and bars; he also rebuilt the wall of the Pool of Shelach, by the royal garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the City of David.

Berean Standard Bible

The Fountain Gate was repaired by Shallun son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah. He rebuilt it, roofed it, and installed its doors, bolts, and bars. He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Shelah near the king’s garden, as far as the stairs that descend from the City of David.

American Standard Version

And the fountain gate repaired Shallun the son of Col-hozeh, the ruler of the district of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the bolts thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Shelah by the king’s garden, even unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 3:15 meticulously details the significant contribution of Shallun, son of Colhozeh and ruler of a portion of Mizpah, to the comprehensive rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This verse specifically highlights his work on the strategically vital Fountain Gate, ensuring its complete functionality with doors, locks, and bars, and extending his efforts to include the adjacent wall of the Pool of Siloah, reaching towards the ancient stairs descending from the City of David. It underscores the collaborative spirit and diligent effort characteristic of the post-exilic restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 3 stands as a unique and powerful testament to communal effort within the book of Nehemiah. Following Nehemiah's initial assessment of Jerusalem's dilapidated walls and his impassioned call to rebuild in [Nehemiah 2:17](/nehemiah/2-17 "Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild"), this chapter functions as a detailed "building roster." It systematically lists the various families, guilds, and leaders who each took responsibility for a specific section of the wall, moving counter-clockwise around the city. This particular verse, [Nehemiah 3:15](/nehemiah/3-15 "Shallun's Work on the Fountain Gate"), focuses on Shallun's contribution to a critical southern section, demonstrating the granular detail with which the chronicler records the collective endeavor, emphasizing that the monumental task was achieved through the aggregated efforts of many individuals working in concert.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah unfold in the post-exilic period, roughly in the mid-5th century BCE, after the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity. Jerusalem, though inhabited, was vulnerable, its walls in ruins, a constant source of shame and insecurity for the returning exiles ([Nehemiah 1:3](/nehemiah/1-3 "The Desolation of Jerusalem")). Gates were not merely entry points but vital defensive structures and economic hubs. The Fountain Gate, likely named for its proximity to the Gihon Spring and the Pool of Siloah, was crucial for accessing the city's primary water supply, essential for survival, especially during a siege. The City of David refers to the oldest part of Jerusalem, the original Jebusite stronghold captured by King David ([2_samuel/5-7](/2-samuel/5-7 "David Conquers Jerusalem")), making the connection to its stairs significant for historical continuity and access. The meticulous reconstruction, including locks and bars, reflects the pressing need for security in a region prone to external threats and opposition, as seen throughout the book of Nehemiah ([Nehemiah 4:7-8](/nehemiah/4-7 "Opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within Nehemiah 3, powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the **collaborative effort and specific responsibility** necessary for accomplishing a grand vision. No single person rebuilt the wall; rather, many individuals, from various backgrounds and social standings, contributed their specific skills and labor to distinct sections. Shallun, a "ruler," actively participating in the physical labor, exemplifies the theme of **shared burden and unified purpose** that pervades the chapter ([Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "The People Had a Mind to Work")). Secondly, the detailed mention of "built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof" underscores the theme of **thoroughness and diligence**. The work was not superficial but complete and robust, emphasizing the importance of doing God's work with excellence and attention to detail. Finally, the repair of the Fountain Gate, the wall around the Pool of Siloah, and the stairs from the City of David speaks to the comprehensive **restoration of vital infrastructure and security** for the community, essential for the physical and spiritual flourishing of the returned exiles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fountain Gate (Hebrew, _sha'ar ha'ayin'_):** Literally meaning "Gate of the Eye" or "Gate of the Spring/Fountain." This name directly indicates its proximity to a natural water source, specifically the Gihon Spring, which fed the Pool of Siloah. Its strategic importance lay in providing access to and protecting Jerusalem's vital water supply, making its repair paramount for the city's long-term viability and defense.
* **Siloah (Hebrew, _haShiloach'_):** Refers to the Pool of Siloah, a historically significant reservoir fed by the Gihon Spring via Hezekiah's Tunnel. The name itself, derived from the verb "to send," likely refers to the "sending" or channeling of water into the pool. This pool was not only a critical water source but also held religious significance, famously being the site where Jesus sent a blind man to wash and receive his sight in the New Testament ([John 9:7](/john/9-7 "Jesus Heals a Blind Man at the Pool of Siloam")). Its inclusion in Shallun's repair section emphasizes the holistic nature of the restoration, encompassing both defensive and life-sustaining infrastructure.
* **locks (Hebrew, _man'ulim'_), bars (Hebrew, _beriachim'_):** These terms denote robust security mechanisms. "Locks" typically refer to the fastening devices, while "bars" were often heavy wooden or metal beams used to secure gates from the inside, providing substantial reinforcement against intruders. Their explicit mention highlights Shallun's commitment to thoroughness and the critical need for robust defense in the newly fortified city. It signifies that the work was not merely cosmetic but aimed at providing genuine security and functionality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah;":** This clause introduces the specific individual responsible for this section of the wall—Shallun, identified by his lineage and his civic leadership role as a "ruler of part of Mizpah." This detail underscores the participation of leaders and the specific assignment of tasks, a hallmark of Nehemiah's organizational genius. Shallun's involvement signifies that the work was not beneath those in authority, but rather a shared responsibility for the common good.
* **"he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof,":** This segment elaborates on the thoroughness of Shallun's work. "Built it" refers to the construction of the gate structure itself. "Covered it" likely refers to paneling or reinforcing the gate, perhaps with timber or metal, for added strength and protection. The explicit mention of "doors," "locks," and "bars" emphasizes that Shallun completed the gate with all necessary components for full functionality and security, ensuring it was not just erected but made impenetrable.
* **"and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden,":** Shallun's responsibility extended beyond the gate itself to include the protective wall surrounding the Pool of Siloah. This pool, vital for Jerusalem's water supply, was situated near the "king's garden," an area likely outside the immediate city walls but crucial for the city's sustenance. Protecting this water source was as important as securing the city's main entrances.
* **"and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.":** This final phrase defines the extent of Shallun's section, indicating it stretched to the ancient stairs leading down from the oldest part of Jerusalem, the City of David. This detail provides a precise geographical marker, linking the new repairs to the historical core of the city and demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the rebuilding effort that encompassed both new and ancient structures.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 3:15, like the entire chapter, prominently employs **Catalog** or **List** as a primary literary device, systematically itemizing individuals and their specific contributions to the wall. This creates a detailed record, emphasizing the collective nature of the undertaking. Within this individual verse, there is a strong use of **Emphasis through Detail**, particularly in the enumeration of the gate's components: "doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof." This specificity highlights Shallun's diligence and the thoroughness of the work, underscoring the critical importance of security. Furthermore, the mention of the "Fountain Gate" and the "Pool of Siloah" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where these specific structures represent the broader themes of restoration, security, and the provision of vital resources for the community. The careful delineation of geographical markers ("king's garden," "city of David") serves as a form of **Topographical Realism**, grounding the narrative in a verifiable physical space and lending credibility to the account.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 3:15, as part of the larger rebuilding narrative, powerfully illustrates the theological principle that God's work is accomplished through the diligent and collaborative efforts of His people. Just as Shallun, a ruler, personally engaged in the physical labor, so too are all believers called to contribute their unique gifts and resources to the building of God's kingdom, regardless of their social standing or perceived importance. The meticulous attention to detail, from the gate's construction to its locks and bars, teaches us the importance of excellence and thoroughness in our service to God, ensuring that our spiritual and practical contributions are robust and effective. This verse also speaks to the restoration of vital foundations—physical in Jerusalem's case, but spiritually applicable to the church—emphasizing the need to protect and reinforce the essential elements of faith, truth, and community against external threats and internal decay.

* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Many Members, One Body")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "The Body of Christ")
* [Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Unity in the Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 3:15 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that the grand vision of God's kingdom advancement is realized through the faithful, specific, and often unsung contributions of many individuals. Shallun's example encourages us to embrace our assigned tasks, no matter how seemingly mundane or specialized, with diligence and a commitment to excellence. Just as he ensured the Fountain Gate was fully functional and secure with locks and bars, we are called to be thorough in our spiritual disciplines, in our service to the church, and in our witness to the world. This verse challenges us to consider where our "section of the wall" is, whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or within the church, and to approach that work with the same dedication and attention to detail, recognizing that every contribution, when done unto the Lord, is vital for the collective strength and security of God's people. It is a call to move beyond mere participation to purposeful, complete, and secure building.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "section of the wall" (area of service or responsibility) has God called you to contribute to in your life or within your community/church?**
* **In what ways can you apply Shallun's thoroughness and attention to detail ("built it, covered it, set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof") to your current responsibilities, ensuring your efforts are complete and robust?**
* **How does the collaborative effort described in Nehemiah 3, exemplified by Shallun's work, inspire you to work more effectively with others in pursuing God's purposes?**
* **What "fountains" or vital spiritual foundations in your life or community need diligent protection and reinforcement, just as Shallun protected the Pool of Siloah?**

### FAQ
**Why is Shallun's specific work on the Fountain Gate and Pool of Siloah so important?**

Answer: Shallun's work on the Fountain Gate and the wall of the Pool of Siloah was critically important because these structures were essential for Jerusalem's survival and security. The Fountain Gate provided access to the city's primary water source, the Pool of Siloah, which was fed by the Gihon Spring. In ancient cities, control and protection of water were paramount, especially during sieges. By meticulously rebuilding the gate with doors, locks, and bars, and fortifying the pool's wall, Shallun ensured both the city's defense and its sustained access to life-giving water. This highlights the practical wisdom and strategic thinking involved in the rebuilding effort, recognizing that true restoration required securing the most fundamental necessities for the community's well-being. This attention to detail and vital infrastructure is a recurring theme in the book of Nehemiah, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's work through His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 3:15, with its focus on the restoration of vital infrastructure and the securing of a life-giving water source, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as the Fountain Gate guarded the Pool of Siloah, the physical source of water for Jerusalem, Jesus declared Himself to be the ["living water"](/john/4-10 "Jesus Offers Living Water") and the ultimate source of spiritual life, offering streams that flow from within those who believe in Him ([John 7:38](/john/7-38 "Rivers of Living Water")). The Pool of Siloah, where Jesus later sent a blind man to wash and receive sight ([John 9:7](/john/9-7 "Healing at the Pool of Siloam")), foreshadows Christ's power to bring spiritual sight and cleansing to those who come to Him. Furthermore, the meticulous rebuilding of the gate with "doors, locks, and bars" speaks to the security and completeness found in Christ. He is the ["door" of the sheep](/john/10-9 "Jesus, the Door"), through whom we find salvation and pasture, and the one who builds and secures His spiritual temple, the Church, against which the [gates of hell shall not prevail](/matthew/16-18 "The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail"). Ultimately, Shallun's diligent work on the physical city points to Christ, who perfectly and completely builds and secures the spiritual Jerusalem, the eternal city of God, where believers find ultimate safety, provision, and eternal life ([Revelation 21:25](/revelation/21-25 "The Gates of New Jerusalem Never Shut")).

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

John 9:7

And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

Isaiah 8:6

Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son;

Nehemiah 12:37

And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.

Luke 13:4

Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

Nehemiah 2:14

Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king's pool: but [there was] no place for the beast [that was] under me to pass.

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.

Judges 20:1

¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.