Nehemiah 3:31

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.

After {H310} him repaired {H2388} Malchiah {H4441} the goldsmith's {H6885} son {H1121} unto the place {H1004} of the Nethinims {H5411}, and of the merchants {H7402}, over against the gate {H8179} Miphkad {H4663}, and to the going up {H5944} of the corner {H6438}.

After him Malkiyah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Mustering Gate and on to the upper room at the corner.

Next to him, Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Inspection Gate, and as far as the upper room above the corner.

After him repaired Malchijah one of the goldsmiths unto the house of the Nethinim, and of the merchants, over against the gate of Hammiphkad, and to the ascent of the corner.

Commentary

Context of Nehemiah 3:31

Nehemiah 3 provides a detailed roster of the individuals and groups who participated in the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. Verse 31 specifically mentions Malchiah the goldsmith's son, who repaired a section near the area inhabited by the Nethinims and merchants, leading up to the Gate Miphkad and "the going up of the corner." This verse highlights the meticulous division of labor and the broad community involvement in this massive restoration project, underscoring Nehemiah's leadership in orchestrating such a comprehensive effort (see Nehemiah 2:18 for Nehemiah's initial call to action).

Key Themes

  • Communal Effort and Unity: The involvement of a goldsmith, along with various other professions and social groups detailed in Chapter 3, demonstrates that the rebuilding of Jerusalem was a collective endeavor. Everyone had a part to play, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose in the post-exilic community.
  • Specific Responsibility: Each individual or group was assigned a particular section of the wall, emphasizing accountability and the importance of completing one's assigned task for the overall success of the project. This structured approach ensured that the entire wall was systematically addressed.
  • Restoration and Renewal: The physical reconstruction of Jerusalem's defenses symbolized the spiritual and national restoration of the Jewish people, enabling them to re-establish their identity and worship within secure boundaries. This reflects a broader theme of God's providential hand in their restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Nethinims" (Hebrew: Nethinim, Χ Φ°Χͺִינִים) literally means "given ones" or "dedicated ones." These were temple servants, likely non-Israelites who had been dedicated to assisting the Levites in the temple service (compare their role in Ezra 8:20). Their mention here suggests their living quarters or an area associated with their service was nearby. The "Gate Miphkad" (Hebrew: Miphqad, ΧžΦ΄Χ€Φ°Χ§ΦΈΧ“) is often translated as the "Muster Gate" or "Inspection Gate," implying a place where people were counted or inspected, perhaps for census or military purposes.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 3:31, and indeed the entire chapter, offers valuable lessons for today. Just as different individuals with diverse skills contributed to rebuilding the physical walls of Jerusalem, so too are all members of a community or church called to contribute their unique gifts and talents to collective endeavors. Whether it's through our professional skills, our time, or our resources, we are encouraged to take responsibility for our "section" of the work. This verse reminds us that every contribution, no matter how small or specialized, is vital for the success of God's work and the strengthening of our communities, reflecting the biblical principle of the body of Christ with many members.

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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 3:32

    And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.

  • Nehemiah 3:8

    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.
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