Nehemiah 3:32

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

And between the going up {H5944} of the corner {H6438} unto the sheep {H6629} gate {H8179} repaired {H2388} the goldsmiths {H6884} and the merchants {H7402}.

Finally, between the upper room at the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and merchants made repairs.

And between the upper room above the corner and the Sheep Gate, the goldsmiths and merchants made repairs.

And between the ascent of the corner and the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.

Commentary

Commentary on Nehemiah 3:32 (KJV)

Nehemiah 3:32 concludes a remarkable chapter detailing the systematic and communal effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This verse, like the others in the chapter, highlights the specific sections of the wall that were repaired and, crucially, identifies the individuals or groups responsible for the work.

Historical and Cultural Context

The book of Nehemiah chronicles the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon and their monumental task of restoring Jerusalem's defenses, which had lain in ruins since the Babylonian destruction in 586 BC. Nehemiah 3 provides a meticulous account of this reconstruction, illustrating a coordinated effort where various families, guilds, and even cities took responsibility for specific segments of the wall. This verse specifically mentions the section "between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate." The Sheep Gate was a significant entrance, likely located on the northeast side of the city, often associated with the temple and the entry of sheep for sacrifice. The involvement of "goldsmiths" and "merchants" underscores the diverse participation of the community, from priests and nobles to common laborers and skilled craftsmen.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Communal Effort and Unity: This verse beautifully exemplifies the principle of collective responsibility. The rebuilding project was not left to a few leaders but involved everyone, regardless of their usual trade or social standing. This unity was vital for the success of such a massive undertaking, reflecting a spirit of "all hands on deck."
  • Diligence and Dedication: The goldsmiths and merchants, whose primary professions were not construction, dedicated their time and skills to this essential civic and spiritual task. Their involvement demonstrates a deep commitment to the welfare and security of Jerusalem. This echoes the broader theme of the people working "with a mind to work" as noted in Nehemiah 4:6.
  • God's Providence in Human Labor: While Nehemiah provided leadership, the successful completion of the wall was ultimately a testament to God's hand guiding and empowering His people. He moved the hearts of diverse individuals to contribute their unique skills for a common, God-ordained purpose.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms for "goldsmiths" (tsorephim - צֹרְפִים) and "merchants" (hattochenim - הַתֹּכְנִים) are significant. The tsorephim were skilled artisans who refined precious metals, suggesting they were likely individuals of some wealth and standing in the community. Their participation shows that even those with specialized, non-manual labor professions contributed physically to the common good. The hattochenim, translated here as "merchants," could also refer to "perfumers" or "apothecaries" in other contexts, indicating a class of traders or specialized vendors. Their inclusion further emphasizes the broad spectrum of society involved in the restoration project, highlighting that every skill and trade could be consecrated to the Lord's work.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 3:32 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that every member of a community, regardless of their profession, talent, or perceived importance, has a vital role to play in building up the church and advancing God's kingdom. Just as the goldsmiths and merchants set aside their usual trade to repair the physical walls, we are called to use our diverse gifts and resources—whether intellectual, financial, or practical—to strengthen our spiritual communities and bear witness to God's work in the world. It encourages unity in purpose and a willingness to serve beyond our comfort zones for the common good. The restoration of Jerusalem's walls was a physical manifestation of a spiritual renewal, and similarly, our collective efforts today contribute to the ongoing work of God's kingdom on earth, a theme beautifully captured in the broader narrative of Nehemiah's call to rebuild.

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 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

    ¶ 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 12:39

    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.

  • John 5:2

    Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep [market] a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

  • 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.

  • 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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