Nehemiah 2:13

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Nehemiah 2:13 describes a pivotal moment in Nehemiah’s mission to rebuild Jerusalem: his secret, nocturnal inspection of the city’s devastated walls and gates. Having arrived from Persia, Nehemiah takes personal initiative to assess the immense task ahead, meticulously observing the extent of the damage.

Context

Following his fervent prayer and successful petition to King Artaxerxes for permission and resources to return to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:8), Nehemiah arrives in the city. For three days, he remains discreet, likely observing and strategizing. This verse marks the beginning of his hands-on assessment. He conducts this inspection by night, presumably to avoid drawing attention from adversaries or causing premature excitement among the Jewish populace, allowing him to see the true, unvarnished state of affairs. His route takes him past significant landmarks like the "gate of the valley," the "dragon well" (possibly a spring or fountain), and the "dung port" (a gate used for waste disposal), indicating a thorough circuit of the ruined city perimeter.

Key Themes

  • Diligent Assessment: Nehemiah exemplifies effective leadership by personally surveying the situation. He doesn't rely solely on reports but sees the devastation firsthand, understanding the full scope of the challenge. This personal investigation is a crucial step before any major undertaking.
  • Facing Reality: The verse explicitly states the walls were "broken down" and gates "consumed with fire," a stark reality reflecting the destruction inflicted by the Babylonians decades prior (2 Kings 25:10). Nehemiah confronts the extent of the ruin without flinching, a necessary step for effective reconstruction and restoration.
  • Strategic Planning: This nocturnal survey was not merely an observation but a critical part of Nehemiah's strategic planning. Understanding the weak points, the scale of debris, and the specific needs of each section was vital for organizing the vast rebuilding project.
  • Secrecy and Prudence: Nehemiah's decision to conduct this inspection by night highlights his prudence and strategic foresight. He understands the political sensitivities and potential opposition, choosing a time when his actions would go unnoticed.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 2:13 offers valuable lessons for today. Just as Nehemiah took the time to personally assess the brokenness of Jerusalem, we are called to realistically evaluate the "broken down walls" in our own lives, families, communities, or spiritual walks. This might involve acknowledging areas of neglect, sin, or disrepair that need attention. Effective leadership, whether in a spiritual or secular context, often requires a hands-on, honest appraisal of challenges before formulating solutions. Like Nehemiah, we should combine careful planning and diligent effort with prayer and reliance on God's guiding hand, trusting that He can enable us to rebuild what seems impossible.

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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 1:3 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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: