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.

But the dung {H830} gate {H8179} repaired {H2388} Malchiah {H4441} the son {H1121} of Rechab {H7394}, the ruler {H8269} of part {H6418} of Bethhaccerem {H1021}; he built {H1129} it, and set up {H5975} the doors {H1817} thereof, the locks {H4514} thereof, and the bars {H1280} thereof.

Malkiyah the son of Rechav, leader of the district of Beit-Hakerem, repaired the Dung Gate; he rebuilt it and set up its doors, along with its bolts and bars.

The Dung Gate was repaired by Malchijah son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem. He rebuilt it and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.

And the dung gate repaired Malchijah the son of Rechab, the ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the bolts thereof, and the bars thereof.

Commentary

Commentary on Nehemiah 3:14 (KJV)

Nehemiah 3:14 records the specific contribution of Malchiah, the son of Rechab, in the grand project of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. This verse highlights his diligent work on the Dung Gate, a critical, albeit humble, part of the city's defenses.

Context

The Book of Nehemiah details the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and their efforts to rebuild the city and its walls after seventy years of Babylonian captivity. Chapter 3 provides a fascinating and meticulous account of the wall's reconstruction, listing various individuals, families, and groups responsible for specific sections of the wall and its gates. This collaborative effort, orchestrated by Nehemiah, demonstrates a remarkable unity and dedication among the people, each contributing to the greater good, as seen when they declared, "Let us rise up and build." The repair of the walls was not merely a construction project but a spiritual revival, signifying the restoration of Israel's identity and security.

Key Themes

  • Individual Responsibility in Collective Endeavor: Malchiah, like many others mentioned in Nehemiah 3, was assigned a specific, vital section. This emphasizes that every person's contribution, no matter how seemingly small or unglamorous, was essential for the success of the overall project.
  • The Significance of All Work: The Dung Gate was where the city's refuse was carried out, making it one of the less desirable or "dirty" assignments. Yet, Malchiah, a "ruler of part of Bethhaccerem," undertook this task with thoroughness. This teaches that all work, especially that done for God's purposes, holds dignity and importance. There are no insignificant tasks in God's kingdom.
  • Thoroughness and Diligence: Malchiah didn't just repair the gate; "he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof." This detail signifies a complete and secure restoration, underscoring the importance of doing work with excellence and ensuring its full functionality and security. This commitment to thoroughness is a model for any task undertaken in service.

Linguistic Insights

The name Malchiah (מַלְכִּיָּה) means "My King is Yah" or "Yahweh is King," a common theophoric name reflecting devotion to God. The Dung Gate (שַׁעַר הָאַשְׁפֹּת, Sha'ar Ha'ashpot) literally means "Gate of the Ash-heaps" or "Refuse Gate," clearly indicating its function. Its repair was crucial for the city's hygiene and defense, preventing enemies from easily entering through a neglected, low-traffic point.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 3:14 reminds us that God uses all kinds of people for all kinds of tasks. Just as Malchiah faithfully repaired the Dung Gate, believers today are called to serve diligently in their assigned roles, no matter how humble or unseen they may seem. Whether it's a visible leadership position or a behind-the-scenes support role, every act of service contributes to the building up of God's kingdom. This verse encourages us to embrace our specific callings with thoroughness and excellence, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain, as exhorted in 1 Corinthians 15:58.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 6:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction.

  • Nehemiah 2:13 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Nehemiah 3:15 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Nehemiah 3:18 (2 votes)

    After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah.

  • Nehemiah 3:9 (2 votes)

    And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem.

  • Nehemiah 3:12 (2 votes)

    And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.

  • Nehemiah 3:13 (2 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.