Nehemiah 3:6

Commentary on Nehemiah 3:6 (KJV)

Nehemiah 3:6 is a specific detail within a remarkable chapter that meticulously records the systematic reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls and gates after the Babylonian exile. This verse highlights the repair of the "Old Gate," assigning responsibility to Jehoiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah, and detailing the thoroughness of their work.

Context

The book of Nehemiah recounts the return of Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and their efforts to rebuild the city under Nehemiah's leadership. Chapter 3 provides a fascinating and detailed roster of the individuals, families, and groups who participated in the monumental task of rebuilding the city wall, with each section assigned to different workers. This collective effort, from priests and Levites to merchants and goldsmiths, demonstrates a profound commitment to God's work and the restoration of their homeland. The "Old Gate" (Hebrew: שַׁעַר הַיְשָׁנָה, Sha'ar HaYeshanah), likely named for its ancient origin or a specific older quarter of the city, was a crucial entry point requiring full restoration for the city's security and function.

Key Themes

• Shared Responsibility and Collaboration: This verse, like the entire chapter, underscores the principle that great tasks are accomplished through collective effort. No single person rebuilt the wall; rather, many hands contributed, each to a specific section. This highlights the importance of teamwork in spiritual and community endeavors.
• Diligence and Thoroughness: Jehoiada and Meshullam didn't just patch the gate; they "laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof." This comprehensive approach signifies a commitment to complete and lasting restoration, ensuring the gate was fully functional and secure.
• Restoration and Security: The rebuilding of the gates was as vital as the walls themselves. Gates were not only points of entry but also places of commerce, justice, and community gathering. Their full restoration symbolized the return of order, strength, and protection to Jerusalem.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "repaired" (חָזַק, chazaq) often carries the nuance of strengthening, making firm, or restoring. It implies more than just a superficial fix; it suggests making something robust and durable. This aligns perfectly with the detailed description of laying beams, setting doors, and installing locks and bars, all components essential for a gate's structural integrity and security.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 3:6 offers several timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that every contribution, no matter how specific or seemingly small, is vital for the success of God's larger work. Just as Jehoiada and Meshullam diligently restored the Old Gate, we are called to bring diligence and thoroughness to our own tasks, whether in our personal lives, families, churches, or communities. The emphasis on fully restoring the gates—including their security mechanisms—can also serve as a metaphor for ensuring the "gates" of our lives (our minds, hearts, and actions) are strong and protected against negative influences. The spirit of unity and shared labor seen in Nehemiah's time is a powerful example for the body of Christ today, where we are all "God's fellowworkers" in building His kingdom.