Delegation of The Work Load
May 10, 2021
Commentary
The task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was so enormous that it called for great organization and the help of everyone. Nehemiah’s plan is unique and various aspects of this plan are outlined in this chapter. He begins with the Sheep Gate and proceeds counterclockwise. The map of Jerusalem in the times of Nehemiah shows the 10 gates and four towers mentioned in this chapter. It is interesting to note that the rebuilding process is inaugurated by Eliashib, the high priest and the other priests which rebuilt the Sheep Gate (v. 1). This would have been of particular interest to them, because animals were brought through this gate to the temple for sacrifice. The people of Jericho rebuilt the next section of the wall, and Zaccur son of Imri rebuilt the section after this (v. 2).
The city gates were hubs of activity. One of the main routes through Jerusalem entered the city at the Fish gate (v. 3). The fish market was near this gate. Other families did their part on the huge job of rebuilding the city wall (v. 4). However, not everyone was sympathetic to the cause of Nehemiah. The wealthy leaders of Tekoa did not participate in the building program (v. 5). They were lazy and would not put their effort to work.
Nehemiah assigned everyone a specific place in the wall to work (vv. 6-14). Many of these assignments were made near the people’s houses. Because of personal interest, this would make them more highly motivated. It would also avoid the wasting of valuable travel time. Commuters also had a part and were assigned sections of the wall where there were few homes. Other workers were assigned jobs based upon their vocations.
Application
The work of the universal church requires the efforts of various members in order for the body of Christ to function properly (I Cor. 12:12-27). The question is whether I am doing my part. I need to find my place and fulfill my responsibility to the Lord and those He has placed over me.
Nehemiah 3:1– 14 (NET)
1 Then Eliashib the high priest and his priestly colleagues arose and built the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and erected its doors, working as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel. 2 The men of Jericho built adjacent to it, and Zaccur son of Imri built adjacent to them.
3 The sons of Hassenaah rebuilt the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and positioned its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 4 Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakoz, worked on the section adjacent to them. Meshullam son of Berechiah the son of Meshezabel worked on the section next to them. And Zadok son of Baana worked on the section adjacent to them. 5 The men of Tekoa worked on the section adjacent to them, but their town leaders would not assist with the work of their master.
6 Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah worked on the Jeshanah Gate. They laid its beams and positioned its doors, its bolts, and its bars. 7 Adjacent to them worked Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, who were men of Gibeon and Mizpah. These towns were under the jurisdiction of the governor of Trans-Euphrates. 8 Uzziel son of Harhaiah, a member of the goldsmiths’ guild, worked on the section adjacent to him. Hananiah, a member of the perfumers’ guild, worked on the section adjacent to him. They plastered the city wall of Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9 Rephaiah son of Hur, head of a half-district of Jerusalem, worked on the section adjacent to them. 10 Jedaiah son of Harumaph worked on the section adjacent to them opposite his house, and Hattush son of Hashabneiah worked on the section adjacent to him. 11 Malkijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath Moab worked on another section and the Tower of the Ovens. 12 Shallum son of Hallohesh, head of a half-district of Jerusalem, worked on the section adjacent to him, assisted by his daughters.
13 Hanun and the residents of Zanoah worked on the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and positioned its doors, its bolts, and its bars, in addition to working on 1,500 feet of the wall as far as the Dung Gate.
14 Malkijah son of Recab, head of the district of Beth Hakkerem, worked on the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and positioned its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
Illustration: Dave Dravecky Rebuilds His Life
Dave Dravecky, who loses not only a game but a career, a livelihood, his pitching arm, and his shoulder. He is energetically rebuilding his life and looking forward to whatever tomorrow might bring. He now runs Outreach of Hope non-profit organization to help people that are suffering. (Source Unknown, Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author).