next to him, Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs across from his house; and next to him, Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs. Next to themThis phrase indicates the collaborative effort in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. The Hebrew word used here, "יַד" (yad), often translated as "next to" or "beside," emphasizes the unity and cooperation among the Israelites. It reflects the communal spirit and shared responsibility in the restoration work, a theme that resonates throughout the book of Nehemiah. This cooperation is a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and the importance of working together for a common purpose. Jedaiah son of Harumaph
The mention of Jedaiah, whose name means "Yahweh knows," highlights the personal involvement of individuals in the work. The lineage "son of Harumaph" provides a historical anchor, suggesting a family known within the community. This personal identification underscores the idea that God knows each worker by name and values their contribution. It serves as an encouragement that every individual's effort is significant in the eyes of God. made repairs
The Hebrew verb "חָזַק" (chazaq) means "to strengthen" or "to repair." This action is not merely about physical labor but also symbolizes spiritual and communal renewal. The act of repairing the walls is a metaphor for restoring faith and commitment to God's covenant. It reflects the determination and resilience required to rebuild not just structures, but also the spiritual and moral fabric of the community. opposite his house
This phrase indicates that Jedaiah worked on the section of the wall nearest to his own home. This strategic allocation of work suggests a personal investment in the project, as individuals would naturally be more diligent in repairing what directly affects their own families. It also implies a practical approach to the task, ensuring that each person takes responsibility for their immediate surroundings, which collectively contributes to the overall success of the mission. And next to him
Reiterating the theme of collaboration, this phrase connects the efforts of Jedaiah with those of Hattush. The repetition of "next to" reinforces the seamless and continuous nature of the work, illustrating how each person's contribution is vital to the whole. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the community and the importance of unity in achieving common goals. Hattush son of Hashabneiah
Hattush, whose name means "assembled" or "gathered," is another individual recognized for his contribution. The mention of his father, Hashabneiah, adds to the historical and familial context, emphasizing the generational involvement in the work. This highlights the legacy of faith and dedication passed down through families, encouraging readers to consider their own role in continuing the work of God in their communities. made repairs
The repetition of this phrase underscores the ongoing and collective effort required in the rebuilding process. It serves as a reminder that the work of restoration is continuous and requires perseverance. The emphasis on repair reflects the broader theme of redemption and renewal, both physically and spiritually, as the people of Israel seek to restore their city and their relationship with God. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jedaiah son of HarumaphA worker involved in the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. His name means "Yahweh has known," indicating a personal relationship with God. 2. Hattush son of HashabneiahAnother worker on the wall. Hattush is a name that appears elsewhere in the Bible, suggesting a lineage of faithful service. 3. JerusalemThe city whose walls are being rebuilt. It is central to Jewish identity and worship, symbolizing God's presence and protection. 4. The Wall of JerusalemRepresents the physical and spiritual restoration of the people of Israel. The rebuilding signifies a return to faithfulness and community. 5. Rebuilding EventThe collective effort of the Israelites to restore their city, demonstrating unity and dedication to God's purposes. Teaching Points Personal Responsibility in God's WorkJedaiah and Hattush took responsibility for the section of the wall near their homes. This teaches us the importance of starting God's work within our immediate sphere of influence. Community and CooperationThe rebuilding of the wall was a communal effort. We are reminded of the power of working together in unity for a common purpose in the body of Christ. Faithfulness in Small TasksThe seemingly small task of repairing a section of the wall was crucial to the overall project. Our faithfulness in small tasks contributes to God's larger plan. Legacy of ServiceThe mention of family names suggests a legacy of service. We are encouraged to consider how our actions today can impact future generations. Spiritual RestorationThe physical rebuilding of the wall symbolizes spiritual renewal. We are called to examine areas in our lives that need restoration and to seek God's guidance in rebuilding them. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the example of Jedaiah and Hattush inspire you to take responsibility for God's work in your own life and community? 2. In what ways can you contribute to building up your local church or community, similar to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall? 3. Reflect on a time when you worked with others towards a common goal. How did that experience strengthen your faith and relationships? 4. What small tasks or responsibilities has God entrusted to you, and how can you approach them with faithfulness and diligence? 5. How can the concept of spiritual restoration in Nehemiah 3:10 be applied to areas of your life that need renewal or healing? Connections to Other Scriptures Ezra 4-6Provides background on the opposition faced during the rebuilding efforts, highlighting the perseverance required to complete God's work. 1 Corinthians 3:9-15Discusses the concept of building on a foundation, which can be related to the spiritual building of the community in Nehemiah. Ephesians 2:19-22Speaks of believers being built together into a dwelling place for God, paralleling the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. People Ananiah, Azariah, Azbuk, Baana, Bani, Baruch, Bavai, Benjamin, Berechiah, Besodeiah, Binnui, Colhozeh, David, Eliashib, Ezer, Gibeon, Hakkoz, Hallohesh, Halohesh, Hananiah, Hanun, Harhaiah, Harim, Harumaph, Hashabiah, Hashabniah, Hashub, Hassenaah, Hasshub, Hattush, Henadad, Hur, Immer, Imri, Jadon, Jedaiah, Jehoiada, Jeshua, Joiada, Koz, Levites, Maaseiah, Malchiah, Malchijah, Melatiah, Meremoth, Meshezabeel, Meshullam, Nehemiah, Pahathmoab, Palal, Parosh, Paseah, Pedaiah, Rechab, Rehum, Rephaiah, Shallum, Shallun, Shecaniah, Shechaniah, Shelah, Shelemiah, Shemaiah, Tekoites, Uriah, Urijah, Uzai, Uzziel, Zabbai, Zaccai, Zaccur, Zadok, Zalaph, ZurPlaces Beth-haccherem, Beth-zur, Beyond the River, Broad Wall, Dung Gate, East Gate, Fish Gate, Fountain Gate, Gate of Yeshanah, Gibeon, Horse Gate, Jericho, Jerusalem, Keilah, Mizpah, Muster Gate, Ophel, Pool of Shelah, Sheep Gate, Tower of Hananel, Tower of the Hundred, Tower of the Ovens, Valley Gate, Water Gate, ZanoahTopics Harumaph, Haru'maph, Hashabneiah, Hashabnei'ah, Hashabniah, Hattush, Jedaiah, Jedai'ah, Opposite, Over-against, Repaired, Repairs, StrengthenedDictionary of Bible Themes Nehemiah 3:9 5509 rulers Library 'Over against his House'
'The priests repaired every one over against his house.'--NEH. iii. 28. The condition of our great cities has lately been forced upon public attention, and all kinds of men have been offering their panaceas. I am not about to enter upon that discussion, but I am glad to seize the opportunity of saying one or two things which I think very much need to be said to individual Christian people about their duty in the matter. 'Every man over against his house' is the principle I desire to commend to you …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Broad Wall
"The broad wall."--Nehemiah 3:8. IT SEEMS that around Jerusalem of old, in the time of her splendor, there was a broad wall, which was her defence and her glory. Jerusalem is a type of the Church of God. It is always well when we can see clearly, distinctly, and plainly, that around the Church to which we belong there runs a broad wall. This idea of a broad wall around the Church suggests three things: separation, security, and enjoyment. Let us examine each of these in its turn. I. First, the SEPARATION …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 57: 1911 Divers Matters.
I. Beth-cerem, Nehemiah 3:14. "The stones, as well of the altar, as of the ascent to the altar, were from the valley of Beth-cerem, which they digged out beneath the barren land. And thence they are wont to bring whole stones, upon which the working iron came not." The fathers of the traditions, treating concerning the blood of women's terms, reckon up five colours of it; among which that, "which is like the water of the earth, out of the valley of Beth-cerem."--Where the Gloss writes thus, "Beth-cerem …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Some Buildings in Acra. Bezeiha. Millo.
Mount Sion did not thrust itself so far eastward as mount Acra: and hence it is, that mount Moriah is said, by Josephus, to be "situate over-against Acra," rather than over-against the Upper City: for, describing Acra thus, which we produced before, "There is another hill, called Acra, which bears the Lower City upon it, steep on both sides": in the next words he subjoins this, "Over-against this was a third hill," speaking of Moriah. The same author thus describes the burning of the Lower City: …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose, was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which looks south-east. Within was the pool of Bethesda, famous for healings. Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond that, "the tower of Hananeel": in the Chaldee paraphrast it is, 'The tower Piccus,' Zechariah 14:10; Piccus, Jeremiah 31:38.--I should suspect that to be, the Hippic tower, were not that placed on the north …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Nehemiah 3:10 NIVNehemiah 3:10 NLTNehemiah 3:10 ESVNehemiah 3:10 NASBNehemiah 3:10 KJV
Nehemiah 3:10 Commentaries
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