Nehemiah 3:14
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.
The Dung Gate
The "Dung Gate" was one of the gates of Jerusalem, historically significant as the exit point for waste removal from the city. In Hebrew, it is "Sha'ar Ha'ashpot," which directly translates to "Gate of Ashes" or "Refuse Gate." This gate's mention highlights the practical aspects of city life and the need for cleanliness and order. Spiritually, it can symbolize the removal of sin and impurity from one's life, aligning with the Christian call to holiness and sanctification.

was repaired
The Hebrew word used here is "chazaq," meaning to strengthen, repair, or make firm. This term is often used in the context of restoration and renewal, reflecting God's work in restoring His people. The act of repairing the gate signifies the restoration of Jerusalem's defenses and the community's commitment to rebuilding their lives and faith.

by Malchijah son of Rechab
"Malchijah" means "My King is Yahweh," indicating a person whose identity is rooted in the worship of God. "Rechab" means "rider" or "chariot," possibly suggesting a family of some prominence or mobility. The involvement of Malchijah, a leader, underscores the importance of leadership in spiritual and communal restoration. It also reflects the biblical principle that God often uses individuals from various backgrounds to accomplish His purposes.

ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem
"Beth-haccherem" translates to "House of the Vineyard," suggesting a place of fertility and growth. This district's mention indicates the organized structure of the community and the delegation of responsibilities. The ruler's participation in the repair work exemplifies servant leadership, a key Christian principle where leaders are called to serve and work alongside their people.

He rebuilt it
The act of rebuilding, "banah" in Hebrew, is a recurring theme in Nehemiah, symbolizing renewal and hope. It reflects the physical and spiritual rebuilding of Jerusalem, a city central to God's covenant with His people. This rebuilding is a metaphor for the restoration of faith and the re-establishment of God's order.

and installed its doors, bolts, and bars
The installation of "doors, bolts, and bars" signifies security and protection. In ancient cities, gates were crucial for defense, and their proper functioning was vital for the city's safety. Spiritually, this can be seen as a call to guard one's heart and life against sin and external threats, aligning with Proverbs 4:23, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." The detailed mention of these components highlights the thoroughness and care in the restoration process, reflecting the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work in believers' lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Malchijah son of Rechab
A leader and ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, Malchijah took on the task of repairing the Dung Gate, demonstrating leadership and commitment to the community's restoration efforts.

2. Beth-haccherem
A district over which Malchijah had authority. It is mentioned in Jeremiah as a place of signal fires, indicating its strategic importance.

3. Dung Gate
One of the gates of Jerusalem, it was used for removing refuse from the city. Its repair was crucial for maintaining the city's cleanliness and health.

4. Rebuilding and Installation
The act of rebuilding and installing doors, bolts, and bars signifies the restoration of security and order to Jerusalem.
Teaching Points
Leadership in Service
Malchijah's role as a ruler who personally engages in the work of rebuilding teaches us that true leadership involves serving and working alongside others.

Importance of Humble Tasks
The Dung Gate, though not glamorous, was essential. This reminds us that every task, no matter how humble, is important in God's work.

Community Involvement
The rebuilding of Jerusalem's gates required the participation of many. This illustrates the importance of community involvement in achieving common goals.

Restoration and Security
Rebuilding the gates symbolizes restoring security and order, reminding us of the need to protect and maintain our spiritual and communal lives.

Commitment to God's Work
The dedication shown by those rebuilding the gates reflects the commitment required in our spiritual journey and service to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does Malchijah's involvement in repairing the Dung Gate teach us about the nature of leadership and service in our communities today?

2. How can the strategic importance of Beth-haccherem inform our understanding of the roles we play in our own communities?

3. In what ways does the rebuilding of the Dung Gate reflect the importance of seemingly small or humble tasks in the larger work of God's kingdom?

4. How can the collective effort seen in Nehemiah 3 inspire us to work together in our churches and communities?

5. Reflect on a time when you were called to a task that seemed insignificant. How did that experience contribute to your spiritual growth or the well-being of your community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 6:1
Beth-haccherem is mentioned as a place of signal fires, highlighting its strategic importance and possibly why a leader from this area was involved in the city's restoration.

Nehemiah 2:17-18
Nehemiah's call to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, which includes the gates, shows the collective effort and unity required for the task.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27
The body of Christ analogy, where each part has a role, parallels the diverse roles in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, emphasizing community and cooperation.
A Godly AncestryT. C. Finlayson.Nehemiah 3:1-32
A Suggestive Church RecordHomiletic CommentaryNehemiah 3:1-32
Associated LabourScientific IllustrationsNehemiah 3:1-32
At WorkT. Rowson.Nehemiah 3:1-32
Church WorkR.A. Redford Nehemiah 3:1-32
Honourable MentionT. C. Finlayson.Nehemiah 3:1-32
Individual LaboursA. G. Griffith.Nehemiah 3:1-32
Life's MasonryHomiletic CommentaryNehemiah 3:1-32
Merchant WorkersJ. M. Randall.Nehemiah 3:1-32
Ministers Should be LeadersJ. M. Randall.Nehemiah 3:1-32
System and Detail in WorkHomiletic CommentaryNehemiah 3:1-32
The Builders At WorkW. P. Lockhart.Nehemiah 3:1-32
The Building of the WallW. P. Lockhart.Nehemiah 3:1-32
The Repairer of the BreachW. Ritchie.Nehemiah 3:1-32
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, Zur
Places
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, Zanoah
Topics
Bars, Beth, Beth-cherem, Bethhaccerem, Beth-haccerem, Beth-haccherem, Beth-hacche'rem, Bolts, Building, Built, Chief, District, Division, Doors, Doorway, Dung, Dung-gate, Gate, Haccherem, Hakkerem, Hung, Locks, Malchiah, Malchijah, Malchi'jah, Malkijah, Official, Putting, Rebuilt, Recab, Rechab, Refuse, Repaired, Rods, Ruler, Strengthened, Thereof, Waste
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 3:13-14

     4639   dung and manure

Nehemiah 3:13-15

     5323   gate

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 Scripture

The 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

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