Nehemiah 3:6
The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.
Joiada son of Paseah
The name "Joiada" means "Yahweh knows" or "Yahweh cares," reflecting a deep connection to God. The mention of his lineage, "son of Paseah," situates Joiada within a historical and familial context, emphasizing the importance of family heritage in the Jewish tradition. This highlights the continuity of faith and duty passed down through generations, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.

Meshullam son of Besodeiah
"Meshullam" means "friend" or "ally," suggesting a person of integrity and reliability. His father's name, "Besodeiah," means "in the counsel of Yahweh," indicating a family that values divine guidance. This pairing of names underscores the collaborative effort in the rebuilding process, where individuals with strong spiritual backgrounds come together for a common purpose.

repaired the Old Gate
The "Old Gate" is significant both historically and symbolically. It is believed to be one of the original gates of Jerusalem, representing the enduring legacy and resilience of the city. The act of repairing it signifies restoration and renewal, a central theme in Nehemiah's mission. This work reflects the broader spiritual renewal of the people, as they restore not just physical structures but also their covenant relationship with God.

they laid its beams
The laying of beams is a foundational task, crucial for the stability and strength of the gate. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as laying down the foundational truths of faith and obedience to God. It is a reminder that any lasting work must be built on a solid foundation, echoing Jesus' teaching about building one's house on the rock (Matthew 7:24-25).

installed its doors, bolts, and bars
The installation of doors, bolts, and bars is a practical measure for protection and security. In the context of Jerusalem, it symbolizes the safeguarding of the community and their way of life. Spiritually, it can be seen as a metaphor for guarding one's heart and life against sin and external threats, aligning with the biblical call to vigilance and purity (Proverbs 4:23).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joiada son of Paseah
Joiada is one of the leaders involved in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. His lineage, being the son of Paseah, indicates his family heritage and possibly his role or status within the community.

2. Meshullam son of Besodeiah
Another key figure in the reconstruction efforts, Meshullam collaborates with Joiada. His mention alongside Joiada suggests a partnership or shared responsibility in the task.

3. The Old Gate
This gate is one of the significant entry points into Jerusalem. Its repair is crucial for the city's defense and functionality. The term "Old Gate" may refer to its historical significance or its location in the older part of the city.

4. Rebuilding Efforts
The act of repairing the gate involves laying beams and installing doors, bolts, and bars, indicating a comprehensive restoration to ensure security and usability.

5. Nehemiah's Leadership
While not directly mentioned in this verse, Nehemiah's overarching leadership and vision for the rebuilding project are implicit in the organized efforts of the people.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Community Effort
The rebuilding of the Old Gate was not a solo endeavor but a community project. This teaches us the value of working together in unity for a common goal.

Leadership and Delegation
Nehemiah's ability to delegate tasks to capable leaders like Joiada and Meshullam demonstrates effective leadership. In our lives, we should learn to trust and empower others in their roles.

Restoration and Security
The physical restoration of the gate symbolizes spiritual restoration and the importance of securing our lives against spiritual threats. We must be vigilant in maintaining our spiritual defenses.

Heritage and Legacy
The mention of family lineage highlights the importance of heritage and the legacy we leave behind. Our actions today can impact future generations.

Faithfulness in Small Tasks
The detailed work of installing beams, doors, bolts, and bars shows faithfulness in seemingly small tasks. We should approach every task, no matter how small, with diligence and care.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Joiada and Meshullam's collaboration about working together in our communities or churches?

2. How does the rebuilding of the Old Gate reflect the need for spiritual restoration in our own lives?

3. In what ways can we apply Nehemiah's leadership principles in our personal or professional lives?

4. How does understanding our spiritual heritage influence our actions and decisions today?

5. What are some "small tasks" in your life that require more diligence and faithfulness, and how can you approach them differently?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 4-6
These chapters provide context for the opposition faced during the rebuilding efforts, highlighting the perseverance required by the Israelites.

Proverbs 25:28
This verse speaks to the importance of self-control and protection, metaphorically relating to the need for secure city walls and gates.

Ephesians 4:16
This New Testament passage emphasizes the importance of each part working together for the growth and building up of the body, akin to the collaborative efforts in Nehemiah.
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, Beams, Besodeiah, Besodei'ah, Besodiah, Boards, Bolts, Doors, Doorway, Gate, Hung, Jehoiada, Joiada, Joi'ada, Laid, Locks, Meshullam, Meshul'lam, Moreover, Paseah, Pase'ah, Repaired, Rods, Strengthened, Thereof, Wall, Walled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 3:6

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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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