Nehemiah 7:1
When the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites were appointed.
After the wall had been rebuilt
The phrase signifies a pivotal moment of completion and transition. The Hebrew root for "rebuilt" is "בָּנָה" (banah), which means to build or establish. This reflects not only the physical reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls but also the spiritual and communal restoration of the Jewish people. Historically, the rebuilding of the wall was a monumental task that symbolized the renewal of faith and identity for the Israelites after their return from Babylonian exile. It was a testament to God's faithfulness and the perseverance of His people.

and I had set the doors in place
Setting the doors in place was a crucial step in securing the city. The Hebrew word for "set" is "עָמַד" (amad), meaning to stand or establish. This action completed the fortification process, ensuring protection against external threats. Spiritually, it represents the establishment of boundaries and the safeguarding of the community's values and beliefs. Nehemiah's leadership in this task underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness in maintaining the integrity of one's faith and community.

the gatekeepers
Gatekeepers, or "שֹׁמֵר" (shomer) in Hebrew, were responsible for guarding the entrances to the city. Their role was vital in controlling access and ensuring the safety of the inhabitants. In a spiritual sense, gatekeepers symbolize discernment and the need to protect one's heart and mind from harmful influences. They remind believers of the importance of vigilance in their spiritual walk, guarding against anything that might compromise their relationship with God.

singers
The appointment of singers highlights the significance of worship in the life of the community. The Hebrew term "מְשׁוֹרֵר" (meshorer) refers to those who lead in song and praise. Historically, music played a central role in Jewish worship, serving as a means of expressing devotion and gratitude to God. The inclusion of singers emphasizes the importance of worship as a communal and unifying act, drawing the people closer to God and to one another.

and Levites
Levites, or "לֵוִי" (Levi), were members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties. Their appointment signifies the reestablishment of proper worship and the observance of the Law. The Levites were responsible for teaching the Law, leading worship, and maintaining the temple. This highlights the necessity of spiritual leadership and guidance in nurturing the faith of the community. It underscores the importance of adhering to God's commandments and the role of spiritual leaders in facilitating a deeper understanding of His Word.

were appointed
The act of appointing these roles indicates a structured and intentional approach to community life and worship. The Hebrew root "פָּקַד" (paqad) means to assign or entrust. This reflects Nehemiah's commitment to ensuring that the community was well-organized and that each member had a role in contributing to the collective well-being. It serves as a reminder of the importance of order and responsibility within the body of believers, encouraging each person to use their gifts for the glory of God and the edification of the church.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes and later became the governor of Jerusalem. He led the efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

2. Jerusalem
The city where the events take place. It was the spiritual and political center for the Jewish people, and its walls had been in ruins before Nehemiah's leadership.

3. Gatekeepers
Individuals appointed to guard the gates of the city. Their role was crucial for the security and order of Jerusalem.

4. Singers
These were Levites assigned to lead worship and praise, reflecting the importance of worship in the life of the community.

5. Levites
Members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties. They played a key role in the spiritual life of Israel.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Organization
Nehemiah's actions demonstrate the importance of strong leadership and organization in achieving community goals. Effective leaders appoint the right people to the right tasks.

Spiritual and Physical Restoration
The rebuilding of the wall and the appointment of religious roles highlight the need for both physical and spiritual restoration in our lives.

Community Involvement
The involvement of gatekeepers, singers, and Levites shows that everyone has a role to play in the community. Each person's contribution is vital to the overall health and function of the community.

Worship as Central
The appointment of singers and Levites underscores the centrality of worship in the life of God's people. Worship should be a priority in our personal and communal lives.

Security and Vigilance
The role of the gatekeepers reminds us of the need for vigilance in our spiritual lives, guarding against influences that can harm our relationship with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Nehemiah's leadership in appointing gatekeepers, singers, and Levites inspire you to take on leadership roles in your community or church?

2. In what ways can you contribute to the spiritual and physical restoration of your community, similar to the roles assigned by Nehemiah?

3. How can the organization and roles within the church today reflect the principles seen in Nehemiah 7:1?

4. What steps can you take to ensure that worship remains central in your life, as it was for the community in Nehemiah's time?

5. How can you be vigilant in guarding your spiritual life, similar to the gatekeepers appointed by Nehemiah? What "gates" in your life need more attention?
Connections to Other Scriptures
The appointment of gatekeepers, singers, and Levites connects to the organization of temple service as seen in 1 Chronicles, where David established similar roles for the functioning of the temple.

The rebuilding of the wall and setting of the doors can be related to the restoration themes found in the books of Ezra and Haggai, where the focus is on rebuilding the temple and the community.

The role of the Levites and singers in worship can be connected to the Psalms, which often highlight the importance of worship and praise in the life of God's people.
Moral GuardianshipJ.S. Exell Nehemiah 7:1-4
Israel Within the WallsW. Calrkson Nehemiah 7:1-5
The Guardian of the Holy CityW. Ritchie.Nehemiah 7:1-7
People
Akkub, Amon, Asaph, Ater, Azariah, Azmaveth, Baanah, Bakbuk, Barkos, Barzillai, Bazlith, Besai, Bezai, Bigvai, Bilshan, Darkon, Delaiah, Gahar, Gazzam, Giddel, Habaiah, Hagaba, Hakkoz, Hakupha, Hanan, Hanani, Hananiah, Harhur, Harsha, Hashum, Hashupha, Hasupha, Hatipha, Hatita, Hattil, Hezekiah, Hodaviah, Hodevah, Immer, Israelites, Jaala, Jedaiah, Jeshua, Joab, Kadmiel, Keros, Koz, Lebana, Lebanah, Levites, Mehida, Meunim, Mispereth, Mordecai, Nahamani, Nebuchadnezzar, Nehemiah, Nehum, Nekoda, Nephishesim, Neziah, Padon, Pahathmoab, Parosh, Paseah, Pashur, Perida, Phaseah, Pochereth, Raamiah, Reaiah, Rezin, Shallum, Shalmai, Shephatiah, Shobai, Sia, Sisera, Solomon, Sophereth, Sotai, Tabbaoth, Talmon, Tamah, Thamah, Tobiah, Tobijah, Uzza, Zaccai, Zattu, Zerubbabel, Ziha
Places
Ai, Anathoth, Babylon, Beeroth, Beth-azmaveth, Bethel, Bethlehem, Cherub, Geba, Gibeon, Hadid, Immer, Jericho, Jerusalem, Kiriath-jearim, Lod, Michmas, Nebo, Netophah, Ono, Ramah, Tel-harsha, Tel-melah
Topics
Appointed, Building, Built, Complete, Doorkeepers, Door-keepers, Doors, Gatekeepers, Levites, Music-makers, Pass, Places, Porters, Rebuilt, Singers, Wall
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 7:1-3

     5324   gatekeepers

Library
"Take My Yoke Upon You, and Learn of Me," &C.
Matt. xi. 20.--"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me," &c. Self love is generally esteemed infamous and contemptible among men. It is of a bad report every where, and indeed as it is taken commonly, there is good reason for it, that it should be hissed out of all societies, if reproaching and speaking evil of it would do it. But to speak the truth, the name is not so fit to express the thing, for that which men call self love, may rather be called self hatred. Nothing is more pernicious to a man's
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Strait Gate;
OR, GREAT DIFFICULTY OF GOING TO HEAVEN: PLAINLY PROVING, BY THE SCRIPTURES, THAT NOT ONLY THE RUDE AND PROFANE, BUT MANY GREAT PROFESSORS, WILL COME SHORT OF THAT KINGDOM. "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."--Matthew 7:13, 14 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. If any uninspired writer has been
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

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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