Nehemiah 3:16 Study Bible: After him, Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth Zur, made repairs to the place opposite the tombs of David, and to the pool that was made, and to the house of the mighty men.

◄ Nehemiah 3:16 ►

Beyond him, Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of a half-district of Beth-zur, made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool and the House of the Mighty.

Study Bible

Beyond him
This phrase indicates the continuation of the work on the wall, emphasizing the collaborative effort among the Israelites. The rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall was a communal task, reflecting the unity and shared purpose among the people of God. This cooperation is a recurring theme in Nehemiah, highlighting the importance of working together for a common goal.

Nehemiah son of Azbuk
This Nehemiah is distinct from Nehemiah the governor. The mention of his father, Azbuk, helps to identify him within the community. Genealogies and family names were significant in Jewish culture, often indicating one's heritage and social standing.

Ruler of a half-district of Beth-zur
Beth-zur was a strategic town located south of Jerusalem, known for its fortifications. Being a ruler of a half-district suggests a position of authority and responsibility. This indicates that leaders from surrounding areas were also involved in the reconstruction, showing the widespread commitment to Jerusalem's restoration.

Made repairs
The act of making repairs signifies restoration and renewal. In the context of Nehemiah, it symbolizes the spiritual and physical rebuilding of the nation of Israel. The work on the wall was not just about physical security but also about re-establishing the identity and faith of the Jewish people.

Up to a point opposite the tombs of David
The tombs of David were a significant landmark in Jerusalem, representing the legacy of King David and the Davidic covenant. This reference connects the rebuilding efforts to the promises made to David, underscoring the hope for a future restoration of the Davidic kingdom.

As far as the artificial pool
The artificial pool likely refers to a man-made reservoir or water system, essential for the city's water supply. Water was a critical resource in ancient cities, and maintaining these systems was vital for survival. This highlights the practical aspects of the reconstruction efforts.

And the House of the Mighty
The House of the Mighty could refer to a barracks or a place associated with David's mighty men, his elite warriors. This connection to David's warriors evokes themes of strength, protection, and divine support, reminding the people of God's past deliverance and the hope for future security.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nehemiah son of Azbuk
A leader responsible for rebuilding efforts, specifically mentioned as the ruler of a half-district of Beth-zur.

2. Beth-zur
A town in the territory of Judah, significant for its strategic location and historical importance.

3. Tombs of David
A reference to the burial place of King David, symbolizing the heritage and legacy of Israel.

4. Artificial Pool
Likely a man-made reservoir or water source, essential for the city's sustenance and defense.

5. House of the Mighty
Possibly a barracks or a place associated with David's mighty men, indicating a place of strength and valor.

Teaching Points

Leadership and Responsibility
Nehemiah son of Azbuk exemplifies leadership by taking responsibility for a specific section of the wall. Leaders today are called to take ownership of their roles and contribute to the community's well-being.

Heritage and Legacy
The mention of the tombs of David reminds us of the importance of honoring our spiritual heritage and the legacy of faith passed down through generations.

Strategic Planning
The reference to the artificial pool underscores the need for careful planning and resource management in our personal and communal lives.

Unity in Purpose
The collective effort in rebuilding the wall demonstrates the power of unity and collaboration in achieving a common goal.

Strength and Valor
The House of the Mighty symbolizes strength and valor, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith and be courageous in their spiritual battles.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Nehemiah son of Azbuk's role in rebuilding the wall inspire you to take responsibility in your community or church?

2. In what ways can we honor our spiritual heritage and ensure that the legacy of faith is passed on to future generations?

3. What strategic plans can you implement in your life to better manage your resources and fulfill your God-given responsibilities?

4. How can the unity displayed in the rebuilding efforts of Nehemiah 3 encourage us to work together in our churches and communities today?

5. Reflect on a time when you needed strength and valor in your spiritual journey. How can the example of the "House of the Mighty" inspire you to remain steadfast in your faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 11:10-47
This passage lists David's mighty men, connecting to the "House of the Mighty" mentioned in Nehemiah 3:16, emphasizing the legacy of strength and leadership.

2 Samuel 5:7-9
Describes David's conquest of Jerusalem and his establishment of the city, linking to the significance of the tombs of David as a symbol of Israel's royal heritage.

Isaiah 22:9-11
Discusses the preparation of water supplies in Jerusalem, which connects to the mention of the artificial pool, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and resource management.

Sermons

A Godly Ancestry	T. C. Finlayson.	Nehemiah 3:1-32
A Suggestive Church Record	Homiletic Commentary	Nehemiah 3:1-32
Associated Labour	Scientific Illustrations	Nehemiah 3:1-32
At Work	T. Rowson.	Nehemiah 3:1-32
Church Work	R.A. Redford	Nehemiah 3:1-32
Honourable Mention	T. C. Finlayson.	Nehemiah 3:1-32
Individual Labours	A. G. Griffith.	Nehemiah 3:1-32
Life's Masonry	Homiletic Commentary	Nehemiah 3:1-32
Merchant Workers	J. M. Randall.	Nehemiah 3:1-32
Ministers Should be Leaders	J. M. Randall.	Nehemiah 3:1-32
System and Detail in Work	Homiletic Commentary	Nehemiah 3:1-32
The Builders At Work	W. P. Lockhart.	Nehemiah 3:1-32
The Building of the Wall	W. P. Lockhart.	Nehemiah 3:1-32
The Repairer of the Breach	W. 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

Artificial, Azbuk, Beth, Bethzur, Beth-zur, Chief, David, David's, District, Division, Family, Graves, Half, Half-district, Heroes, Mighty, Nehemiah, Nehemi'ah, Official, Ones, Opposite, Over-against, Point, Pool, Repaired, Repairs, Resting-places, Ruler, Sepulchers, Sepulchres, Strengthened, Tombs, War, Working, Zur

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Nehemiah 3:16

9050 tombs

Nehemiah 3:16-17

8288 joy, of Israel

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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