Next to him, the Levites made repairs under Rehum son of Bani, and next to him, Hashabiah, ruler of a half-district of Keilah, made repairs for his district. Next to himThis phrase indicates the collaborative effort in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. The Hebrew word used here, "יַד" (yad), often translated as "hand" or "side," emphasizes proximity and partnership. It reflects the unity and shared purpose among the Israelites, a theme prevalent throughout Nehemiah. This cooperation is a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and collective action, especially in fulfilling God's purposes. the Levites
The Levites were members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and service in the temple. Their involvement in the construction work highlights the spiritual significance of the task. It underscores that rebuilding the wall was not just a physical endeavor but a spiritual one, aimed at restoring the community's identity and worship. The Levites' participation signifies the integration of faith and work, a principle that remains relevant for believers today. made repairs
The Hebrew verb "חָזַק" (chazaq) means to strengthen or repair. This action is not merely about physical restoration but also about spiritual renewal. The rebuilding of the walls symbolizes the restoration of God's people and their covenant relationship with Him. It serves as an encouragement to believers to engage in the work of restoration in their own lives and communities, trusting in God's strength to accomplish it. under Rehum son of Bani
Rehum, whose name means "compassionate," and Bani, meaning "built," suggest a legacy of care and construction. This lineage emphasizes the importance of heritage and the role of family in God's work. It also highlights the personal responsibility each individual has in contributing to the collective mission, reminding believers of the impact of their actions on future generations. Beside him
Similar to "next to him," this phrase reinforces the theme of unity and cooperation. The Hebrew "עַל" (al) can also mean "upon" or "over," suggesting oversight and support. It illustrates the interconnectedness of the community, where each person's work supports and complements the others. This serves as a model for the Church, where diverse gifts and roles contribute to the body of Christ. Hashabiah
His name means "Yahweh has considered" or "Yahweh has esteemed." This reflects the divine favor and attention upon those who are faithful to God's call. Hashabiah's involvement in the repairs signifies the importance of leadership that is recognized and blessed by God. It encourages believers to seek God's guidance and approval in their endeavors. ruler of half the district of Keilah
Keilah was a city in Judah, and being a ruler of half its district indicates a position of significant responsibility. This highlights the role of local leadership in the broader mission of rebuilding. It underscores the principle that effective leadership involves serving and working alongside others, not just overseeing from a distance. This is a call for leaders to be actively engaged in the work of God. made repairs for his district
This phrase emphasizes personal responsibility and stewardship. The Hebrew "חֶלְקָה" (cheleq) for "district" can also mean "portion" or "inheritance," suggesting that each leader was responsible for their own area. It serves as a reminder that God entrusts each believer with specific responsibilities and areas of influence, calling them to be faithful stewards of what has been given to them. Persons / Places / Events 1. Rehum son of BaniA Levite involved in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall. The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the work. 2. HashabiahA leader responsible for part of the reconstruction. His role as a ruler of half the district of Keilah highlights the cooperation between religious and civic leaders. 3. LevitesMembers of the tribe of Levi, traditionally responsible for temple duties. Their involvement in the wall's repair signifies the spiritual dedication to the task. 4. KeilahA district in Judah. The mention of its ruler participating in the repairs underscores the communal effort in rebuilding Jerusalem. 5. The Wall of JerusalemThe central focus of Nehemiah's mission, representing both physical protection and spiritual renewal for the people of Israel. Teaching Points Unity in PurposeThe rebuilding of the wall required cooperation among diverse groups. In the church, unity in purpose strengthens our mission and witness. Spiritual and Civic ResponsibilityThe involvement of both Levites and civic leaders like Hashabiah shows the importance of integrating faith with everyday responsibilities. Commitment to God's WorkThe dedication of the workers, including those with religious duties, emphasizes the importance of committing to God's work in all areas of life. Leadership and ServiceLeaders like Hashabiah demonstrate that true leadership involves active participation and service, not just oversight. Community InvolvementThe collective effort in rebuilding the wall serves as a model for community involvement in church and local projects. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the cooperation between the Levites and civic leaders in Nehemiah 3:17 inspire us to work together in our communities today? 2. In what ways can we integrate our faith with our civic responsibilities, as seen in the roles of Rehum and Hashabiah? 3. What lessons can we learn from the unity and dedication of the workers in Nehemiah 3 for our church or community projects? 4. How can leaders in the church and community demonstrate servant leadership, as exemplified by Hashabiah? 5. Reflect on a time when you participated in a community or church project. How did the experience of working together with others impact your faith and relationships? Connections to Other Scriptures Ezra 6:14This verse highlights the cooperation between religious leaders and civic authorities in rebuilding the temple, similar to the collaboration seen in Nehemiah 3:17. 1 Chronicles 23:4Describes the duties of the Levites, providing context for their involvement in the wall's repair as part of their service to God. Philippians 2:3-4Encourages believers to work together selflessly, reflecting the unity and cooperation seen among the workers in Nehemiah 3. 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 Bani, Beside, Carried, Chief, District, Division, Half, Hashabiah, Hashabi'ah, Keilah, Kei'lah, Levites, Official, Rehum, Repaired, Repairs, Ruler, Strengthened, WorkingDictionary of Bible Themes 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 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 3:17 NIVNehemiah 3:17 NLTNehemiah 3:17 ESVNehemiah 3:17 NASBNehemiah 3:17 KJV
Nehemiah 3:17 Commentaries
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