Nehemiah 3:22
And next to him, the priests from the surrounding area made repairs.
And next to him
This phrase indicates the collaborative effort in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. The Hebrew word used here, "וְעַל־יָדוֹ" (ve'al-yado), suggests a close proximity and partnership. It reflects the unity and shared purpose among the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of community in achieving God's work. This cooperation is a model for the Church today, where believers are called to work together in harmony for the Kingdom of God.

the priests
The involvement of priests in the construction work is significant. Priests were primarily responsible for spiritual duties, yet here they are engaged in physical labor. This demonstrates their commitment to the restoration of Jerusalem and the importance of the task at hand. It also symbolizes the integration of spiritual and practical service, reminding believers that serving God often requires stepping beyond traditional roles to meet the needs of the community.

from the surrounding area
This phrase highlights the broader involvement of those outside Jerusalem in the rebuilding efforts. The Hebrew term "הַכִּכָּר" (ha-kikkar) refers to the surrounding region or district. It underscores the collective responsibility of all Israelites, not just those residing in Jerusalem, to participate in the restoration. This can inspire modern Christians to recognize their role in supporting the global Church, not just their local congregation.

made repairs
The Hebrew word "חָזַק" (chazaq) means to strengthen or repair. This action is not merely about physical reconstruction but also symbolizes spiritual renewal and fortification. The priests' participation in repairs signifies a commitment to restoring not only the physical walls but also the spiritual integrity of the community. For contemporary believers, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for spiritual vigilance and renewal in their personal lives and communities.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Priests
The priests were the religious leaders of Israel, responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the temple. In this context, they are actively participating in the physical labor of rebuilding the wall, demonstrating their commitment to the community and God's work.

2. Surrounding Area
This refers to the regions around Jerusalem. The priests from these areas came to assist in the rebuilding efforts, showing a collective effort beyond just the local inhabitants of Jerusalem.

3. Repairs
The act of repairing the wall signifies restoration and protection for the city of Jerusalem. It is a physical manifestation of the spiritual renewal and commitment to God’s covenant.
Teaching Points
Unity in Purpose
The rebuilding of the wall required cooperation among various groups, including the priests. This unity in purpose is a powerful example for the church today, emphasizing the importance of working together for God's kingdom.

Servant Leadership
The priests, though leaders, did not shy away from manual labor. This teaches us about servant leadership, where leaders are called to serve alongside others, modeling humility and dedication.

Community Involvement
The involvement of priests from surrounding areas highlights the importance of community support and collaboration. It encourages believers to look beyond their immediate circles and engage with the broader body of Christ.

Spiritual and Physical Restoration
The act of repairing the wall is symbolic of spiritual renewal. It reminds us that our faith should manifest in tangible actions that contribute to the well-being and protection of our communities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the involvement of priests in the rebuilding of the wall challenge our understanding of leadership and service in the church today?

2. In what ways can we, as a community of believers, work together to achieve a common goal, similar to the collective effort seen in Nehemiah 3:22?

3. Reflect on a time when you participated in a community project. How did it impact your spiritual life and your relationship with others?

4. How can the concept of "spiritual and physical restoration" be applied in our personal lives and in our local church communities?

5. Considering the role of the priests from the surrounding area, how can we encourage and support other churches or Christian communities in their efforts to serve God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 3:2
This verse highlights the role of priests in rebuilding the altar, showing their dedication to restoring worship in Israel. It connects to Nehemiah 3:22 by emphasizing the priests' involvement in both spiritual and physical restoration.

1 Peter 2:5
This New Testament verse speaks of believers as a "holy priesthood," drawing a parallel to the priests in Nehemiah who are actively building and serving. It encourages believers today to engage in both spiritual and practical service.

Ephesians 4:12
This verse discusses equipping the saints for the work of ministry, which aligns with the collaborative effort seen in Nehemiah 3:22, where everyone, including priests, contributes to the work.
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
Carried, Circuit, Jordan, Lowland, Plain, Priests, Region, Repaired, Repairs, Strengthened, Surrounding, Valley, Working
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 3:20

     5840   eagerness
     8370   zeal

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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