Nehemiah 3:23
Beyond them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs in front of their house, and next to them, Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house.
Beyond them
This phrase indicates a continuation of the work being done on the wall, suggesting a collective effort that extends beyond individual contributions. The Hebrew word used here, "אַחֲרֵיהֶם" (acharehem), implies a sequence or order, highlighting the organized and systematic approach to the reconstruction. It reflects the unity and shared purpose among the Israelites, as each group or family took responsibility for a specific section, ensuring the entire wall was rebuilt efficiently.

Benjamin and Hasshub
These names represent individuals from the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The mention of specific names underscores the personal commitment and involvement of the people in the restoration of Jerusalem. Benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand," signifies strength and favor, while Hasshub, meaning "considerate" or "thoughtful," may reflect the character or reputation of the individual. Their participation illustrates the diverse contributions from different families and tribes, each playing a vital role in the communal effort.

made repairs
The Hebrew verb "חָזַק" (chazaq) is used here, meaning to strengthen, repair, or fortify. This action is not merely physical but also symbolic of spiritual and communal renewal. The rebuilding of the wall represents the restoration of security, identity, and faith for the Israelites. It is a testament to their resilience and determination to restore what was broken, both in their city and in their covenant relationship with God.

opposite their house
This phrase indicates that the work was done in close proximity to their own homes, emphasizing personal responsibility and investment in the project. The Hebrew word "נֶגֶד" (neged) means "in front of" or "facing," suggesting that the repairs were made with a sense of ownership and pride. By working on the section of the wall nearest to their homes, the individuals were directly contributing to the safety and well-being of their families and community.

next to them Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah
The mention of Azariah and his lineage highlights the importance of family heritage and legacy in the work of rebuilding. Azariah, meaning "Yahweh has helped," reflects the divine assistance and favor that the Israelites experienced during this endeavor. Maaseiah, meaning "work of Yahweh," and Ananiah, meaning "Yahweh has answered," further emphasize the spiritual significance of their contributions. This lineage serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises through generations.

made repairs beside his house
Similar to the earlier phrase, this indicates a personal and familial commitment to the restoration work. The repetition of the action "made repairs" reinforces the theme of collective effort and dedication. The proximity to one's house suggests that the work was not only a communal obligation but also a personal duty, reflecting the interconnectedness of individual and community well-being. This phrase encapsulates the spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility that characterized the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Benjamin and Hasshub
These individuals were involved in the rebuilding of the wall, specifically making repairs in front of their own house. This indicates a personal investment in the work and a sense of responsibility for their immediate surroundings.

2. Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah
Another individual who took part in the repairs, working beside his house. His lineage is mentioned, which may indicate the importance of family heritage and legacy in the work of restoration.

3. The Wall of Jerusalem
The central focus of Nehemiah 3 is the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, a significant event that symbolizes the restoration and protection of the community.

4. The Community of Jerusalem
The collective effort of the people of Jerusalem in rebuilding the wall highlights the unity and cooperation among the Israelites during this period.

5. Nehemiah
Although not mentioned in this specific verse, Nehemiah is the leader and organizer of the rebuilding project, demonstrating strong leadership and faith in God.
Teaching Points
Personal Responsibility in God's Work
Just as Benjamin, Hasshub, and Azariah took responsibility for the section of the wall near their homes, we are called to take personal responsibility for the areas of ministry and service God has placed before us.

The Importance of Family Legacy
The mention of Azariah's lineage highlights the role of family in spiritual and communal life. We should consider how our actions today impact future generations.

Unity in Community Efforts
The collective effort in rebuilding the wall serves as a model for how the church should work together in unity to accomplish God's purposes.

Leadership and Organization
Nehemiah's leadership is a reminder of the importance of strong, godly leadership in guiding and organizing community efforts for God's glory.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the personal responsibility shown by Benjamin and Hasshub in Nehemiah 3:23 inspire you to take action in your own community or church?

2. In what ways can you contribute to building a spiritual legacy for your family, similar to Azariah's involvement in the wall's reconstruction?

3. How can the unity displayed by the Israelites in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem be applied to modern-day church or community projects?

4. What qualities of Nehemiah's leadership can you incorporate into your own life to better serve in your areas of influence?

5. How do the challenges faced by the Israelites during the rebuilding process, as seen in Ezra 4-6, encourage you to persevere in your own spiritual or community-building efforts?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 4-6
These chapters provide background on the opposition faced during the rebuilding efforts, showing the perseverance required to complete God's work.

1 Corinthians 3:9-15
This passage speaks about building on the foundation of Christ, which can be related to the physical rebuilding of the wall as a metaphor for spiritual building.

Proverbs 24:3-4
These verses emphasize the importance of wisdom and understanding in building a house, paralleling the careful planning and execution seen in Nehemiah's project.
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
Ananiah, Anani'ah, Azariah, Azari'ah, Benjamin, Beside, Carried, Front, Hashub, Hasshub, Maaseiah, Ma-asei'ah, Opposite, Over-against, Repaired, Repairs, Strengthened, Wall
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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