Introduction:
Meah is a term referenced in the context of ancient Jerusalem, specifically as a tower mentioned in the Old Testament. The name "Meah" is derived from the Hebrew word "מֵאָה" (me'ah), which means "hundred." This entry explores the historical and biblical significance of the Tower of Meah, its role in the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls, and its symbolic importance in the biblical narrative.

Biblical Reference:
The Tower of Meah is mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah, which details the efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah, a Jewish leader and cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, was instrumental in organizing the reconstruction efforts. The specific reference to the Tower of Meah is found in Nehemiah 3:1, which states: "Then Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests set to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and installed its doors, rebuilding as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel."

Historical Context:
The Tower of Meah was part of the fortifications of Jerusalem, a city of immense religious and strategic importance. During the time of Nehemiah, Jerusalem lay in ruins, its walls broken down and its gates burned with fire (Nehemiah 1:3). The rebuilding of the walls was not only a physical restoration but also a spiritual renewal for the Jewish people, symbolizing their return to covenant faithfulness and divine protection.

Significance in the Reconstruction:
The mention of the Tower of Meah in the context of the rebuilding project highlights its importance as a landmark in the city's defenses. The tower, along with the Sheep Gate and the Tower of Hananel, marked the northern section of the wall, a critical area for the protection of the city. The priests' involvement in the reconstruction of this section underscores the spiritual dimension of the work, as they consecrated the wall and its gates to God.

Symbolic Meaning:
In the biblical narrative, the Tower of Meah represents more than just a physical structure; it symbolizes the restoration of God's people and their commitment to His covenant. The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, including the Tower of Meah, was a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to restore and protect His people. It also served as a rallying point for the community, uniting them in a common purpose and reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people.

Conclusion:
The Tower of Meah, though briefly mentioned, plays a significant role in the account of Jerusalem's restoration. It stands as a testament to the perseverance and faith of the Jewish people under Nehemiah's leadership, as well as a symbol of God's enduring covenant with His people.Nehemiah 3:1
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even to the tower of Meah they sanctified it, to the tower of Hananeel.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 12:39
And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even to the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.
Nave's Topical Index

3968. Meah -- a tower on the N. wall of Jer.
... NASB Word Usage hundred (2). Meah. The same as me'ah; Meah, a tower in Jerusalem --
Meah. see HEBREW me'ah. 3967, 3968. Meah. 3969 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/3968.htm - 6k

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
... Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond ... be built to the
Lord, from the tower of Hananeel ... if so be they perished near Jerusalem, in the ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 26 the girdle of.htm

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