Then Eliashib the high priest set to work with his fellow priests and built the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set up its doors, then dedicated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred and as far as the Tower of Hananel.
The people of Jericho built next to them, and Zaccur, Imri’s son, built next to them. The children of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and set up its doors, bolts, and bars. Next to them Meremoth, Uriah’s son and Hakkoz’s grandson, made repairs. Meshullam, Berechiah’s son and Meshezabel’s grandson, made repairs next to them, and Zadok, Baana’s son, made repairs next to them. Next to them the people from Tekoa made repairs, but their officials wouldn’t help with the work of their supervisors.
Joiada, Paseah’s son, and Meshullam, Besodeiah’s son, repaired the Mishneh Gate; they laid its beams and set up its doors, bolts, and bars. Next to them repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the people of Gibeon and of Mizpah, who were ruled by the governor of the province Beyond the River.
Uzziel, Harhaiah’s son, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs next to them; and Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs next to him. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. Next to them Rephaiah, Hur’s son, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs. Next to them Jedaiah, Harumaph’s son, made repairs opposite his house, and Hattush, Hashabneiah’s son, made repairs next to him.
Malchijah, Harim’s son, and Hasshub, Pahath-moab’s son, repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. Next to them Shallum, Hallohesh’s son, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs, along with his daughters.
Hanun and the people of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate; they built it and set up its doors, bolts, and bars. They also repaired fifteen hundred feet of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate.
Malchiah, Rechab’s son, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and set up its doors, bolts, and bars.
And Shallum, Col-hozeh’s son, ruler of the Mizpah district, repaired the Spring Gate. He rebuilt and covered it, and set up its doors, bolts, and bars. He also built the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the King’s Garden, as far as the stairs that go down from David’s City.
At first glance, Nehemiah 3 looks like a boring list of names. But, if we read between the lines, we realize how important these people were to Nehemiah for him to remember and record their names. Nehemiah knew his limitations and where he needed others’ help to make this vision a reality. Building the wall was a joint effort. Nehemiah recognized that the contributions made by others were as important as his contribution as a leader. This passage is a reminder that everyone has as a role and responsibility to do God’s work.
What role is God calling you to play in doing his work? Are you a leader who needs to let go, hand tasks to others, and recognize their contributions? Or are you a doer with a very specific skill/talent that you need to contribute? |
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