Nehemiah 2:13 - I went out by night by the valley gate, even toward the jackal’s well, then to the dung gate, and inspected the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and its gates were consumed with fire.
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What does "Nehemiah 2:13" mean?
This verse from Nehemiah 2:13 describes Nehemiah's initial secret reconnaissance of Jerusalem after arriving from Persia. It's important for understanding the context of the entire book. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"I went out by night by the valley gate...": Nehemiah chose to go out at night to avoid being detected. The "valley gate" was likely a gate on the western side of Jerusalem, near the valley of Hinnom. This indicates he wanted to stay relatively hidden as he surveyed the area.
"...even toward the jackal’s well...": The "jackal's well" (or "dragon spring" in some translations) was a known landmark, probably a spring or water source outside the city that was frequented by jackals. Its presence suggests desolation, as jackals often inhabit abandoned or ruined places.
"...then to the dung gate...": The "dung gate" was likely a gate on the southern side of the city, used for the removal of waste. This suggests Nehemiah made a circuit around part of the city, observing its condition from different angles.
"...and inspected the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and its gates were consumed with fire.": This is the most crucial part. This details Nehemiah's purpose: to assess the damage to Jerusalem's walls and gates. He saw firsthand that the walls were "broken down" (ruined, dilapidated) and the gates were "consumed with fire" (destroyed by burning). This confirms the reports he had received earlier in Persia about the city's dire condition.
In summary, the verse describes:
Secrecy: Nehemiah conducted his inspection at night to avoid raising suspicion.
Thoroughness: He made a circuit around at least part of the city, visiting different gates.
Devastation: The walls were broken down, and the gates were burned, demonstrating Jerusalem's vulnerability and the dire need for rebuilding.
Significance in the Context of Nehemiah:
This verse is vital for several reasons:
It sets the stage for the entire book. It reveals the extent of the problem Nehemiah is about to address.
It shows Nehemiah's commitment and concern. He didn't just rely on reports; he took the initiative to see the damage for himself.
It motivates Nehemiah's later actions. The state of the city deeply moved him and fueled his determination to rebuild the walls.
It highlights the spiritual aspect. The broken walls symbolized not only physical vulnerability but also the spiritual brokenness of the people and their separation from God. Nehemiah’s work was not just about rebuilding a city, but about restoring a nation and its relationship with God.
Nehemiah 2:13 - I went out by night by the valley gate, even toward the jackal’s well, then to the dung gate, and inspected the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and its gates were consumed with fire.
What does "Nehemiah 2:13" mean?
This verse from Nehemiah 2:13 describes Nehemiah's initial secret reconnaissance of Jerusalem after arriving from Persia. It's important for understanding the context of the entire book. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"I went out by night by the valley gate...": Nehemiah chose to go out at night to avoid being detected. The "valley gate" was likely a gate on the western side of Jerusalem, near the valley of Hinnom. This indicates he wanted to stay relatively hidden as he surveyed the area.
"...even toward the jackal’s well...": The "jackal's well" (or "dragon spring" in some translations) was a known landmark, probably a spring or water source outside the city that was frequented by jackals. Its presence suggests desolation, as jackals often inhabit abandoned or ruined places.
"...then to the dung gate...": The "dung gate" was likely a gate on the southern side of the city, used for the removal of waste. This suggests Nehemiah made a circuit around part of the city, observing its condition from different angles.
"...and inspected the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and its gates were consumed with fire.": This is the most crucial part. This details Nehemiah's purpose: to assess the damage to Jerusalem's walls and gates. He saw firsthand that the walls were "broken down" (ruined, dilapidated) and the gates were "consumed with fire" (destroyed by burning). This confirms the reports he had received earlier in Persia about the city's dire condition.
In summary, the verse describes:
Secrecy: Nehemiah conducted his inspection at night to avoid raising suspicion.
Thoroughness: He made a circuit around at least part of the city, visiting different gates.
Devastation: The walls were broken down, and the gates were burned, demonstrating Jerusalem's vulnerability and the dire need for rebuilding.
Significance in the Context of Nehemiah:
This verse is vital for several reasons:
It sets the stage for the entire book. It reveals the extent of the problem Nehemiah is about to address.
It shows Nehemiah's commitment and concern. He didn't just rely on reports; he took the initiative to see the damage for himself.
It motivates Nehemiah's later actions. The state of the city deeply moved him and fueled his determination to rebuild the walls.
It highlights the spiritual aspect. The broken walls symbolized not only physical vulnerability but also the spiritual brokenness of the people and their separation from God. Nehemiah’s work was not just about rebuilding a city, but about restoring a nation and its relationship with God.