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 its doors. They sanctified it even to the tower of Hammeah, to the tower of Hananel.

Generated Verse: Nehemiah 3:1

What does "Nehemiah 3:1" mean?


This verse from Nehemiah 3:1 is a snapshot of the massive rebuilding project of Jerusalem's walls after the Jews returned from exile in Babylon. Let's break it down:

"Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests...": This tells us that Eliashib, the highest religious authority in Jerusalem, took the initiative to participate in the rebuilding effort. The involvement of the high priest and other priests emphasizes the religious importance of rebuilding the walls, not just as a defensive measure but also as an act of restoring God's city. "His brothers the priests" emphasizes the unified effort within the priestly class.

"...and they built the sheep gate.": This identifies the specific section of the wall they were responsible for. The Sheep Gate was likely located near the temple area and was the gate through which sheep for sacrifices were brought into the city. This placement further highlights the connection between the rebuilding and religious worship.

"They sanctified it, and set up its doors.": After the Sheep Gate was built, they sanctified (or consecrated) it. This means they dedicated it to God's service, making it holy and set apart for its intended purpose. The act of setting up the doors signified the completion of that portion of the gate, making it functional and secure.

"They sanctified it even to the tower of Hammeah, to the tower of Hananel.": This specifies the extent of the area sanctified and likely the extent of the rebuilt wall they worked on. The area sanctified wasn't just the gate itself, but a stretch of the wall reaching to two specific towers: the Tower of Hammeah and the Tower of Hananel. This further highlights the scale and importance of their efforts. These towers were likely significant landmarks that delineated the boundaries of their work.

In summary, this verse shows the following:

Leadership and Unity: The high priest and his fellow priests led the way in rebuilding a specific section of the wall, demonstrating their commitment to the restoration of Jerusalem.
Religious Significance: The rebuilding was not just a practical task, but a religious endeavor. The act of sanctifying the gate emphasizes its importance in the worship and life of the Jewish people.
Specific Location: The Sheep Gate and the towers mentioned provide a specific geographic context, allowing us to understand the extent and location of the rebuilding efforts.
Completion: The act of setting up the doors signified the completion of that portion of the wall.

The verse is a small piece in the larger narrative of Nehemiah, which tells the story of the restoration of Jerusalem and the Jewish community after years of exile. It demonstrates the dedication, unity, and faith of the people who were rebuilding their lives and their city.