Charles Ellicott Commentary Nehemiah 3
Charles Ellicott Commentary
Nehemiah 3
Charles Ellicott Commentary
Nehemiah 3
"Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Hammeah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananel." — Nehemiah 3:1 (ASV)
Then Eliashib. —The account begins with due honour to the high priest and the priesthood.
The sheep gate was in the neighbourhood of the priests’ quarter. Through it the victims passed for sacrifice, first being washed in the neighbouring pool of Bethesda. This being built, they sanctified it, as an earnest of the subsequent consecration of the entire wall. Their work and the sanctification of it extended to two towns near each other at the north-east corner.
"And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri." — Nehemiah 3:2 (ASV)
Next to him. — At his hand, the customary phrase throughout the chapter, indicating the order of the building, which, however, involves some difficulty towards the end. The phrase, as first used, honors the high priest, who must be presumed to have presided only over the religious ceremonial.
The men of Jericho. —At the point, it should be noted, opposite their own city.
"And the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the bolts thereof, and the bars thereof." — Nehemiah 3:3 (ASV)
The fish gate. — Through which fish entered from the Jordan and Galilee.
The sons of Hassenaah. — Contrary to custom, their names are not mentioned.
The locks thereof, and the bars thereof. — The crossbars thereof, and the catches thereof, the latter holding the former at the two ends. Similarly in several other verses.
"And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana." — Nehemiah 3:4 (ASV)
Repaired. —Literally, strengthened; as before it was built.
"And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their lord." — Nehemiah 3:5 (ASV)
The Tekoites. —This verse is remarkable, as introducing men of Tekoah, not mentioned among Zerubbabel’s Returned, who furnish the solitary instance of internal opposition to the building; and as terming the common work “the work of the Lord.” The ordinary people of the place, however, did double duty. (See Nehemiah 3:27.)
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