by it the sheep for sacrifices were brought in. At the time the work on the walls began, Eliashib, the grand son of Joshua, was high priest. He led the other priests in rebuilding the sheep gate. Neil, “The fish gate (w . 3-5) is mentioned in several other portions of Scripture. Apparently the fish market was located nearby and fish were brought in through this gate from the Mediterranean. Among those helping in the construction in this area of the wall were the Teko- ites —people of Tekoa. Their nobles, however, refused to assist in the work. So we now see that not all supported Nehemiah in his project, though the majority did. Even today we have spiritual descendants of these Tekoites in our churches! While they are willing to enjoy the benefits of the work of the church, they refuse to take any active part themselves.” Next was the old gate (w. 6-12). We are now uncertain as to the rea son for thus calling it. Verse 7 speaks of the building extending “unto the throne of the governor on this side of the river.” Evidently the governor of the entire area west of the Euphrates had in this' locality a judgment seat which he used while in Jerusalem, much as did Pilate at a considerably later time. The valley gate appears in verse 13. The people of Zanoah, a small town some ten miles to the west, re paired this gate and the wall for a distance of 1,500 feet to the dung gate (v. 14). The fountain gate came next (w. 15-25). The king’s pool, or reservoir, at this gate connected with the pool of Siloah (or Siloam). Beyond this were stairs which led to the palace of David, which was situated just behind the water gate (v. 26). The meaning of verse 26 is evidently that the Nethinims helped in the re pair of the area around the water gate. This section of Jerusalem was
First these opponents ridiculed the attempts of the Jews to rebuild their wall. Afterward they accused them of false motives — of plotting rebellion against the king and re building the fortifications of the city for this purpose. Nehemiah’s answer was brief but dignified. He identified the Israel ites as servants of “the God of heaven” and calmly assented that they were going to rebuild. It has been said that chapter 3 contains a greater amount of infor mation concerning the topography of ancient Jerusalem than do all other passages put together. Ten gates of the city are here mentioned, and the story of the wall-building centers around them. The first of these is “the sheep gate” (w. 1, 2). This was located on Jerusalem’s northeast -side, just north of the temple area. It is thought that it was so called because
Mr. J. R. Bramer (right). Biota controller, talks with Mrs. Loreze Richardson, as preparations are made for some of the busy activities of Biola's diversified ministries. Mrs. Richardson's husband, before his home going, was Director of Stewardship for Bioia. She has labored faithfully for more than 10 years at Bioia on the staff.
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