Nehemiah 3:10

next to him, Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs across from his house; and next to him, Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs.

Study Bible

next to him
The phrase "next to him" indicates the collaborative effort in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. This teamwork reflects the unity and shared purpose among the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of community in accomplishing God's work. The rebuilding project required coordination and cooperation, symbolizing the body of Christ working together with different gifts and roles (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs
Jedaiah, whose name means "God knows," is identified as the son of Harumaph. The mention of his lineage highlights the importance of family heritage and identity in Jewish culture. The act of making repairs signifies personal involvement and responsibility in restoring what was broken, a theme that resonates with the call for believers to participate in the restoration of God's kingdom on earth.

across from his house
The location "across from his house" suggests that Jedaiah was repairing the section of the wall nearest to his own dwelling. This personal investment in the work underscores the principle of stewardship and the idea that one's immediate environment is a primary area of responsibility. It also reflects the practical strategy of Nehemiah to engage people in rebuilding efforts that directly affected their own lives and security.

and next to him
This repetition of "next to him" reinforces the theme of unity and continuity in the rebuilding process. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the community, where each person's work supports and complements the efforts of others. This mirrors the biblical principle of believers being interconnected as members of one body, each contributing to the whole (Ephesians 4:16).

Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs
Hattush, meaning "assembled," is another individual contributing to the reconstruction. His lineage, being the son of Hashabneiah, is noted, which may indicate a family known for their faithfulness or skill. The act of making repairs by Hattush further exemplifies the collective commitment to restoring Jerusalem, a city central to Jewish identity and worship. This restoration can be seen as a type of Christ's work in restoring humanity to God, as He repairs the breach caused by sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jedaiah son of Harumaph
A worker involved in the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. His name means "Yahweh has known," indicating a personal relationship with God.

2. Hattush son of Hashabneiah
Another worker on the wall. Hattush is a name that appears elsewhere in the Bible, suggesting a lineage of faithful service.

3. Jerusalem
The city whose walls are being rebuilt. It is central to Jewish identity and worship, symbolizing God's presence and protection.

4. The Wall of Jerusalem
Represents the physical and spiritual restoration of the people of Israel. The rebuilding signifies a return to faithfulness and community.

5. Rebuilding Event
The collective effort of the Israelites to restore their city, demonstrating unity and dedication to God's purposes.

Teaching Points

Personal Responsibility in God's Work
Jedaiah and Hattush took responsibility for the section of the wall near their homes. This teaches us the importance of starting God's work within our immediate sphere of influence.

Community and Cooperation
The rebuilding of the wall was a communal effort. We are reminded of the power of working together in unity for a common purpose in the body of Christ.

Faithfulness in Small Tasks
The seemingly small task of repairing a section of the wall was crucial to the overall project. Our faithfulness in small tasks contributes to God's larger plan.

Legacy of Service
The mention of family names suggests a legacy of service. We are encouraged to consider how our actions today can impact future generations.

Spiritual Restoration
The physical rebuilding of the wall symbolizes spiritual renewal. We are called to examine areas in our lives that need restoration and to seek God's guidance in rebuilding them.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the example of Jedaiah and Hattush inspire you to take responsibility for God's work in your own life and community?

2. In what ways can you contribute to building up your local church or community, similar to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall?

3. Reflect on a time when you worked with others towards a common goal. How did that experience strengthen your faith and relationships?

4. What small tasks or responsibilities has God entrusted to you, and how can you approach them with faithfulness and diligence?

5. How can the concept of spiritual restoration in Nehemiah 3:10 be applied to areas of your life that need renewal or healing?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 4-6
Provides background on the opposition faced during the rebuilding efforts, highlighting the perseverance required to complete God's work.

1 Corinthians 3:9-15
Discusses the concept of building on a foundation, which can be related to the spiritual building of the community in Nehemiah.

Ephesians 2:19-22
Speaks of believers being built together into a dwelling place for God, paralleling the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.