Nehemiah 3:15

The Fountain Gate was repaired by Shallun son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah. He rebuilt it, roofed it, and installed its doors, bolts, and bars. He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Shelah near the king's garden, as far as the stairs that descend from the City of David.

Study Bible

The Fountain Gate was repaired by Shallun son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah.
The Fountain Gate was a significant entry point in Jerusalem, likely named for its proximity to the Gihon Spring, a crucial water source for the city. Shallun, identified as the son of Col-hozeh, was a leader in Mizpah, a region north of Jerusalem. His involvement highlights the collaborative effort among various leaders and regions in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. Mizpah was historically significant as a gathering place for Israel (1 Samuel 7:5-6) and a center of governance during the time of the judges.

He rebuilt it, roofed it, and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.
The detailed description of the reconstruction work—rebuilding, roofing, and installing doors, bolts, and bars—emphasizes the thoroughness and security measures taken. This reflects the importance of protecting the city from potential threats. The use of bolts and bars indicates a focus on fortification, ensuring that the gate was not only functional but also secure against enemies, a common concern in ancient city defenses.

He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Shelah near the king’s garden,
The Pool of Shelah, also known as the Pool of Siloam, was an essential water reservoir in Jerusalem, fed by the Gihon Spring through Hezekiah's Tunnel. This pool played a significant role in the city's water supply and was later mentioned in the New Testament (John 9:7) as the site where Jesus healed a blind man. The king's garden, likely a royal park or orchard, indicates the area's importance and proximity to the royal residence, underscoring the strategic and aesthetic value of this section of the wall.

as far as the stairs that descend from the City of David.
The City of David refers to the oldest settled area of Jerusalem, located on the southeastern hill. The stairs mentioned here likely provided access from the City of David to the lower parts of Jerusalem, facilitating movement and trade. This connection to the City of David highlights the historical and spiritual significance of the area, as it was the original stronghold captured by King David (2 Samuel 5:7) and became the political and spiritual center of Israel. The restoration of this section of the wall would have been crucial for maintaining the integrity and heritage of the city.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shallun
The son of Col-Hozeh and ruler of the district of Mizpah. He played a significant role in the rebuilding efforts of Jerusalem's walls, specifically the Fountain Gate.

2. Col-Hozeh
The father of Shallun, mentioned here to identify Shallun's lineage and possibly his authority or influence.

3. Mizpah
A district in Judah, over which Shallun was a ruler. Mizpah is historically significant as a place of gathering and covenant renewal in Israel's history.

4. Fountain Gate
One of the gates of Jerusalem, significant for its proximity to water sources, which were vital for the city's sustenance and defense.

5. Pool of Shelah
Also known as the Pool of Siloam, an important water source in Jerusalem, located near the King’s Garden.

6. King’s Garden
A notable area in Jerusalem, likely a royal garden, indicating the importance of the location Shallun was working on.

7. City of David
The oldest settled area of Jerusalem, named after King David, who established it as the capital of Israel.

Teaching Points

Leadership and Responsibility
Shallun, as a ruler, took personal responsibility for the repair work. Leaders are called to be actively involved in the work they oversee, setting an example for others.

Community Involvement
The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was a communal effort. Each person had a role, demonstrating the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving a common goal.

Spiritual Renewal
Just as the physical walls were rebuilt, believers are called to examine and repair the spiritual "walls" of their lives, ensuring they are fortified against spiritual attacks.

Significance of Water
Water is a recurring symbol of life and purification in Scripture. The repair of the Fountain Gate and Pool of Shelah underscores the necessity of spiritual sustenance and cleansing.

Historical Continuity
The mention of the City of David and the King’s Garden connects the present work to the rich history of God's people, reminding us of the importance of heritage and legacy in our faith journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. What qualities of leadership can we learn from Shallun's involvement in the rebuilding of the Fountain Gate?

2. How does the communal effort in Nehemiah 3 reflect the New Testament teaching on the body of Christ working together?

3. In what ways can we identify and repair the "gates" and "walls" in our spiritual lives that may be broken or neglected?

4. How does the strategic importance of water in Jerusalem's history relate to the spiritual significance of water in the Bible?

5. What lessons can we draw from the historical continuity of Jerusalem's structures and apply them to maintaining our spiritual heritage today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 20:20
This verse mentions Hezekiah's construction of a pool and a tunnel to bring water into the city, which connects to the significance of the Pool of Shelah and the Fountain Gate in providing water to Jerusalem.

John 9:7
Jesus instructs a blind man to wash in the Pool of Siloam (Shelah), highlighting the pool's continued importance in New Testament times.

Isaiah 22:9-11
These verses describe the preparations made by Hezekiah to secure Jerusalem's water supply, emphasizing the strategic importance of water sources like the Pool of Shelah.