Nehemiah 3:27
And next to them, the Tekoites repaired another section, from a point opposite the great tower that juts out to the wall of Ophel.
And next to them, the Tekoites repaired another section
The Tekoites were inhabitants of Tekoa, a town located about 10 miles south of Jerusalem. Tekoa is mentioned in other parts of the Bible, such as in the story of the prophet Amos, who was from Tekoa (Amos 1:1). The Tekoites' involvement in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall demonstrates their commitment to the restoration of the city, despite the fact that some of their nobles did not support the work (Nehemiah 3:5). This highlights a recurring biblical theme of the faithful remnant who contribute to God's work, regardless of opposition or lack of support from others.

from a point opposite the great tower that juts out
The "great tower" likely refers to a significant defensive structure within the city walls of Jerusalem. Towers were crucial in ancient city defenses, providing a vantage point for watchmen and archers. The mention of this tower underscores the strategic importance of the section of the wall being repaired. In biblical symbolism, towers can represent strength and protection, as seen in Proverbs 18:10, where the name of the Lord is described as a strong tower.

to the wall of Ophel
Ophel refers to a specific area in Jerusalem, located on the southeastern slope of the Temple Mount. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remnants of fortifications and structures in this area, confirming its historical significance. The wall of Ophel was part of the city's defenses and its restoration was crucial for the security of Jerusalem. The rebuilding of the wall can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to restore Jerusalem, as prophesied in Isaiah 58:12, where the ruins of the city are to be rebuilt. The work on the wall of Ophel also prefigures the spiritual restoration and protection found in Christ, who is described as the cornerstone in Ephesians 2:20.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Tekoites
The people from Tekoa, a town in Judah. They were known for their industriousness and willingness to work, as seen in their participation in rebuilding the wall.

2. Great Projecting Tower
A significant structure in the wall of Jerusalem, possibly serving as a defensive fortification or lookout point.

3. Wall of Ophel
Ophel refers to a fortified hill or elevated area in Jerusalem, often associated with the City of David. It was a critical part of the city's defenses.

4. Rebuilding the Wall
This event is part of the larger account of Nehemiah leading the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed.

5. Nehemiah
The governor of Judah and the leader of the rebuilding project, known for his leadership and dedication to God's work.
Teaching Points
Diligence in God's Work
The Tekoites exemplify diligence and commitment. Despite not being from Jerusalem, they took on additional work. This teaches us the importance of going above and beyond in our service to God.

Unity in Purpose
The rebuilding of the wall required cooperation among diverse groups. This unity in purpose is a powerful example for the church today, reminding us that we can achieve great things when we work together for God's kingdom.

Overcoming Opposition
The rebuilding project faced significant opposition, yet the people persevered. This encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and mission, even when faced with challenges.

Leadership and Vision
Nehemiah's leadership was crucial to the success of the project. His vision and ability to inspire others are reminders of the impact that godly leadership can have.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the Tekoites' willingness to repair an additional section of the wall, and how can we apply this to our own service in the church?

2. How does the unity displayed in Nehemiah 3 reflect the unity described in the New Testament church, and what steps can we take to foster such unity in our own congregations?

3. In what ways can we remain diligent and committed to God's work, even when we face opposition or discouragement?

4. How does Nehemiah's leadership style inspire us to lead in our own communities, and what qualities can we emulate from his example?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge in your spiritual journey. How did you overcome it, and what role did community and faith play in that process?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 4:6
This verse highlights the unity and determination of the people as they worked together to rebuild the wall, emphasizing the communal effort and shared purpose.

Ezra 4:12-13
Provides context for the opposition faced during the rebuilding efforts, showing the challenges that Nehemiah and the people had to overcome.

Proverbs 6:6-8
The industriousness of the Tekoites can be compared to the diligence of the ant, as described in Proverbs, emphasizing the value of hard work and initiative.
A Godly AncestryT. C. Finlayson.Nehemiah 3:1-32
A Suggestive Church RecordHomiletic CommentaryNehemiah 3:1-32
Associated LabourScientific IllustrationsNehemiah 3:1-32
At WorkT. Rowson.Nehemiah 3:1-32
Church WorkR.A. Redford Nehemiah 3:1-32
Honourable MentionT. C. Finlayson.Nehemiah 3:1-32
Individual LaboursA. G. Griffith.Nehemiah 3:1-32
Life's MasonryHomiletic CommentaryNehemiah 3:1-32
Merchant WorkersJ. M. Randall.Nehemiah 3:1-32
Ministers Should be LeadersJ. M. Randall.Nehemiah 3:1-32
System and Detail in WorkHomiletic CommentaryNehemiah 3:1-32
The Builders At WorkW. P. Lockhart.Nehemiah 3:1-32
The Building of the WallW. P. Lockhart.Nehemiah 3:1-32
The Repairer of the BreachW. Ritchie.Nehemiah 3:1-32
People
Ananiah, Azariah, Azbuk, Baana, Bani, Baruch, Bavai, Benjamin, Berechiah, Besodeiah, Binnui, Colhozeh, David, Eliashib, Ezer, Gibeon, Hakkoz, Hallohesh, Halohesh, Hananiah, Hanun, Harhaiah, Harim, Harumaph, Hashabiah, Hashabniah, Hashub, Hassenaah, Hasshub, Hattush, Henadad, Hur, Immer, Imri, Jadon, Jedaiah, Jehoiada, Jeshua, Joiada, Koz, Levites, Maaseiah, Malchiah, Malchijah, Melatiah, Meremoth, Meshezabeel, Meshullam, Nehemiah, Pahathmoab, Palal, Parosh, Paseah, Pedaiah, Rechab, Rehum, Rephaiah, Shallum, Shallun, Shecaniah, Shechaniah, Shelah, Shelemiah, Shemaiah, Tekoites, Uriah, Urijah, Uzai, Uzziel, Zabbai, Zaccai, Zaccur, Zadok, Zalaph, Zur
Places
Beth-haccherem, Beth-zur, Beyond the River, Broad Wall, Dung Gate, East Gate, Fish Gate, Fountain Gate, Gate of Yeshanah, Gibeon, Horse Gate, Jericho, Jerusalem, Keilah, Mizpah, Muster Gate, Ophel, Pool of Shelah, Sheep Gate, Tower of Hananel, Tower of the Hundred, Tower of the Ovens, Valley Gate, Water Gate, Zanoah
Topics
Front, Lies, Lieth, Making, Measure, Ophel, Opposite, Over-against, Piece, Portion, Projecting, Repaired, Section, Standeth, Stands, Strengthened, Tekoites, Teko'ites, Tower, Wall
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 3:25-27

     5585   towers

Library
'Over against his House'
'The priests repaired every one over against his house.'--NEH. iii. 28. The condition of our great cities has lately been forced upon public attention, and all kinds of men have been offering their panaceas. I am not about to enter upon that discussion, but I am glad to seize the opportunity of saying one or two things which I think very much need to be said to individual Christian people about their duty in the matter. 'Every man over against his house' is the principle I desire to commend to you
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Broad Wall
"The broad wall."--Nehemiah 3:8. IT SEEMS that around Jerusalem of old, in the time of her splendor, there was a broad wall, which was her defence and her glory. Jerusalem is a type of the Church of God. It is always well when we can see clearly, distinctly, and plainly, that around the Church to which we belong there runs a broad wall. This idea of a broad wall around the Church suggests three things: separation, security, and enjoyment. Let us examine each of these in its turn. I. First, the SEPARATION
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 57: 1911

Divers Matters.
I. Beth-cerem, Nehemiah 3:14. "The stones, as well of the altar, as of the ascent to the altar, were from the valley of Beth-cerem, which they digged out beneath the barren land. And thence they are wont to bring whole stones, upon which the working iron came not." The fathers of the traditions, treating concerning the blood of women's terms, reckon up five colours of it; among which that, "which is like the water of the earth, out of the valley of Beth-cerem."--Where the Gloss writes thus, "Beth-cerem
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Some Buildings in Acra. Bezeiha. Millo.
Mount Sion did not thrust itself so far eastward as mount Acra: and hence it is, that mount Moriah is said, by Josephus, to be "situate over-against Acra," rather than over-against the Upper City: for, describing Acra thus, which we produced before, "There is another hill, called Acra, which bears the Lower City upon it, steep on both sides": in the next words he subjoins this, "Over-against this was a third hill," speaking of Moriah. The same author thus describes the burning of the Lower City:
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose, was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which looks south-east. Within was the pool of Bethesda, famous for healings. Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond that, "the tower of Hananeel": in the Chaldee paraphrast it is, 'The tower Piccus,' Zechariah 14:10; Piccus, Jeremiah 31:38.--I should suspect that to be, the Hippic tower, were not that placed on the north
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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