Nehemiah 3:7
Next to them, repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, who were under the authority of the governor of the region west of the Euphrates.
Next to them, repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite
Melatiah is identified as a Gibeonite, which connects him to the ancient Canaanite city of Gibeon. The Gibeonites were known for their treaty with Israel during Joshua's conquest (Joshua 9). Despite their initial deception, they became servants in the temple, showing God's grace and the integration of Gentiles into His plans. Melatiah's involvement in the wall repairs highlights the unity and cooperation among diverse groups in rebuilding Jerusalem.

Jadon the Meronothite
Jadon is noted as a Meronothite, indicating his origin from Meronoth, a location not explicitly identified in the Bible but possibly near Gibeon. His mention signifies the participation of individuals from various backgrounds in the communal effort. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God using people from different tribes and regions to accomplish His purposes, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's work.

and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah
Gibeon and Mizpah were significant locations in Israel's history. Gibeon was a Levitical city and a place where God appeared to Solomon (1 Kings 3:4-5). Mizpah was a site of assembly and judgment (Judges 20:1). The involvement of these men underscores the historical and spiritual significance of these locations, as well as the collective effort in the restoration of Jerusalem, symbolizing a return to covenant faithfulness.

who were under the authority of the governor of the region west of the Euphrates
This phrase indicates the political structure during Nehemiah's time. The governor of the region west of the Euphrates, also known as Trans-Euphrates, was a Persian-appointed official overseeing the area. This reflects the historical context of Persian rule over Judah after the Babylonian exile. The cooperation with Persian authorities shows the providence of God in using foreign powers to facilitate the restoration of His people, aligning with prophecies of restoration found in Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Melatiah the Gibeonite
A leader from Gibeon, a city with a history of making a covenant with Israel during Joshua's time. His involvement signifies the unity of Israel in rebuilding efforts.

2. Jadon the Meronothite
Likely a leader from Meronoth, a place not widely known, indicating that people from various backgrounds contributed to the work.

3. Gibeon
A significant city in the history of Israel, known for its strategic alliance with Israel in the book of Joshua.

4. Mizpah
A city often mentioned in the Old Testament as a place of gathering and covenant renewal.

5. Governor of Trans-Euphrates
The Persian-appointed official overseeing the region, indicating the political context and the cooperation between the Jewish people and Persian authorities.
Teaching Points
Unity in Diversity
The involvement of various groups and individuals in the rebuilding project demonstrates the power of unity in achieving God's purposes. We are called to work together, despite our differences, for the common good of God's kingdom.

Historical Continuity
The participation of the Gibeonites and others shows the continuity of God's plan through history. We are part of a larger account that God is writing, and our contributions matter.

Cooperation with Authorities
The mention of the governor of Trans-Euphrates highlights the importance of working within the structures of authority. Christians are called to respect and cooperate with governing authorities while fulfilling God's mission.

Commitment to God's Work
The dedication of these individuals to the rebuilding project serves as a model for our commitment to God's work today. We should be willing to invest our time and resources in building up the church and community.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the involvement of Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite illustrate the theme of unity in diversity within the body of Christ?

2. In what ways can the historical significance of places like Gibeon and Mizpah inspire us to appreciate our spiritual heritage and its impact on our faith journey?

3. How can we apply the principle of cooperation with authorities, as seen in Nehemiah 3:7, in our current context as Christians?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate commitment to God's work in our local church or community, similar to the dedication shown by the builders in Nehemiah's time?

5. Reflecting on the broader account of Nehemiah, how can we overcome opposition and challenges in our spiritual and communal endeavors today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 9
The Gibeonites' covenant with Israel, showing their long-standing relationship and involvement with the Israelites.

1 Samuel 7
Mizpah as a place of gathering and renewal, highlighting its historical significance.

Ezra 4
The opposition faced by the Jews during the rebuilding, providing context to the challenges Nehemiah and his team faced.
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
Across, Appertained, Authority, Beyond, Gibeon, Gibeonite, Gib'eonite, Governor, Jadon, Jurisdiction, Melatiah, Melati'ah, Meronoth, Meronothite, Mero'nothite, Mizpah, Official, Places, Province, Repaired, Repairs, River, Ruler, Seat, Strengthened, Throne, Trans-euphrates, Working
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 3:7

     5216   authority, nature of
     5327   governors

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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