Reflections on Nehemiah 3

This last Sunday Joachim preached an excellent sermon on Nehemiah 3 about working together. One of the many points that he gave us was that this chapter is effectively a list of the names of people who were courageous and committed to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Joachim pointed out that the priests set the example by being first and went to work rebuilding the Sheep Gate.  It is so important that leaders lead not only by what they say, but also what they do. Brown in his commentary says about spiritual leaders that “Life’s daily example is their most eloquent sermon”[1].  Their priority was to rebuild the Sheep Gate which would have taken its name from the sheep that would have been taken through it for sacrifice, and once rebuild would provide easy access to the temple.

This chapter is remarkable for the unity of those building.  The phrase “next to him” or a similar phrase is used 25 times in these verses and illustrates the wonderful harmony of the workers on the project. We must remember that we are not called to serve as individuals, but as part of the church, of Christ, alongside our brothers and sisters. In the New Testament Paul writes to the Corinthians and say talks about the body as a unit, although it is made up of many parts[2]. Here we see that even as each individual or family had responsibility for a particular task, they were all involved in the same rebuilding project and worked in unity together. As well as this picture of unity there is a real diversity of the people involved in the repairs. There are priests, rulers, goldsmiths, perfume makers, men and women. A broad spectrum of the community taking part in this common project[3]

As Nehemiah organised the work, some were allocated the section outside their house. For example in verse 10 we read that Jedaiah son of Harumph made repairs opposite his house. We were reminded that for some, the building begins at home. For all families there is a responsibility to your children to build them up in the Lord, but we also have a responsibility to see that our house is in order and that we are in good relationship with those that are close to us. There is also the reality that the mission field is right outside our own front door, our street, our community, our workplace,  as well as to nations all over the world.

This account is also very real, in that there were some who refused to do the work. Verse 5 tells us that the nobles of Tekoa would not work under the supervisors. This suggests pride was the reason for their refusal to get involved, and we must guard against this enemy in our lives. Jesus was a servant leader, we must follow His example[4].

There is also demonstration forgiveness and restoration. Take Malkijah son of Harim, mentioned in verse 11. He was also mentioned in Ezra as one convicted of wrongdoing because he had married a foreign wife[5], and yet we see him here gladly involved and accepted as part of the workforce serving alongside God’s people. We might do well to follow in their example and accept those who come to us from different moral backgrounds and encourage them to fully engage in the work of the Lord. After all, we are all sinners saved by grace!

Finally, let us remember that God knows our name! He knows us individually and our name is written in the Lambs book of life[6]. However, He has placed us in a body of believers and we are called to live and serve in unity together, knowing that one day, the things that we have been given responsibility to build will be tested by fire[7]. Are working together in harmony for the sake of the Kingdom? Are we building things that will last for all eternity?