1 Nehemiah 3 “Those Who Step Up to Join the Great Work” Introduction Nehemiah 3 is all about work – how individuals pitched in and did the work together, coordinated and led by Nehemiah. This chapter shows the need for believers to work together to accomplish something. 1. It pleases God to see His people working together in one accord, with one heart, with one mind. God will put us into situations where we must work together, and learn how to lead, how to follow, how to work together with one heart and mind. 2. The wall was continuous. Any gap compromised the entire structure. Therefore, each space at the wall was important – even if someone did not think so. It is a beautiful example or picture for us in the New Testament. Eph 4:16 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying (i.e. building up) of itself in love. Map of the City during Nehemiah’s time https://www.conformingtojesus.com/images/webpages/jerusalem_in_nehemiah_time_m ap_1.jpg 3:1 The Jewish High Priest rose up along with all the Jewish Priests Neh 3:1 1 Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors. They built as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and consecrated it, then as far as the Tower of Hananel. A. Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests So powerful that the number one spiritual leader steps up and gives a great example. No doubt greatly encouraging to Nehemiah and all the people. “No- wait and see what others might do first” attitude, but very dominantly stepped up!!! Such an important first move to have happened. Quote: (Guzik) “If you are a leader, others are looking hard at you and they follow your example. If you are slow to work, they will be also; if you are full of discouragement and doubt, they will follow. There is a good reason why Eliashib was first mentioned, and why the rest of the chapter is filled with the names of more than 50 others that followed his example in the work”. 2 B. They Built…the 1st things mentioned to be built, “The sheep Gate” So cool that the first gate that is mentioned is the gate in which the sheep and other sacrifices were brought through, to head towards the temple area for inspection by the Priest. The first gate was used for the worship of God!!! It seems that they had a very large area to cover: built the Sheep Gate as far as the Tower of the Hundred as far as the Tower of Hananel C. They consecrated it: The idea behind consecration is to recognize something as special; as uniquely set apart for God’s glory and service. These city gates were made special to God. Nehemiah and Eliashib knew that God wanted everything set apart special to Him, including these city walls and gates. Because the first of the work was specially set apart to God, it was a way for them to say, “All of this work belongs to You, LORD. This is a special work done unto You.” Note: (Great secret to a joyful life) This is a great secret of joy and success in life: to do everything as unto the LORD. Col 3:17 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. D. the Gates were a top priority: The gates were the critical entry and exit points to the city, and the places most likely to see an enemy attack. Therefore, the work started at each gate and worked out from there. 3:2-4 the men of Jericho and many more Neh 3:2-4 2 Next to Eliashib the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. 3 Also the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors with its bolts and bars. 4 And next to them Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz, made repairs. Next to them Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs. Next to them Zadok the son of Baana made repairs. A. Next to Eliashib the men of Jericho built This group of guys traveled about 16 miles from their city. Jericho was a very vulnerable location being on the boarder of Israel next to all their enemies to the east. 3 Although they did not work on something as important as a gate, Every mans’ work was still important. Their section of the wall was essential to the protection and security of Jerusalem. B. Next to them: So awesome looking back in history and realize that you were a part of this monumental task. Something one man or even a small group of men could not do. But it took all 12 tribes to come together and join in this purpose. We read very simply (next to them…), but yet it is so powerful: next to them …Zaccur the son of Imri next to them ….Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz next to them ...Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel next to them …Zadok the son of Baana Example: (All tribes unified; in dealing with the sin of the tribe of Benjamin) Judges 20:1 1 So all the children of Israel came out, from Dan to Beersheba, as well as from the land of Gilead, and the congregation gathered together as one man before the LORD at Mizpah. Judges 20:8 8 So all the people arose as one man, saying, "None of us will go to his tent, nor will any turn back to his house; Judges 20:11 11 So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, united together as one man. David talked about it in Psalms 133: Psalms 133:1-3 1 A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing--Life forevermore. 4 Example: (The first worship in Jerusalem in over a century and the beginning of the building of the temple) Ezra 3:1 1 And when the seventh month had come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered together as one man to Jerusalem. Example: (Glorious- they equally come together to worship after the wall is complete, and then together as one they see a spiritual revival) Neh 8:1 1 Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded Israel. C. the Fish Gate…they laid its beams and hung its doors with its bolts and bars This gate got its name because of the nearby fish market. The Fish Gate was evidently a substantial gate and it was a large and extensive project to accomplish. D. Made repairs: (mentioned 35 times in Ch. 3) The word for repairs is the Hebrew word (chazaq), used 35 times in this chapter alone. It has the idea of strengthening, encouraging, of making something strong (Kidner). Note: (this is a picture of a spiritual principle in the New Testament) These are principles that have application far more than material gates and walls. The Bible says that we must be built up and repaired. We all come together and each person does their part: Eph 4:12 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying (i.e. building up) of the body of Christ, Eph 4:16 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying (i.e. building up) of itself in love. Quote: (Guzik) “God says the purpose of the church is for the equipping of the saints, and idea behind equipping is to prepare, strengthen, and make something able to be used. We come together as Christians to strengthen one another, to make us strong and able to live for Jesus and serve Him outside the gatherings of the church”. 5 3:5 but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord Neh 3:5 5 Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord. A. Tekoites These were the people from Tekoa, which was a city of the tribe of Judah (The linage of the Kings; i.e. King David). It is about 12 miles from Jerusalem and about 7 miles from Bethlehem. B. but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord These nobles from the city of Tekoa thought they were above the hard work, so they didn’t join in.