Nehemiah 3:1 – Being involved in building our spiritual family

Nehemiah 3 describes the rebuilding of the walls, the people involved in the building, and which section of the wall they were assigned to build. For so extensive a work,  coordination was certainly needed. A wise use of manpower dictates this so that the work could be evenly distributed and no part of it left unattended.  This chapter begins by talking about the building of the Sheep Gate by the priests. Verse 1 talks about how Eliashib the high priest and fellow priests were involved. They repaired the Sheep Gate, consecrated it, and hung up the gate.

The life of the Jewish community revolved around the worship of God. A key part of worship was the offering of their sacrifices to the LORD. This was where the priests were expected to play a pivotal role. They were leaders and ministers in worship and were obliged to provide examples by setting the pace.

The priests could have adopted the attitude that they were priests and not builders, so they just relied on others to repair the wall of Jerusalem. But the text showed that they did not sit idly by and wait for the repair work to be done by others. They got involved themselves. It was befitting that they were assigned to repair the Sheep Gate. For this was probably the gate where sheep for sacrifices were brought through into the temple.  Hence it was right that they were given the task to repair that gate and hang up its door. When it was done, they consecrated hung the door and then also consecrated the wall leading to the Tower of the hundred and the Tower of Hananel.

The work of God should involve everyone especially the priests who were called to minister to God through ministering to His people leaders. A priest would better understand the people when they are also involved in the work that they do. They would be able to better appreciate the hard work required by the people to put up the wall. Besides they also need to be able to identify with the people and show themselves to be part o the whole community. In participating in the work they were providing a model of cooperation for the people.  The proverb “many hands make light work” is true even in the building of the Christian community. Everyone pastors, elders, and members must all chip in their part according to the calling, the gifts, and the talents they are endowed with. Let us collaborate in the work of God for His glory!