Nehemiah 3:1-15
Contrary to normal order, the rebuilding of Jerusalem began with the altar, then the temple (Ezra 3) and it is only now that the wall of the city is rebuilt. The altar and the sanctuary speak to us of worship which is obviously the first responsibility of the people of God. But we are not merely Sunday Christians. The rest of the city, which represents daily life in our homes and day-to-day circumstances, must also be protected against its enemies and be clearly separated from the world around. Each person must be on his guard and in particular be responsible for building before his own house (vv. 10, 28, 30).
Through the momentum created by Nehemiah, the whole of Judah set to work. And this chapter takes us round the city to show us the different groups of workers in action. Each one undertook either a gate, a tower or a part of the wall according to his strength and above all, his devotion. But whereas some have sufficient zeal to repair a double amount vv. 11, 19, 24, 27, 30), others — including some of the leaders — refuse to bend their necks in their Lord’s service (cf. Matthew 20:27-28; 2 Corinthians 5:15). A sad testimony recorded in the book of God!