Nehemiah 12 39

Nehemiah 12:39 kjv

And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.

Nehemiah 12:39 nkjv

and above the Gate of Ephraim, above the Old Gate, above the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate; and they stopped by the Gate of the Prison.

Nehemiah 12:39 niv

over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. At the Gate of the Guard they stopped.

Nehemiah 12:39 esv

and above the Gate of Ephraim, and by the Gate of Yeshanah, and by the Fish Gate and the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, to the Sheep Gate; and they came to a halt at the Gate of the Guard.

Nehemiah 12:39 nlt

then past the Ephraim Gate to the Old City Gate, past the Fish Gate and the Tower of Hananel, and on to the Tower of the Hundred. Then we continued on to the Sheep Gate and stopped at the Guard Gate.

Nehemiah 12 verses

Nehemiah 12 39 Meaning

Nehemiah 12:39 details a specific section of the two processional circuits performed during the dedication of Jerusalem's rebuilt walls. This verse describes one choir's path along the northern and north-eastern wall, moving from "above the Gate of Ephraim," continuing past the "Old Gate," the "Fish Gate," "the tower of Hananel," and "the tower of the Hundred," before arriving at the "Sheep Gate," and finally stopping at the "Guard Gate." It highlights the ceremonial completion of the physical restoration of the city's defenses, celebrating God's faithfulness and the community's re-establishment through an act of public worship and thanksgiving.

Nehemiah 12 39 Context

Nehemiah chapter 12 describes the momentous dedication ceremony of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. This event occurred after the arduous task of reconstruction was completed by the returned exiles under Nehemiah's leadership (Neh 6:15). The dedication marked not just a physical triumph of rebuilding the city's defenses but a spiritual re-commitment to God and His covenant.

The chapter opens with a list of priests and Levites who had returned (Neh 12:1-26), emphasizing the re-establishment of organized worship and Temple service. Nehemiah then organized the people into two large companies or choirs, with their respective leaders, priests, and Levites, to march upon the newly completed wall. One company went clockwise, and the other counter-clockwise, from the Valley Gate (Neh 12:31).

Nehemiah 12:39 specifically describes the continuation of the procession for one of these choirs, following Nehemiah himself (Neh 12:38 identifies it as "the second company," which had a segment of the people following Ezra, who was positioned at the Fountain Gate, with Nehemiah behind the first company). This verse details the northern and north-eastern portion of the wall they traversed, connecting the vital gates and defensive structures until they reached the Sheep Gate and ultimately paused at the Guard Gate. The twin processions, meeting at the Temple, symbolized a comprehensive and unified dedication of the entire city back to God. This grand ceremony was a public display of faith, gratitude, and communal solidarity following a period of great labor and spiritual renewal.

Nehemiah 12 39 Word analysis

• and from above (וּמֵעַל u-mei'al): This pre-positional phrase signifies "from above" or "on top of," indicating that the procession was taking place on the broad top of the wall itself, walking over or next to these prominent gates rather than passing through them. This reinforces the idea of dedicating the entire restored structure of the wall.
• the Gate of Ephraim (שַׁעַר אֶפְרַיִם Sha'ar 'Efrayim): Located on the northern wall of Jerusalem, it points towards the tribal territory of Ephraim. Its inclusion emphasizes the historical connection to the larger Israelite tribes, even though the returnees were primarily from Judah and Benjamin. Its mention signifies a return to ancestral lands and claims.
• and above the Old Gate (וּמֵעַל שַׁעַר הַיְשָׁנָה u-mei'al Sha'ar HaYeshanah): Also known as the Jeshanah Gate, probably in the northwest part of the wall. "Old Gate" may refer to its antiquity, or to an earlier section of the city. Its repair is noted in Neh 3:6. Its position in the circuit reinforces the comprehensive dedication of the entire perimeter.
• and above the Fish Gate (וּמֵעַל שַׁעַר הַדָּגִים u-mei'al Sha'ar HaDaggim): Situated on the northern wall, near a market area where fish were sold, possibly imported from the Phoenician coast or Galilee (see Neh 13:16). Mentioned in Neh 3:3. Its position on the route marks an important commercial and access point to the city.
• and the tower of Hananel (וּמִגְדַּל חֲנַנְאֵל u-migdal Chanan'el): A formidable defensive tower on the northeastern part of Jerusalem's wall. Its strategic importance is attested in prophetic texts (Jer 31:38, Zec 14:10) as a prominent landmark and a symbol of Jerusalem's enduring presence and security. Its inclusion signifies the consecration of the city's strong defensive points. The name "Hananel" means "God has shown grace" or "God is gracious," possibly reflecting the community's experience.
• and the tower of the Hundred (וּמִגְדַּל הַמֵּאָה u-migdal HaMe'ah): Another tower, likely located near the Tower of Hananel, completing the northern defense line. Its name could refer to its height, the number of guards stationed there, or simply its identification mark. Together with Hananel, it speaks to the strength and fortified nature of the newly built walls.
• even to the Sheep Gate (עַד שַׁעַר הַצֹּאן 'ad Sha'ar HaTzon): This gate was on the northeastern side of Jerusalem, closest to the Temple area. It was typically where sheep intended for sacrifice were brought into the city. Its importance for Temple services meant its rebuilding (Neh 3:1) was critical, and its position as a major point on the circuit signifies the dedication's link to sacrificial worship and the holiness of the Temple.
• and they stood still (וְעָמְדוּ ve'amdu): This verb denotes a halt or pause. It indicates a temporary stop in the procession, not the final destination. The choirs were strategically placed at certain points for their performances of praise.
• in the Guard Gate (בְּשַׁעַר הַמָּצוּעַ b'sha'ar HaMatzu'a): Also translated as the "Gate of the Prison" or "Inspection Gate" (Neh 3:31, Jer 32:2, 33:1). It was likely situated near the Temple courts, perhaps serving as an access or muster point for guards or Temple personnel. Their stop here implies readiness, order, and proximity to the holy precincts where the grand celebration of sacrifice and joy would occur (Neh 12:43).

Nehemiah 12 39 Bonus section

The geographical details in Nehemiah 12, especially verse 39, are crucial for understanding the exact layout and fortifications of Jerusalem in the post-exilic period. The precision of the description has allowed scholars to reconstruct the likely path of the wall, even providing clues about sections where archaeological evidence is less clear. This detailed mapping not only validates the historical accuracy of Nehemiah's account but also illustrates the deliberate and thorough nature of the dedication. The mention of various gates and towers implies a complete and orderly circuit, symbolizing that no part of the re-established city was left unconsecrated. This procession was a visible liturgy, physically embodying the community's dependence on God for their restoration and security, culminating in exuberant joy that "the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away" (Neh 12:43). It was a testament to perseverance, leadership, and divine enablement, establishing the returned community within secured boundaries.

Nehemiah 12 39 Commentary

Nehemiah 12:39 is a concise description of a segment of a deeply significant event: the dedication of Jerusalem's rebuilt walls. More than a mere logistical route, this path traced by the priests, Levites, and people reflects the comprehensive consecration of the city to God. The movement along "above" the gates and past prominent towers emphasized the integrity of the entire defensive structure, signaling security not only from external threats but also spiritual renewal within. The specific gates mentioned (Ephraim, Old, Fish, Sheep) highlight the city's vital access points, commerce, history, and sacred connections, particularly the Sheep Gate leading directly to the Temple area for sacrificial worship. The Towers of Hananel and the Hundred, often noted for their strength, underscore God's protection. Stopping at the Guard Gate, close to the Temple, symbolized vigilance and order as the people prepared for the culminating sacrifices and songs of great joy (Neh 12:43). This act of walking the wall was a powerful communal declaration of re-possession under God's blessing, a symbolic reclaiming of their heritage and purpose, transforming defensive fortifications into pathways of praise.