Nehemiah 3 19

Nehemiah 3:19 kjv

And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.

Nehemiah 3:19 nkjv

And next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, the leader of Mizpah, repaired another section in front of the Ascent to the Armory at the buttress.

Nehemiah 3:19 niv

Next to him, Ezer son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section, from a point facing the ascent to the armory as far as the angle of the wall.

Nehemiah 3:19 esv

Next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the buttress.

Nehemiah 3:19 nlt

Next to them, Ezer son of Jeshua, the leader of Mizpah, repaired another section of wall across from the ascent to the armory near the angle in the wall.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 19 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:19 describes the work of Ezer, son of Jeshua and ruler of Mizpah, in rebuilding a significant portion of Jerusalem's wall. His repair covered a strategic area from "in front of the ascent to the armory at the buttress" extending to "the Corner Gate," indicating a crucial and possibly large or challenging section. This verse highlights both his leadership and active participation in the physical labor, emphasizing the collaborative effort to restore the city's defenses.

Nehemiah 3 19 Context

Nehemiah chapter 3 provides a meticulously detailed record of the various groups, families, and individuals who participated in the arduous task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership. Each verse lists a specific section of the wall or a gate and identifies who was responsible for its repair. This chapter functions as a roll call of the faithful, highlighting their shared commitment and organized effort. It immediately follows Nehemiah's initial assessment of the broken walls (chapter 2) and precedes the intensified opposition from Jerusalem's enemies (chapter 4). Within this structure, verse 19 specifically positions Ezer and his team, illustrating how leaders from outside Jerusalem (like Mizpah) also contributed to the city's restoration. The emphasis is on unity, dedicated labor, and divine empowerment despite overwhelming challenges, all crucial for the physical and spiritual restoration of the returned exiles.

Nehemiah 3 19 Word analysis

• Next to him (אֶצְלוֹ, etslow): Signifies continuity in the building efforts. It places Ezer's work immediately adjacent to the previously mentioned section, illustrating the systematic and continuous nature of the repair project around the wall.

• Ezer (עֵזֶר, 'Ezer): Meaning "help" or "succor." His name prophetically mirrors his contribution to the reconstruction efforts—he provided vital "help" in rebuilding. This aligns with the biblical theme of God raising up helpers.

• son of Jeshua (בֶּן-יֵשׁוּעַ, ben-Yeshua): Provides specific lineage, distinguishing him from others and indicating his family's participation. The name Jeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ, Yeshua) means "Yahweh is salvation" or "Yahweh saves," perhaps alluding to the ultimate source of help in their monumental task.

• ruler of Mizpah (שַׂר הַמִּצְפָּה, sar ha-Mitzpah): Sar indicates a chief or official, implying a position of authority and responsibility. Mizpah (מִצְפָּה, Mitzpah), meaning "watchtower" or "outlook," was an important Benjaminite city, often a place of assembly and prophetic significance. That a ruler from outside Jerusalem came to aid in the wall's reconstruction highlights the unified national effort. It also signifies his dedication as he likely journeyed with his contingent to participate directly.

• repaired (הֶחֱזִיק, hechezîq): From the root חָזַק (chazaq), meaning "to be strong," "to strengthen," "to grasp," or "to repair." This word is used repeatedly in Nehemiah 3, underscoring the diligent and determined effort applied to making the wall structurally sound. It denotes a strong, dedicated, and persistent engagement with the task.

• another section (חֵלֶק שֵׁנִי, chelek sheni): Literally "second portion." This suggests that Ezer's crew worked on a distinct segment. Given its repetition later in the verse ("another section," חֵלֶק אַחֵר, chelek acher, "a different portion"), it could imply they were responsible for a particularly extensive or complex segment, requiring a "first" and "second" effort or encompassing multiple contiguous areas.

• in front of the ascent to the armory (נֶגֶד עֲלָא בֵּית הַנֶּשֶׁק, neged 'ala' beit ha-nesheq):

  • ascent (עֲלָא, 'ala'): An elevated path or ramp.
  • armory (בֵּית הַנֶּשֶׁק, beit ha-nesheq): Literally "house of the weapon." This denotes a military arsenal or storehouse for weapons. Rebuilding this section was crucial for the city's defense, symbolizing the importance of securing the spiritual "weapons" or defenses for God's people.

• at the buttress (הַמִּקְצֹעַ, ha-miqtsowa') / and another section to the Corner Gate (וְחֵלֶק אַחֵר עַד-שַׁעַר הַפִּנָּה, ve-chelek acher 'ad-Sha'ar ha-Pinnah):

  • buttress/Angle (הַמִּקְצֹעַ, ha-miqtsowa'): Refers to a prominent angle, corner, or projection of the wall, often indicating a fortified or strategic point where the wall changes direction. This section was critical for defense.
  • Corner Gate (שַׁעַר הַפִּנָּה, Sha'ar ha-Pinnah): Another significant landmark gate. Pinnah means "corner," reinforcing the theme of foundational or pivotal points. The Corner Gate likely represented a vulnerable or vital access point that needed thorough securing. The repair of this specific segment, ending at a critical gate, signifies a completed, well-defined task.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Ezer the son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired": This highlights humble leadership and sacrificial service. A ruler from another town leaves his own responsibilities, travels, and personally engages in the demanding manual labor of rebuilding. This sets an example of leadership that serves and unites the broader community for a shared, divine purpose.
  • "another section, in front of the ascent to the armory at the buttress, and another section to the Corner Gate": This detailed geographical description emphasizes the precise, organized nature of the work. The "armory," "buttress," and "Corner Gate" were vital strategic points for the city's defense. Securing these particular areas demonstrates military awareness and practical wisdom, underlining that the spiritual battle for God's people requires both prayer and diligent, strategic action. The repetition of "another section" could imply a very large or particularly challenging stretch of the wall that required a dual effort from Ezer's team, showing extraordinary commitment.

Nehemiah 3 19 Bonus section

• The detail given to each section and each worker in Nehemiah 3 indicates that God values individual contribution to collective, God-ordained endeavors. No effort, big or small, goes unnoticed in His plans.
• Mizpah's prominence as a gathering place and an administrative center in Israel's history (e.g., Judg 20:1; 1 Sam 7:5-6; Jer 40:6) makes the involvement of its ruler, Ezer, particularly significant. It links the dispersed post-exilic community in solidarity with Jerusalem's restoration.
• The "armory" and "buttress/Corner" locations highlight a defensive and strategic concern. Spiritually, this reminds believers of the need to strengthen their spiritual "armory" (Eph 6:10-18) and secure foundational truths (the "Cornerstone" Christ) against spiritual assaults. The physical wall represented both security and the boundaries of God's covenant people.

Nehemiah 3 19 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:19, within the architectural roster of the wall-builders, showcases Ezer, a regional ruler, as an exemplary participant in Jerusalem’s restoration. His personal involvement in physically repairing a significant, strategically vital segment—from the armory ascent to the Corner Gate—demonstrates leadership not just by command but by humble labor. This defies the expectation that one of his status might merely delegate, reinforcing the theme that all, regardless of social standing, are called to contribute actively to God's work.

The inclusion of Ezer from Mizpah further underscores the broader, unified effort of the Jewish people beyond Jerusalem. The meticulous recording of each section and every contributor, no matter how small or prominent, reveals God's meticulous care for every act of obedience and cooperation in His kingdom work. It reminds us that spiritual "rebuilding" in our lives and in the church is a collective enterprise requiring diligent, often unseen, effort at strategic points, ultimately empowered and owned by God.