Nehemiah 3 7

Nehemiah 3:7 kjv

And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.

Nehemiah 3:7 nkjv

And next to them Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, repaired the residence of the governor of the region beyond the River.

Nehemiah 3:7 niv

Next to them, repairs were made by men from Gibeon and Mizpah?Melatiah of Gibeon and Jadon of Meronoth?places under the authority of the governor of Trans-Euphrates.

Nehemiah 3:7 esv

And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River.

Nehemiah 3:7 nlt

Next to them were Melatiah from Gibeon, Jadon from Meronoth, people from Gibeon, and people from Mizpah, the headquarters of the governor of the province west of the Euphrates River.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 7 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:7 describes a specific section of the wall repair effort, indicating that Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, along with men from Gibeon and Mizpah, were responsible for mending the wall segment extending to the seat of the governor's authority in the province of Judah. This highlights the widespread, diverse, and organized participation of individuals and groups from various towns in the crucial task of rebuilding Jerusalem's protective walls.

Nehemiah 3 7 Context

Nehemiah 3 records the comprehensive and systematic process of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, a task that Nehemiah was specifically sent by the Persian king Artaxerxes to complete. The chapter lists various families, guilds, and individuals who participated in the immense undertaking, each assigned a specific section of the wall for repair. This verse, Nehemiah 3:7, is part of this detailed inventory, identifying a particular group—Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and men from Gibeon and Mizpah—and the section of the wall they repaired, specifically extending to the governor's residence. The chapter's immediate context highlights organized labor, shared responsibility, and widespread community involvement, essential for successfully facing the daunting task and external opposition. Historically, this effort took place during the post-exilic Persian period, demonstrating the perseverance of the returning Jewish community under God's guidance to reestablish their spiritual and physical identity in the Promised Land.

Nehemiah 3 7 Word analysis

• Next to them: This phrase signifies the continuous and communal nature of the rebuilding project. It emphasizes that the work was meticulously organized, with sections allocated contiguously, highlighting shared purpose and comprehensive coverage of the wall.
• repaired: The Hebrew word is ḥāzaq (חָזַק), which means "to strengthen," "to hold fast," "to be firm," or "to prevail." It suggests more than just putting stones in place; it implies fortifying, restoring integrity, and making strong. This denotes diligent and robust construction rather than superficial patching.
• Melatiah the Gibeonite: "Melatiah" (מְלַטְיָה) means "the LORD delivers" or "Yahweh rescues." The designation "Gibeonite" connects him to Gibeon, a historically significant city in Benjamin (Josh 9). The Gibeonites, through a deceptive treaty with Joshua, became "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the tabernacle/temple, fulfilling a role of service to Israel (Josh 9:27). Their participation here signifies broader unity among various segments of the Israelite people, including those with unique historical ties.
• Jadon the Meronothite: "Jadon" (יָדוֹן) likely means "He will judge" or "Judge." "Meronothite" suggests a place called Meronoth, perhaps within Judah or Benjamin, though its exact location is debated. His inclusion underscores that individuals from all accessible regions and communities contributed, demonstrating collective effort from a broad population base.
• the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah: This explicitly identifies that these two significant towns actively contributed their workforce to the wall project.
  • Gibeon (גִּבְעוֹן): A well-known city whose people played an unusual role in Israel's history (Josh 9; 2 Sam 21). Their participation demonstrates an integral role in the community and dedication to the restoration of Jerusalem.
  • Mizpah (מִצְפָּה): A strategic gathering place, particularly for prayer, national assembly, and judgment in Israel's history (1 Sam 7:5-6; Jer 40:6-8). Its involvement emphasizes that key regional centers beyond Jerusalem itself were invested in the city's security.
• unto the throne of the governor: This phrase defines the extent of their repair section.
  • throne: The Hebrew kisseh (כִּסֵּא) refers to a seat of authority, a royal chair, or generally a seat of dignity. Here, it signifies the official residence or administrative headquarters of the Persian-appointed governor of the province of Judah.
  • governor: The Hebrew pecha (פֶּחָה) denotes a Persian provincial governor, indicating the political and administrative reality of Judah under the Achaemenid Empire. This particular section of the wall likely guarded or adjoined a crucial administrative landmark, emphasizing the importance of securing the center of authority.
• on this side the river: The Hebrew ʿēber hannāhār (עֵבֶר הַנָּהָר) literally means "beyond the river," usually referring to the Euphrates from the perspective of the Persian capital. However, from the perspective of those in Judah, it became a common administrative designation for the Trans-Euphrates province, which included Judah. This term highlights Judah's administrative designation within the Persian Empire, underscoring that the rebuilding effort had official sanction and occurred within the framework of a broader imperial system.

Nehemiah 3 7 Bonus section

The detailed nature of Nehemiah 3, of which verse 7 is a part, provides profound insight into the social fabric and organizational capacity of the returning exiles. It reflects Nehemiah's astute leadership in delegating and coordinating work, fostering a sense of ownership and personal responsibility among the people for a task that seemed overwhelming. The inclusion of groups like the Gibeonites is not just a historical footnote but a powerful testament to the breaking down of old barriers and the formation of a unified identity under God. Furthermore, the focus on specific locations, such as the governor's "throne," reminds us that the rebuilding of physical walls had immense implications for political stability, economic prosperity, and the religious identity of the Jewish people, ensuring that Jerusalem could function as the spiritual and administrative heart of the re-established community.

Nehemiah 3 7 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:7 exemplifies the practical theology of Nehemiah's leadership and the post-exilic community's commitment to God's restorative work. The verse demonstrates that rebuilding God's city involved every segment of society, from former adversaries now integrated into service (Gibeonites) to influential towns (Mizpah), and even those from less prominent places. The mention of Melatiah and Jadon specifically, then broadening to "the men of Gibeon and Mizpah," illustrates the blending of individual accountability with collective community effort. Their assigned section, "unto the throne of the governor," was strategically vital, encompassing the area near the governmental center, suggesting both a focus on civic security and a visible sign of a restored, ordered community under divine and administrative authority. This unified, systematic, and dedicated labor showcases faithfulness in action, demonstrating that collective perseverance and a shared vision are essential for overcoming great challenges and realizing God's purposes for His people.