Nehemiah 3: 1 Commentary

1. Leaders should lead by example
a. Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern (Phil 3:17)
b. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us (2 Thess 3:7-9)
2. The Pharisees on the other hand would NOT lift a finger
a. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers (Matt 23:4)
3. These leaders and workers saw this rebuilding
a. As HOLY WORK for the glory of God
b. And NOT just about rebuilding a wall and gates
4. This was about getting right with God and doing His work
a. For Jerusalem was God‘s holy city
b. And they saw this work as a ministry unto Him
5. When we go to work in the morning
a. We should also look upon our jobs as a ministry
6. There are 2 views of how much wall was rebuilt
a. Maximalist view holds 2.5 mile wall was rebuilt covering 220 acres
b. Minimalist view holds 2 mile wall was rebuilt covering 90 acres

By Tractorman (wrote 3584 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 5/6/2011 14:32 pm

It is interesting to note that the list of builders of Jerusalem wall begins with the High priest & other priests.They did the work at the Sheep Gate through which sacrificial animals are taken.It symbolizes the sacrifice made by Jesus at the Cross. Leaders set example for God’s work for the others to follow.They built the gate & sanctified it.They built the wall for about 100 cubits.The wall is divided into more than 40 sections and different groups or individuals took each section.Some groups or individuals took more than one section.Thus the work was divided and monitored.All those committed to the work worked enthusiastically under the inspiring leadership of Nehemiah.It is unfortunate to see that Eliashib had backslidden.(13:4)The leaders must also be careful.All must complete the race successfully.

By D.Alexander Jacob (wrote 499 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 4/14/2008 11:22 am