C. Builders of the Wall (3:1-32)

This passage identifies the group responsible for rebuilding each section of the city wall. It is testimony to the organizational abilities of Nehemiah and the broad consensus of support he was able to enlist among the Jews. The list includes every spectrum of society: priests, led by the high priest himself; temple servants; civil officials; laity; craftsmen; merchant groups; and even one man’s daughters (v.12). A spirit of cooperation is evident, but there were some who withheld their support, such as the nobles of Tekoa (v.5).

Not every feature of the wall can be identified, but the overall plan is clear. The list begins at the Sheep Gate where Eliashib, the high priest, sponsored the work. This gate was on the northeastern corner of the wall, near the temple (see John 5:2). The list continues counterclockwise around the wall, section by section, until it returns to the Sheep Gate (v.32).