The book of Nehemiah
Chapter
3
¹ Then the high priest Eliashib set to work with his fellow priests and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set up its doors; they consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred and as far as the Tower of Hananel.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 1)
Oh God my Father at times we may plan to do many things and have many projects in mind, however before we set our minds to accomplish that work we need to pray on the issue in order to discern if this is Your will or not. If it is according to Your will the plan will eventually unfold and we reach our planned goal that covers where we stand before the intervention takes place, to the situation or state that we wish to achieve as the consequence of that intervention.
Oh God although I am sharing this issue as You know the last time I intervened I listened more to the voice of others than to Yours and now I am experiencing, the consequences of that decision. I also planned to have a better outcome than that of the present, however, on the way, You showed me that although the grass looked greener and tastier on the other side, in substance it was still grass. You also showed me that also the outcome seemed to be a haven, there is only one heaven, and this can only be in Your presence and not on earth Amen. Oh God, I pray that You help me in reversing the decision that I made by giving me a second chance Amen.
² And the men of Jericho built next to him. And next to them Zaccur son of Imri built. ³ The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate; they laid its beams and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verses 2 to 3)
Oh God one positive action encourages us to copy that action and this may lead to the accomplishment of many projects of which others may benefit. I pray oh God my Father, that I may be of a good example to many others, so that many good works may be accomplished in Your name Amen. May I always be a trustworthy instrument in Your hand Amen.
⁴ Next to them Meremoth son of Uriah son of Hakkoz made repairs. Next to them Meshullam son of Berechiah son of Meshezabel made repairs. Next to them Zedok son of Baana made repairs. ⁵Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verses 4 to 5)
Oh God my Father, You have given us different talents, roles and skills even in the Church. There are those who are builders, others who are teachers and others who are priests, and bishops and the Pope. I pray that we fulfil our roles even if we are parents like myself Amen.
⁶ Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate; they laid its beams and set up its doors, its bolts and its bars.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 6)
Many times oh God my beloved Father we look at the present issues or problems and try to act on intervening on the present situation, without ever considering that the root of the problem is found in our past in relation to issues that we had experienced long ago and that are still pending, because we had not ever dealt with them. Therefore as a point of beginning the work we are to go back and repair these issues so that then we can start the actual process of rebuilding our self and making our life more spiritually and emotionally secure by setting up the bolts and bars of our life. Amen.
⁷ Next to them repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite-the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah-who were under the jurisdiction of the governor of the province Beyond the River.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 7)
Oh God my beloved Father, the good example that You set by means of the High Priest Eliashib sparked off a hive of activity in the maintenance and reconstruction process. I thank You for such leaders who set up organizations that are still flourishing to this very day such as the M.U.S.E.U.M in Malta and similar volontary organizations in many other countries that are greatly contributing for the good of society. Amen.
⁸ Next to them Uzziel son of Harhiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs; and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 8)
Oh God my beloved Father, by ourselves in our personal life and in the life of the Church there is maybe so much that one can achieve, however if we join forces with others with the help of the Holy Spirit who is alive in the Church we can reach many important aims for the good of all humanity Amen.
With reference to the Broad Wall mentioned in verse 8 please click on the following reference:-
The Broad Wall of Jerusalem
⁹ Next to them Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 9)
Oh God my Father, when others see us trying to help out even in our inner circles, and even for the common good, they will also become motivated in participating. I pray that we all be motivated in helping others and be of one mind and spirit Amen.
¹⁰ Next to them Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house; and next to him Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 10)
Oh God my Father even though a group of people may begin their relationships as distant acquaintances or friends, when working together with the same aim in mind, a brotherhood is created that has very strong bonds. When we work with others for Your love, and with the same intention the ties become stronger because the ties are both spiritual and psychological Amen.
¹¹ Malchijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 11)
Oh God my Father, many times my oven tower becomes overheated, and I lose control of myself and become angry and later depressed. Cases are being dumped on me without my being directly informed and this is not fair. I pray oh God that You help me to cope with the heat of this situation Amen.
¹² Next to him Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem made repairs, he and his daughters.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 12)
Oh God my beloved Father as Shallum and his daughters worked on the needed repairs, I also need to work on making the necessary repairs on our relationship, which is negatively biased by my wife who has turned her against me Amen.
¹³ Hamun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate; they rebuilt it and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 13)
Oh God my Father in time the old city of Jerusalem was being repaired. Every day of my life my God and Father, You help me in repairing different areas of my life until You make me into a whole person as You wish me to be Amen. In order to have an idea of the locations mentioned in these verses I invite you to click on the following link that is credit to the online Historical Maps and Atlasses the Jewish Resource Centre.
Blueprints of the Old City of Jerusalem
¹⁴ Malehijah son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccheron, repaired the Dung Gate; he rebuilt and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 14)
Oh God my beloved Father, I pray that You help me in securing all my gates, since the forces of evil are trying to enter from all of my gates, I pray that I will not be found weak by the enemy Amen.
¹⁵ And Shallum son of Colhozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate; he rebuilt it and covered it and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars; and he built the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the king's garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the City of David.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 15)
Oh God, my beloved Father, even to this day the Roman Catholic Church is still being repaired and in a state of reconstruction. Pope Francesco is constantly driven by Your Spirit to challenge and update new issues such as that of migrants among others. I pray that You give him the Faith, Strength, and Wisdom in order to continue this process of maintenance Amen.
¹⁶ After him Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur repaired from a point opposite the graves of David, as far as the artificial pool and the house of the warriors.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 16)
Oh God my Father, I pray that all the rulers of the world will invest in repairing the damage done to the planet such as global warming and other forms of damage, instead of investing in nuclear weapons may a spirit of unity unite all nations to embark on such a project Amen.
¹⁷ After him the Levites made repairs; Rehum son of Bani; next to him Hashabiah ruler of half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 17)
Oh God my blessed Father as in the case of the Levites, the Church in Malta is active in many projects such as homelessness and drug addiction. I pray that it receives more respect than criticism for it plays an important role in society Amen.
¹⁸ After him their kin made repairs; Binnui, son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah; ¹⁹ next to him Ezer son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the Angle.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verses 18 and 19)
Oh God my Father, slowly but the surely the structure was being repaired, and all were contributing according to their skills and talents that You had given them. I also work in progress. You are carrying out maintenance, on my body, mind and spirit every day of my life Amen. Thank You Jesus Amen.
²⁰ After him Baruch son of Zabbai repaired another section from the Angle to the door of the house of the high priest Eliashib.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 20)
Oh God my Father, as You well know when we work in a team it is always better because as we are more in numbers we strengthen each other as in the case of the 12 Apostles. May we always empower and encourage each other Amen.
²¹ After him Meremoth son of Uriah son of Hakkoz repaired another section from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of the house of Eliashib.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 21)
Oh God my Father, I pray that You continue helping me to identify those areas in my life that need repairing and please give me what it takes to make the necessary changes Amen. Thank You Jesus.
²² After him the priests, the men of the surrounding area made repairs.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 22)
Oh God my Father, I offer my prayers for priests for they have been given the keys to forgive and abstain from forgiving sins, they have been given the opportunity of making repairs in the Roman Catholic Chairs that is badly in need of maintenance. I pray for the power of the Holy Spirit Amen who is the Master Builder Amen.
²³ After them Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs opposite their house. After them Azariah son of Maaselah son of Ananiah made repairs beside his own house.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 23)
Oh God my beloved Father, the example of one person encourages others to follow in their steps. As in faith and the living of the Way, the fire of the Holy Spirit continues to be rekindled in others who receive even the smallest spark from either words of Scripture, or maybe even the good deeds that we do to each other Amen.
²⁴ After him Binnui son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah to the Angle and to the corner.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 24)
Oh God my beloved Father the work on the restoration was in progress, for everyone was united by one constructive Spirit. The fire of Your Holy Spirit is always alive in us in order to be constructive and productive. I pray for Your help in my situation my God and Father Amen
.
²⁵ Palal son of Uzai repaired opposite the Angle and the tower projecting from the upper house of the king at the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah son of Parosh ²⁶ and the temple servants living on Ophel made repairs up to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verses 25 to 26)
Oh God my Father, we are works in progress in the sense that we all need love care and support from each other, by being of support to others and by receiving support from others. Everybody has the duty to carry out constructive maintenance on others while taking care not to harm the foundations, that is our faith in You my God and Father Amen.
²⁷ After him the Tekoites repaired another section opposite the great projecting tower as far as the wall of Ophel. ²⁸ Above the Horse Gate the priests made repairs, each one opposite his own house.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verses 27 to 28)
Oh God my Father it was nice of the priests to take an active role in the repairing of the temple, as role models of our society Your people have a great influence on human behaviour especially in a wounded society that is greatly in need of order and leadership Amen.
²⁹ After them Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his own house. After him Hananiah son of Shelmiah and Hanun sixth son of Zalaph repaired another section. After him Meshullam son of Berechiah made repairs opposite his living quarters. ³¹ After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Muster Gate, and to the upper room of the corner. ³² And between the upper room of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verses 29 to 32)
Oh God my beloved Father, with the effort of all, the project was brought to an end. I pray that we be 'can do' people who do not turn away from the opportunity to lend a hand Amen.
Oh God my beloved Father I would like to end this meditation on the third chapter of the book of Nehemiah with the following prayer:
Oh God my Father and all my sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus. I pray that we be positive and constructive people who aim to seek the good of others as much or even more than our own. I pray that we be aware of the needs of others and either personally or as a group take action to help that person or persons. Let none of us be in need and without support. Let us all be Jesus to each other. Jesus who always made time for others and even walked the extra mile and go out of his way in order to help others Amen.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verses 2 to 3)
Oh God one positive action encourages us to copy that action and this may lead to the accomplishment of many projects of which others may benefit. I pray oh God my Father, that I may be of a good example to many others, so that many good works may be accomplished in Your name Amen. May I always be a trustworthy instrument in Your hand Amen.
⁴ Next to them Meremoth son of Uriah son of Hakkoz made repairs. Next to them Meshullam son of Berechiah son of Meshezabel made repairs. Next to them Zedok son of Baana made repairs. ⁵Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verses 4 to 5)
Oh God my Father, You have given us different talents, roles and skills even in the Church. There are those who are builders, others who are teachers and others who are priests, and bishops and the Pope. I pray that we fulfil our roles even if we are parents like myself Amen.
⁶ Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate; they laid its beams and set up its doors, its bolts and its bars.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 6)
Many times oh God my beloved Father we look at the present issues or problems and try to act on intervening on the present situation, without ever considering that the root of the problem is found in our past in relation to issues that we had experienced long ago and that are still pending, because we had not ever dealt with them. Therefore as a point of beginning the work we are to go back and repair these issues so that then we can start the actual process of rebuilding our self and making our life more spiritually and emotionally secure by setting up the bolts and bars of our life. Amen.
⁷ Next to them repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite-the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah-who were under the jurisdiction of the governor of the province Beyond the River.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 7)
Oh God my beloved Father, the good example that You set by means of the High Priest Eliashib sparked off a hive of activity in the maintenance and reconstruction process. I thank You for such leaders who set up organizations that are still flourishing to this very day such as the M.U.S.E.U.M in Malta and similar volontary organizations in many other countries that are greatly contributing for the good of society. Amen.
⁸ Next to them Uzziel son of Harhiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. Next to him Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs; and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 8)
Oh God my beloved Father, by ourselves in our personal life and in the life of the Church there is maybe so much that one can achieve, however if we join forces with others with the help of the Holy Spirit who is alive in the Church we can reach many important aims for the good of all humanity Amen.
With reference to the Broad Wall mentioned in verse 8 please click on the following reference:-
The Broad Wall of Jerusalem
⁹ Next to them Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 9)
Oh God my Father, when others see us trying to help out even in our inner circles, and even for the common good, they will also become motivated in participating. I pray that we all be motivated in helping others and be of one mind and spirit Amen.
¹⁰ Next to them Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house; and next to him Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 10)
Oh God my Father even though a group of people may begin their relationships as distant acquaintances or friends, when working together with the same aim in mind, a brotherhood is created that has very strong bonds. When we work with others for Your love, and with the same intention the ties become stronger because the ties are both spiritual and psychological Amen.
¹¹ Malchijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 11)
Oh God my Father, many times my oven tower becomes overheated, and I lose control of myself and become angry and later depressed. Cases are being dumped on me without my being directly informed and this is not fair. I pray oh God that You help me to cope with the heat of this situation Amen.
¹² Next to him Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem made repairs, he and his daughters.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 12)
Oh God my beloved Father as Shallum and his daughters worked on the needed repairs, I also need to work on making the necessary repairs on our relationship, which is negatively biased by my wife who has turned her against me Amen.
¹³ Hamun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate; they rebuilt it and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 13)
Oh God my Father in time the old city of Jerusalem was being repaired. Every day of my life my God and Father, You help me in repairing different areas of my life until You make me into a whole person as You wish me to be Amen. In order to have an idea of the locations mentioned in these verses I invite you to click on the following link that is credit to the online Historical Maps and Atlasses the Jewish Resource Centre.
Blueprints of the Old City of Jerusalem
¹⁴ Malehijah son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccheron, repaired the Dung Gate; he rebuilt and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 14)
Oh God my beloved Father, I pray that You help me in securing all my gates, since the forces of evil are trying to enter from all of my gates, I pray that I will not be found weak by the enemy Amen.
¹⁵ And Shallum son of Colhozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate; he rebuilt it and covered it and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars; and he built the wall of the Pool of Shelah of the king's garden, as far as the stairs that go down from the City of David.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 15)
Oh God, my beloved Father, even to this day the Roman Catholic Church is still being repaired and in a state of reconstruction. Pope Francesco is constantly driven by Your Spirit to challenge and update new issues such as that of migrants among others. I pray that You give him the Faith, Strength, and Wisdom in order to continue this process of maintenance Amen.
¹⁶ After him Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur repaired from a point opposite the graves of David, as far as the artificial pool and the house of the warriors.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 16)
Oh God my Father, I pray that all the rulers of the world will invest in repairing the damage done to the planet such as global warming and other forms of damage, instead of investing in nuclear weapons may a spirit of unity unite all nations to embark on such a project Amen.
¹⁷ After him the Levites made repairs; Rehum son of Bani; next to him Hashabiah ruler of half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 17)
Oh God my blessed Father as in the case of the Levites, the Church in Malta is active in many projects such as homelessness and drug addiction. I pray that it receives more respect than criticism for it plays an important role in society Amen.
¹⁸ After him their kin made repairs; Binnui, son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah; ¹⁹ next to him Ezer son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the ascent to the armory at the Angle.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verses 18 and 19)
Oh God my Father, slowly but the surely the structure was being repaired, and all were contributing according to their skills and talents that You had given them. I also work in progress. You are carrying out maintenance, on my body, mind and spirit every day of my life Amen. Thank You Jesus Amen.
²⁰ After him Baruch son of Zabbai repaired another section from the Angle to the door of the house of the high priest Eliashib.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 20)
Oh God my Father, as You well know when we work in a team it is always better because as we are more in numbers we strengthen each other as in the case of the 12 Apostles. May we always empower and encourage each other Amen.
²¹ After him Meremoth son of Uriah son of Hakkoz repaired another section from the door of the house of Eliashib to the end of the house of Eliashib.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 21)
Oh God my Father, I pray that You continue helping me to identify those areas in my life that need repairing and please give me what it takes to make the necessary changes Amen. Thank You Jesus.
²² After him the priests, the men of the surrounding area made repairs.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 22)
Oh God my Father, I offer my prayers for priests for they have been given the keys to forgive and abstain from forgiving sins, they have been given the opportunity of making repairs in the Roman Catholic Chairs that is badly in need of maintenance. I pray for the power of the Holy Spirit Amen who is the Master Builder Amen.
²³ After them Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs opposite their house. After them Azariah son of Maaselah son of Ananiah made repairs beside his own house.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 23)
Oh God my beloved Father, the example of one person encourages others to follow in their steps. As in faith and the living of the Way, the fire of the Holy Spirit continues to be rekindled in others who receive even the smallest spark from either words of Scripture, or maybe even the good deeds that we do to each other Amen.
²⁴ After him Binnui son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah to the Angle and to the corner.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verse 24)
Oh God my beloved Father the work on the restoration was in progress, for everyone was united by one constructive Spirit. The fire of Your Holy Spirit is always alive in us in order to be constructive and productive. I pray for Your help in my situation my God and Father Amen
.
²⁵ Palal son of Uzai repaired opposite the Angle and the tower projecting from the upper house of the king at the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah son of Parosh ²⁶ and the temple servants living on Ophel made repairs up to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verses 25 to 26)
Oh God my Father, we are works in progress in the sense that we all need love care and support from each other, by being of support to others and by receiving support from others. Everybody has the duty to carry out constructive maintenance on others while taking care not to harm the foundations, that is our faith in You my God and Father Amen.
²⁷ After him the Tekoites repaired another section opposite the great projecting tower as far as the wall of Ophel. ²⁸ Above the Horse Gate the priests made repairs, each one opposite his own house.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verses 27 to 28)
Oh God my Father it was nice of the priests to take an active role in the repairing of the temple, as role models of our society Your people have a great influence on human behaviour especially in a wounded society that is greatly in need of order and leadership Amen.
²⁹ After them Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his own house. After him Hananiah son of Shelmiah and Hanun sixth son of Zalaph repaired another section. After him Meshullam son of Berechiah made repairs opposite his living quarters. ³¹ After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Muster Gate, and to the upper room of the corner. ³² And between the upper room of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.
(Book of Nehemiah Chapter 3 verses 29 to 32)
Oh God my beloved Father, with the effort of all, the project was brought to an end. I pray that we be 'can do' people who do not turn away from the opportunity to lend a hand Amen.
Oh God my beloved Father I would like to end this meditation on the third chapter of the book of Nehemiah with the following prayer:
Oh God my Father and all my sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus. I pray that we be positive and constructive people who aim to seek the good of others as much or even more than our own. I pray that we be aware of the needs of others and either personally or as a group take action to help that person or persons. Let none of us be in need and without support. Let us all be Jesus to each other. Jesus who always made time for others and even walked the extra mile and go out of his way in order to help others Amen.
