Bible Commentaries

Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they ^a sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

(a) In Hebrew they sanctified it, that is, they finished it, and so dedicated it to the Lord by prayer, in desiring him to maintain it.

And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles ^b put not their necks to the work of their Lord.

(b) The rich and mighty would not obey those who were appointed officers in this work, neither would they help them.

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

(c) To the place where the Duke was wont to sit in judgment, who governed the country in their absence.

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 ^d turning [of the wall].

(d) Where the weapons and armour of the city lay.

And after him repaired the priests, the men of ^e the plain.

(e) Who dwelt in the plain country by Jordan and Jericho.

Moreover the ^f Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto [the place] over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.

(f) Read (Ezra 2:43).

After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the ^g sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.

(g) Meaning the sixth of his sons.

After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate ^h Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.

(h) Which was the place of judgment or execution.