Eliashib — Grand — child of Joshua, the first high — priest after their return from Babylon. Rose — Began the work. Ministers should be foremost in every good work, animating others by their example as well as doctrine. Sheep — gate — Which was next to the temple; so called, because the sheep were b... [ Continue Reading ]
Their nobles — Did not submit to it, would not further it, either through sloth or covetousness, or secret compliance with the enemies of the Jews. Of their Lord — Of God, whom they owned for their Lord, whose work this was, because it had proceeded thus far by his singular providence: and because i... [ Continue Reading ]
The throne — Unto the place where the governor of the country on this side Euphrates, under the Persian kings, sometimes had a palace or throne.... [ Continue Reading ]
Fortified — It is not said, they repaired, but they fortified it, either because this part of the wall was less demolished than the other, and therefore they needed not to repair it, but only to make it stronger: or, to note their extraordinary care and diligence, that they would not only repair it,... [ Continue Reading ]
Half part — As Rome was anciently divided into several quarters or regions, so was Jerusalem; and especially into two parts, whereof one was in the tribe of Benjamin, and nearest the temple, the other in the tribe of Judah, these accordingly had two several rulers, this man and the other, Nehemiah 3... [ Continue Reading ]
His daughters — Who were either heiresses or rich widows, and caused part to be done at their charges.... [ Continue Reading ]
Beth — haccerem — A town or territory, the government whereof was divided between two persons.... [ Continue Reading ]
Made — By Hezekiah, 2 Kings 20:20. Whereby it is distinguished from that pool which was natural. Mighty — Or, of the valiant: which possibly was formerly appointed for the receipt of those chief captains that should attend upon the king in their courses.... [ Continue Reading ]
Earnestly — Did his work with eminent diligence and fervency: which is here noted to his commendation. And it is probable, this good man's zeal provoked many, to take the more pains, and make the more haste.... [ Continue Reading ]
The door — Therefore the door was not in the middle of the house, as now they commonly are, but at one end of it.... [ Continue Reading ]
Tekoites — The same spoken of before, who having dispatched their first share sooner than their brethren, freely offered to supply the defects of others, who, as it seems, neglected that part of the work which had been committed to them. And this their double diligence is noted both for the greater... [ Continue Reading ]
The sixth son of Zalaph — It seems, his five elder brethren, laid not their hands to the work. But in doing that which is good, we need not stay to see our betters go before us.... [ Continue Reading ]