And between the upper room above the cornerThis phrase refers to a specific section of the wall of Jerusalem. The "upper room above the corner" likely indicates a strategic point in the city's defenses, possibly a tower or elevated structure that provided a vantage point. In ancient cities, corners of walls were often fortified to strengthen defenses. This location underscores the importance of comprehensive repairs to ensure the city's security. The mention of an "upper room" may also suggest a place of gathering or oversight, hinting at the organized effort in the rebuilding process.
and the Sheep Gate
The Sheep Gate was one of the gates in the wall of Jerusalem, traditionally associated with the entry of sheep for temple sacrifices. This gate's proximity to the temple highlights its religious significance, as it facilitated the sacrificial system central to Jewish worship. The Sheep Gate is mentioned at the beginning and end ofNehemiah 3, emphasizing its importance. It symbolizes the restoration of worship and the community's spiritual renewal, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
the goldsmiths and merchants made repairs
The involvement of goldsmiths and merchants in the repair work illustrates the communal effort in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. Goldsmiths, skilled in working with precious metals, and merchants, involved in trade and commerce, were not traditional builders. Their participation signifies the unity and dedication of the people, regardless of their usual professions, to restore their city. This collaboration reflects the biblical principle of using diverse gifts for a common purpose, as seen in the New Testament's teaching on the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). It also highlights the economic and social diversity within the community, as both artisans and traders contributed to the city's restoration.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Upper Room of the CornerThis refers to a specific section of the wall of Jerusalem. It was likely a strategic point in the city's defenses, indicating the importance of its repair.
2.
Sheep GateA gate in the wall of Jerusalem, traditionally used for bringing sheep into the city for sacrifices. It symbolizes the importance of worship and sacrifice in the life of Israel.
3.
GoldsmithsSkilled artisans who worked with precious metals. Their involvement in the repair work highlights the communal effort and the diverse skills brought together for the task.
4.
MerchantsTraders and business people who contributed to the rebuilding efforts. Their participation underscores the economic and social dimensions of the community's restoration.
5.
RepairsThe act of rebuilding the wall, which was a significant communal project led by Nehemiah. It symbolizes restoration, protection, and the renewal of the covenant community.
Teaching Points
Community InvolvementThe rebuilding of the wall required the participation of all community members, regardless of their usual roles. This teaches us the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving common goals.
Diverse Skills and ContributionsJust as goldsmiths and merchants contributed their unique skills, we are reminded that every person has a role to play in the work of God, regardless of their background or profession.
Symbolism of the Sheep GateThe Sheep Gate's connection to sacrifice and worship highlights the centrality of worship in our lives. It reminds us to prioritize our relationship with God in all our endeavors.
Strategic Importance of the WallThe focus on specific parts of the wall, like the upper room of the corner, teaches us to pay attention to strategic areas in our spiritual lives that need strengthening and protection.
Restoration and RenewalThe act of repairing the wall symbolizes spiritual renewal and the restoration of God's people. It encourages us to seek restoration in our own lives and communities.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Nehemiah 3:32?
2.How does Nehemiah 3:32 demonstrate the importance of community in God's work?
3.What role did the goldsmiths and merchants play in Nehemiah 3:32?
4.How can we apply Nehemiah 3:32's teamwork to our church community today?
5.What scriptural connections exist between Nehemiah 3:32 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27?
6.How does Nehemiah 3:32 encourage us to use our skills for God's kingdom?
7.What is the significance of the goldsmiths and merchants in Nehemiah 3:32?
8.How does Nehemiah 3:32 reflect the community's unity in rebuilding Jerusalem?
9.Why are specific professions mentioned in Nehemiah 3:32?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 3?
11.What are the names of Jerusalem's gates?
12.If Nehemiah 3 aligns with Nehemiah 6:15 about completing the wall in just 52 days, is this timeline even possible with ancient technology and labor constraints?
13.In Nehemiah 3:1, where is the archaeological evidence for Eliashib and the Sheep Gate he supposedly rebuilt?
14.Nehemiah 3:13-14 references the repair of the Valley Gate and Dung Gate; why is there scant historical or archeological data confirming these gate sites?What Does Nehemiah 3:32 Mean
Between the upper room above the corner• Nehemiah notes a specific rooftop chamber at the “corner,” likely where two walls met. Such details show the historian’s eye-witness accuracy (cf.Luke 1:3).
• Corners were strategic points needing extra reinforcement (2 Chronicles 26:15). By singling this out, the text underscores God’s concern for every vulnerable spot in our lives and communities (Psalm 18:2).
and the Sheep Gate• The Sheep Gate lay on Jerusalem’s north wall, closest to the temple (Nehemiah 3:1; 12:39). It was the entrance through which animals destined for sacrifice were brought, foreshadowing the Lamb of God (John 1:29;John 5:2).
• Linking the corner location to this gate reminds readers that secure walls serve the larger goal of unhindered worship (Psalm 100:4).
the goldsmiths and merchants• Skilled artisans and businessmen, not priests or soldiers, are in focus here (compareNehemiah 3:8, 31).
• God values every vocation when offered to Him (Colossians 3:23-24). Their inclusion echoes1 Corinthians 12:18-21: varied members, one body.
• Their willingness counters any notion that “ministry” is reserved for the religious elite (Acts 18:3).
made repairs• The same Hebrew verb is used throughout the chapter to describe dozens of teams (Nehemiah 3:4, 5, 6…). Unity is stressed through repetition (Ephesians 4:16).
• Repairing, not merely building anew, highlights restoration—God specializes in renewing what sin has broken (Isaiah 58:12;1 Peter 5:10).
• The verse’s brevity spotlights steady, unsung obedience (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). No miracle, just faithful labor that advanced God’s plan.
summaryNehemiah 3:32 caps a long roster of workers by pinpointing a strategic corner near the Sheep Gate and praising ordinary goldsmiths and merchants who stepped up to restore it. The verse teaches that every location matters, every occupation can serve God’s purposes, and humble, coordinated effort secures spaces where worship and sacrifice—ultimately fulfilled in Christ—can thrive.
(32)
Unto the sheep gate.--It appears that the "goldsmiths and the merchants" undertook the small space necessary to complete the circuit.
Verse 32. -
Unto the sheep gate. Compare ver. 1. The circuit is completed, and the point reached from which the commencement was made.
The goldsmiths and the merchants were required to repair the piece of wall immediately to the south of the sheep gate, for which no individual had volunteered. Probably they had houses in the neighbourhood. They consented; and thus the entire wall was taken in hand, and the great work, which Nehemiah had conceived in his heart while still in Susa, was inaugurated.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And betweenוּבֵ֨ין(ū·ḇên)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 996:An interval, space betweenthe upper roomעֲלִיַּ֤ת(‘ă·lî·yaṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5944:Something lofty, a stair-way, a second-story room, the skyabove the cornerהַפִּנָּה֙(hap·pin·nāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6438:An angle, a pinnacle, a chieftainand the Sheepהַצֹּ֔אן(haṣ·ṣōn)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6629:Small cattle, sheep and goats, flockGate,לְשַׁ֣עַר(lə·ša·‘ar)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8179:An opening, door, gatethe goldsmithsהַצֹּרְפִ֖ים(haṣ·ṣō·rə·p̄îm)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6884:To smelt, refine, testand merchantsוְהָרֹכְלִֽים׃(wə·hā·rō·ḵə·lîm)Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7402:To travel for, tradingmade repairs.הֶחֱזִ֥יקוּ(he·ḥĕ·zî·qū)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2388:To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer
Links
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OT History: Nehemiah 3:32 Between the ascent of the corner (Neh Ne) 
