Nehemiah 3:23

Nehemiah 3:23 says, After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.  This verse lists two different groups repairing two different sections of the wall which were stated as building against their houses, which meant they were permanent residents of Jerusalem.  We will never be permanent residents of this world, but we are still to do our best to maintain it in the best order possible. 

Verse twenty-four adds, After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner.  The ones repairing this section repaired it to the turning wall or corner.  This would have completed one side of the wall, and the corner will always be an important part of any structure since it ties two sections together.  I believe the corner between our faith and the way we live will always be a very important point. 

Verse twenty-five continues, Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning of the wall, and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.  This I believe would have been the start of another side of the wall, which was said to be by the king’s high house and the court of the prison.  These two things don’t seem like they would be in the same area, just as sometimes it may seem odd that we are called to work with someone who seems to be the opposite of what we are like. 

Verse twenty-six states, Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.  This section held the water gate and a tower. 

Verse twenty-seven adds, After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.  Matthew Henry points out that the Tekoites  had evidently finished the repair of their section mentioned in verse five and came to help in another section.  We should not just finish one area of work for God and declare ourselves finished but should always be ready to help others if they need help. 

Verse twenty-eight continues, From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.  This section was repaired by the priests, and it is said they all repaired by their house.  As a part of the priesthood of believers, we should always keep our own house in good spiritual shape.   

Verse twenty-nine says, After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.  We are not told anything about these men, except their names and the area they repaired.  People may know very little about the work we do for God, but He will, and that is all that matters. 

Verse thirty adds, After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.  Matthew Henry says that since this says his chamber and not his house that this man was likely not a permanent resident of Jerusalem, but someone who was just there temporarily, but he still took part in the repair.  As stated before, we are not permanent residents of this world, but we are charged with doing our best to take care of it. 

Verse thirty-one continues, After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner. 

Verse thirty-two concludes, And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.  Once more we have craftsmen and merchants involved in the repair and they came to another corner.  No matter what our occupation may be as followers of Christ, we are all equal in following His will