Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Nehemiah Ch.3 / 13 Ch.s
NE:3
* The rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
- The work was divided, so that every one might know what he had
to do, and mind it, with a desire to excel; yet without
contention, or separate interests. No strife appears among them,
but which should do most for the public good. Every Israelite
should lend a hand toward the building up of Jerusalem. Let not
nobles think any thing below them, by which they may advance the
good of their country. Even some females helped forward the
work. Some repaired over against their houses, and one repaired
over against his chamber. When a general good work is to be
done, each should apply himself to that part which is within his
reach. If every one will sweep before his own door, the street
will be clean; if every one will mend one, we shall all be
mended. Some that had first done helped their fellows. The walls
of Jerusalem, in heaps of rubbish, represent the desperate state
of the world around, while the number and malice of those who
hindered the building, give some faint idea of the enemies we
have to contend with, while executing the work of God. Every one
must begin at home; for it is by getting the work of God
advanced in our own souls that we shall best contribute to the
good of the church of Christ. May the Lord thus stir up the
hearts of his people, to lay aside their petty disputes, and to
disregard their worldly interests, compared with building the
walls of Jerusalem, and defending the cause of truth and
godliness against the assaults of avowed enemies.