Nehemiah 3:7
Nehemiah 3:7 in Multiple Translations
Next to them, repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, who were under the authority of the governor of the region west of the Euphrates.
And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.
And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, that appertained to the throne of the governor beyond the River.
By their side were working Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah from the seat of the ruler across the river.
Next were Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, who were under the jurisdiction of the governor of the province west of the Euphrates.
Next vnto them also fortified Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Iadon the Meronothite, men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, vnto the throne of the Duke, which was beyond the Riuer.
And by their hand hath Melatiah the Gibeonite strengthened, and Jadon the Meronothite, men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, to the throne of the governor beyond the River.
Next to them, Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, repaired the residence of the governor beyond the River.
And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, to the throne of the governor on this side of the river.
And next to them built Meltias the Gabaonite, and Jadon the Meronathite, the men of Gabaon and Maspha, for the governor that was in the country beyond the river.
Next to them, Melatiah from Gibeon city, Jadon from Meronoth town, and other men from Gibeon and from Mizpah city, which was where the governor of the province west of the Euphrates River lived, repaired part of the wall.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 3:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Nehemiah 3:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַל
יָדָ֨/ם
הֶחֱזִ֜יק
מְלַטְיָ֣ה
הַ/גִּבְעֹנִ֗י
וְ/יָדוֹן֙
הַ/מֵּרֹ֣נֹתִ֔י
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
גִבְע֖וֹן
וְ/הַ/מִּצְפָּ֑ה
לְ/כִסֵּ֕א
פַּחַ֖ת
עֵ֥בֶר
הַ/נָּהָֽר
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
יָדָ֨/ם
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
הֶחֱזִ֜יק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
מְלַטְיָ֣ה
Mᵉlaṭyâh
H4424
Melatiah
N-proper
הַ/גִּבְעֹנִ֗י
Gibʻônîy
H1393
Gibeonite
Art | Ngmsa
וְ/יָדוֹן֙
Yâdôwn
H3036
Jadon
Conj | N-proper
הַ/מֵּרֹ֣נֹתִ֔י
Mêrônôthîy
H4824
Meronothite
Art | Ngmsa
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
גִבְע֖וֹן
Gibʻôwn
H1391
Gibeon
N-proper
וְ/הַ/מִּצְפָּ֑ה
Mitspâh
H4709
Mizpah
Conj | Art | N-proper
לְ/כִסֵּ֕א
kiççêʼ
H3678
throne
Prep | N-ms
פַּחַ֖ת
pechâh
H6346
governor
N-ms
עֵ֥בֶר
ʻêber
H5676
side
N-ms
הַ/נָּהָֽר
nâhâr
H5104
river
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 3:7
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יָדָ֨/ם
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
הֶחֱזִ֜יק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
מְלַטְיָ֣ה
Mᵉlaṭyâh
H4424
"Melatiah"
N-proper
Melatiah was a Gibeonite who helped rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, as mentioned in Nehemiah 3:7. His name means Jehovah delivered, indicating God's rescue or salvation. The KJV translates his name as Melatiah.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.3.7 § Melatiah = "Jehovah delivered" a Gibeonite who assisted in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Melatiah. See also: Nehemiah 3:7.
הַ/גִּבְעֹנִ֗י
Gibʻônîy
H1393
"Gibeonite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Gibeonite is a person from Gibeon, a city in the Bible. The name means 'little hill' or 'hilly' and is mentioned in the book of Joshua. Gibeonites were known for their cleverness and diplomacy.
Definition: Group of giv.on (גִּבְעוֹן "Gibeon" H1391) § Gibeonite = "little hill: hilly" an inhabitant of Gibeon
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Gibeonite. See also: 2 Samuel 21:1; 2 Samuel 21:4; Nehemiah 3:7.
וְ/יָדוֹן֙
Yâdôwn
H3036
"Jadon"
Conj | N-proper
Jadon was a Meronothite who helped build the walls of Jerusalem, as noted in Nehemiah 3:7. His name means 'thankful'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.3.7 § Jadon = "thankful" a Meronothite and one of the builders of the walls of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Jadon. See also: Nehemiah 3:7.
הַ/מֵּרֹ֣נֹתִ֔י
Mêrônôthîy
H4824
"Meronothite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Meronothite was a person from a place called Meronoth, with the name meaning 'joyful shouter'. The Meronothite is mentioned in the Bible as a resident of a specific location.
Definition: § Meronothite = "joyful shouter" 1) a native of a place probably called 'Meronoth'
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Meronothite. See also: 1 Chronicles 27:30; Nehemiah 3:7.
אַנְשֵׁ֥י
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
גִבְע֖וֹן
Gibʻôwn
H1391
"Gibeon"
N-proper
Gibeon was a Levitical city in the region of Benjamin, located about 5 miles from Jerusalem, and is now known as el-Jib. The name means hill city, and it is mentioned in various KJV translations as Gibeon.
Definition: § Gibeon = "hill city" a Levitical city of Benjamin, modern 'el-Jib', which lies 5 miles or 8 km from Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: Gibeon. See also: Joshua 9:3; 2 Samuel 3:30; Isaiah 28:21.
וְ/הַ/מִּצְפָּ֑ה
Mitspâh
H4709
"Mizpah"
Conj | Art | N-proper
Mitspah means watchtower, referring to a place in Palestine near Mount Hermon. It appears in the Bible as a location. The name is associated with a place of observation.
Definition: § Mizpah = "watchtower" a place near Mount Hermon
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Mitspah. (This seems rather to be only an orthographic variation of H4708 (מִצְפֶּה) when 'in pause'.) See also: Genesis 31:49; 1 Samuel 10:17; Jeremiah 40:10.
לְ/כִסֵּ֕א
kiççêʼ
H3678
"throne"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Definition: 1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool 1a) seat (of honour), throne 1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: seat, stool, throne. See also: Genesis 41:40; 2 Chronicles 23:20; Psalms 9:5.
פַּחַ֖ת
pechâh
H6346
"governor"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a governor or leader of a city or region. In the Bible, it describes officials in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, such as those appointed by King Solomon or King David.
Definition: governor Aramaic equivalent: pe.chah (פֶּחָה "governor" H6347)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: captain, deputy, governor. See also: 1 Kings 10:15; Esther 8:9; Isaiah 36:9.
עֵ֥בֶר
ʻêber
H5676
"side"
N-ms
This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.
Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.
הַ/נָּהָֽר
nâhâr
H5104
"river"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 3:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 3:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 3:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 3:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:7
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 3:7
- Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 3:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:7
- Sermons on Nehemiah 3:7
Context — The Builders of the Walls
5Next to him, the Tekoites made repairs, but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.
6The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.
7Next to them, repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, who were under the authority of the governor of the region west of the Euphrates.
8Next to them, Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. And next to him, Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs. They fortified Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. 9Next to them, Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, made repairs;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 21:2 | At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.) |
| 2 | Joshua 9:3–27 | But the people of Gibeon, having heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, acted deceptively and set out as envoys, carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. They put worn, patched sandals on their feet and threadbare clothing on their bodies, and their whole supply of bread was dry and moldy. They went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant land; please make a treaty with us.” But the men of Israel said to the Hivites, “Perhaps you dwell near us. How can we make a treaty with you?” “We are your servants,” they said to Joshua. Then Joshua asked them, “Who are you and where have you come from?” “Your servants have come from a very distant land,” they replied, “because of the fame of the LORD your God. For we have heard the reports about Him: all that He did in Egypt, and all that He did to the two kings of the Amorites beyond the Jordan—Sihon king of Heshbon and Og king of Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth. So the elders and inhabitants of our land told us, ‘Take provisions for your journey; go to meet them and say to them: We are your servants. Please make a treaty with us.’ This bread of ours was warm when we packed it at home on the day we left to come to you. But take a look, it is now dry and moldy. These wineskins were new when we filled them, but look, they are cracked. And these clothes and sandals are worn out from our very long journey.” Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek the counsel of the LORD. And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. Three days after they had made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites learned that they were neighbors, living among them. So the Israelites set out and on the third day arrived at their cities—Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the congregation had sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel. And the whole congregation grumbled against the leaders. All the leaders answered, “We have sworn an oath to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we cannot touch them. This is how we will treat them: We will let them live, so that no wrath will fall on us because of the oath we swore to them.” They continued, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation.” So the leaders kept their promise. Then Joshua summoned the Gibeonites and said, “Why did you deceive us by telling us you live far away from us, when in fact you live among us? Now therefore you are under a curse and will perpetually serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the house of my God.” The Gibeonites answered, “Your servants were told clearly that the LORD your God had commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land and wipe out all its inhabitants before you. So we greatly feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we have done this. Now we are in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you.” So Joshua did this and delivered them from the hands of the Israelites, and they did not kill the Gibeonites. On that day he made them woodcutters and water carriers, as they are to this day for the congregation of the LORD and for the altar at the place He would choose. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 3:19 | And next to him, Ezer son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section opposite the Ascent to the Armory, near the angle in the wall. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 2:7–8 | I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may letters be given to me for the governors west of the Euphrates, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah. And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 16:6 | Then King Asa brought all the men of Judah, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had used for building. And with these materials he built up Geba and Mizpah. |
Nehemiah 3:7 Summary
[Nehemiah 3:7 tells us about the people who worked together to repair the wall of Jerusalem, including Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah. They were all working under the authority of the governor of the region west of the Euphrates. This shows us the importance of teamwork and cooperation in achieving a common goal, as seen in Romans 12:4-5. By working together, they were able to accomplish something big and make their city a safer place, just like we can work together to build each other up and serve God, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Gibeonites and what role did they play in the repairs?
The Gibeonites were a group of people who lived in the city of Gibeon, which was located near Jerusalem, as mentioned in Joshua 9:17, and they worked together with the men of Mizpah under the authority of the governor of the region west of the Euphrates to repair the wall of Jerusalem.
What is the significance of the governor of the region west of the Euphrates in this verse?
The governor of the region west of the Euphrates was a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire, as seen in Ezra 5:3, and his authority over the men of Gibeon and Mizpah indicates that they were subject to his rule and worked under his supervision to repair the wall.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Nehemiah's rebuilding project?
This verse shows how different groups of people, including the Gibeonites and the men of Mizpah, worked together under various leaders to repair the wall of Jerusalem, demonstrating the unity and cooperation that characterized Nehemiah's project, as expressed in Nehemiah 2:18
What can we learn from the example of Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite in this verse?
We can learn from their example the importance of working together and contributing our skills and resources to achieve a common goal, as they did in repairing the wall of Jerusalem, and this is in line with the teachings of Ephesians 4:16
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach us about the value of teamwork and cooperation in achieving a common goal?
- How can we apply the example of the Gibeonites and the men of Mizpah to our own lives and work?
- What role do leaders and authorities play in facilitating the work of God's people, as seen in this verse?
- How does this verse encourage us to be faithful and diligent in our own work and service to God?
- In what ways can we demonstrate unity and cooperation in our own communities and churches, as seen in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 3:7
And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and Mizpah,.... Which places were both in the tribe of Benjamin, Joshua 18:25 and one of these men was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 3:7
But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:7
i.e. Unto the place where the governor of the country on this side the river Euphrates, for and under the Persian kings, sometimes had a palace or throne, to which all persons living in the adjacent parts were to resort for judgment.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:7
Nehemiah 3:7 And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.Ver. 7. Unto the throne of the governor] i.e. Of the king of Persia’ s viceroy, who had there his throne, or tribunal. But to what a height of pride were the bishops grown, that sat in thrones, and from on high despised their fellow servants! this was their ruin, God putts down the mighty from their throne, and exalts them of low degree, Luke 1:52.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:7
(7) Unto the throne.—Unto the seat of the pechah of the whole district this side the Euphrates: his residence when he came to Jerusalem.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:7
Verse 7. The throne of the governor] His house, and the place where he dispensed justice and judgment. Previously to the days of Nehemiah, Jerusalem was governed by a deputy from the Persian king; (see Ne 5:15;) but after this time they were governed by governors and judges chosen from among themselves.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 3:7
7. Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah] In this arrangement of names it is natural to see the names of two leaders followed by the description of their respective followers. Melatiah is thus at the head of the Gibeonites, Jadon at the head of the men of Mizpah. But as the latter is called ‘the Meronothite’ (see also 1 Chronicles 27:30), we conclude that Meronoth, his native place, must have been a village in the immediate neighbourhood of Mizpah. The men of Gibeon are included in Nehemiah 7:25 among those who returned with Zerubbabel (see the parallel passage, Ezra 2:20). Mizpah, about 3½ miles N. of Jerusalem, the modern Nebi-Samwil. Rulers of Mizpah are further on mentioned as concerned in the restoration of other portions of the wall (Nehemiah 3:15; Nehemiah 3:19). The men of Mizpah referred to in this verse may have been under different control (see next note). unto the throne of the governor on this side the river] R.V. which appertained to the throne of the governor beyond the river. This obscure clause has occasioned great difficulty. (a) According to the rendering of the A.V., it denotes the limit of the restoration undertaken by the men mentioned in this verse. ‘The throne of the governor, &c.’ will then be the official residence of the Persian satrap or the actual throne in which he sate dispensing justice.
The preposition ‘unto’ may be understood to mean, either that the governor’s house was built on the wall, and that the restoration mentioned in this verse reached this point; or that the governor’s ‘throne’ was in the vicinity, and the restoration was carried on to a point over against it. The chief objection to this rendering is the use of the word ‘throne.’ But it is more simple than the alternative rendering given below. And the supposition is very natural, that an official spot, close to the chief northern gate of the city (Nehemiah 3:6), should become a recognised landmark. The visit of the satrap of the country W. of the Euphrates to the provincial capitals would be a rare event; and the spot which symbolised his dignity would receive a distinctive name. (b) According to the rendering of the R.V., the clause is added by way of limitation after the mention of Mizpah. Mizpah it is supposed was partly under Jewish rulers (Nehemiah 3:15; Nehemiah 3:19), partly under the rule of the Persian provincial governor. The boundary passed through the district of Mizpah. ‘The men of Mizpah,’ mentioned here, represented the portion under Persian rule, in which perhaps the village of Maronoth was included. By the indulgence of the Persian rulers (cf. Nehemiah 2:7) a contingent was permitted to render aid to their brethren. The phrase ‘the throne of the governor beyond the river’ will then be a technical term of authority in vogue among the Jews during the Persian supremacy. ‘Throne’ in the sense of ‘rule’ is poetical, cf.
Psalms 89:29; Psalms 89:36.
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 3:7
Unto the throne ... - The meaning is thought to be “the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, who, though they worked for Nehemiah, were not under his government, but belonged to the jurisdiction of the governor
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:7
7. Meronothite — A native or inhabitant of Meronoth, but no place of this name is now known. Compare 1 Chronicles 27:30. Unto the throne of the governor — The official residence of the Persian governor of Jerusalem.
Sermons on Nehemiah 3:7
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Joshua (Part 7): Don't Let Failure Be Final by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of failure and recovery using the story of Joshua in the book of Joshua chapter 9. The people of Gibeon deceive Joshua and the Israe |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 319 by Don Courville | Don Courville discusses the theme of deception, drawing from the biblical account of Joshua and the Gibeonites to illustrate how easily one can be misled. He emphasizes the importa |
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Bristol Conference 1975-10 Nehemiah - His Plan by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a plan when doing God's work. He uses the example of Nehemiah, a saint who revealed his heart and hope to the king. N |
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Nehemiah 2:7 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's hand in all circumstances, as demonstrated by Nehemiah's response to the dire state of Jerusalem. Nehemiah's sorrow led |