The Fountain Gate was repaired by Shallun son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah. He rebuilt it, roofed it, and installed its doors, bolts, and bars. He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Shelah near the king's garden, as far as the stairs that descend from the City of David. The Fountain Gate was repaired by Shallun son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah.Situated near Jerusalem’s principal water supply, the Fountain Gate likely served those drawing water from the Gihon Spring and the nearby pool. Shallun’s leadership in Mizpah shows that the rebuilding work drew support from beyond Jerusalem itself, uniting civic leaders and surrounding districts in restoring the city. Neh 2:14-15 Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool,… He rebuilt it, roofed it, and installed its doors, bolts, and bars. Shallun completed the gate as a secure defensive structure. Its roof protected the entrance, while its doors, bolts, and bars enabled the city to control access and guard against attack. 2Ch 14:7 So he said to the people of Judah, “Let us build… He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Shelah near the king’s garden, The Pool of Shelah, or Siloam, received water from the Gihon Spring and was vital to Jerusalem’s survival during siege. The nearby king’s garden lay in an important area near the royal center, making this section of the wall both strategically and practically significant. 2Ki 25:4 Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans… as far as the stairs that descend from the City of David. The repairs extended along the eastern slope to the ancient City of David, Jerusalem’s original fortified settlement. The stairs connected the upper city with the lower areas near the water source, preserving access through one of the city’s oldest and most important regions. Neh 12:37 At the Fountain Gate they went directly up the steps… Persons / Places / Events 1. ShallunThe son of Col-Hozeh and ruler of the district of Mizpah. He played a significant role in the rebuilding efforts of Jerusalem's walls, specifically the Fountain Gate. 2. Col-Hozeh The father of Shallun, mentioned here to identify Shallun's lineage and possibly his authority or influence. 3. Mizpah A district in Judah, over which Shallun was a ruler. Mizpah is historically significant as a place of gathering and covenant renewal in Israel's history. 4. Fountain Gate One of the gates of Jerusalem, significant for its proximity to water sources, which were vital for the city's sustenance and defense. 5. Pool of Shelah Also known as the Pool of Siloam, an important water source in Jerusalem, located near the King’s Garden. 6. King’s Garden A notable area in Jerusalem, likely a royal garden, indicating the importance of the location Shallun was working on. 7. City of David The oldest settled area of Jerusalem, named after King David, who established it as the capital of Israel. Teaching Points Leadership and ResponsibilityShallun, as a ruler, took personal responsibility for the repair work. Leaders are called to be actively involved in the work they oversee, setting an example for others. Community Involvement The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was a communal effort. Each person had a role, demonstrating the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving a common goal. Spiritual Renewal Just as the physical walls were rebuilt, believers are called to examine and repair the spiritual "walls" of their lives, ensuring they are fortified against spiritual attacks. Significance of Water Water is a recurring symbol of life and purification in Scripture. The repair of the Fountain Gate and Pool of Shelah underscores the necessity of spiritual sustenance and cleansing. Historical Continuity The mention of the City of David and the King’s Garden connects the present work to the rich history of God's people, reminding us of the importance of heritage and legacy in our faith journey. Bible Study Questions 1. What qualities of leadership can we learn from Shallun's involvement in the rebuilding of the Fountain Gate?2. How does the communal effort in Nehemiah 3 reflect the New Testament teaching on the body of Christ working together? 3. In what ways can we identify and repair the "gates" and "walls" in our spiritual lives that may be broken or neglected? 4. How does the strategic importance of water in Jerusalem's history relate to the spiritual significance of water in the Bible? 5. What lessons can we draw from the historical continuity of Jerusalem's structures and apply them to maintaining our spiritual heritage today? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 20:20This verse mentions Hezekiah's construction of a pool and a tunnel to bring water into the city, which connects to the significance of the Pool of Shelah and the Fountain Gate in providing water to Jerusalem. John 9:7 Jesus instructs a blind man to wash in the Pool of Siloam (Shelah), highlighting the pool's continued importance in New Testament times. Isaiah 22:9-11 These verses describe the preparations made by Hezekiah to secure Jerusalem's water supply, emphasizing the strategic importance of water sources like the Pool of Shelah.
People Ananiah, Azariah, Azbuk, Baana, Bani, Baruch, Bavai, Benjamin, Berechiah, Besodeiah, Binnui, Colhozeh, David, Eliashib, Ezer, Gibeon, Hakkoz, Hallohesh, Halohesh, Hananiah, Hanun, Harhaiah, Harim, Harumaph, Hashabiah, Hashabniah, Hashub, Hassenaah, Hasshub, Hattush, Henadad, Hur, Immer, Imri, Jadon, Jedaiah, Jehoiada, Jeshua, Joiada, Koz, Levites, Maaseiah, Malchiah, Malchijah, Melatiah, Meremoth, Meshezabeel, Meshullam, Nehemiah, Pahathmoab, Palal, Parosh, Paseah, Pedaiah, Rechab, Rehum, Rephaiah, Shallum, Shallun, Shecaniah, Shechaniah, Shelah, Shelemiah, Shemaiah, Tekoites, Uriah, Urijah, Uzai, Uzziel, Zabbai, Zaccai, Zaccur, Zadok, Zalaph, ZurPlaces Beth-haccherem, Beth-zur, Beyond the River, Broad Wall, Dung Gate, East Gate, Fish Gate, Fountain Gate, Gate of Yeshanah, Gibeon, Horse Gate, Jericho, Jerusalem, Keilah, Mizpah, Muster Gate, Ophel, Pool of Shelah, Sheep Gate, Tower of Hananel, Tower of the Hundred, Tower of the Ovens, Valley Gate, Water Gate, ZanoahTopics Bars, Bolts, Build, Building, Built, Chief, Colhozeh, Col-hozeh, Colho'zeh, Cover, Covered, Covering, David, Descend, District, Division, Doors, Doorway, Fountain, Fountain-gate, Garden, Gate, Hung, King's, Locks, Mizpah, Official, Pool, Putting, Rebuilt, Repaired, Rods, Roofing, Ruler, Shallum, Shallun, Shelah, Siloah, Siloam, Spring, Stairs, Steps, Strengthened, Thereof, Town, WallDictionary of Bible Themes Nehemiah 3:15 4240 garden, natural Library 'Over against his House''The priests repaired every one over against his house.'--NEH. iii. 28. The condition of our great cities has lately been forced upon public attention, and all kinds of men have been offering their panaceas. I am not about to enter upon that discussion, but I am glad to seize the opportunity of saying one or two things which I think very much need to be said to individual Christian people about their duty in the matter. 'Every man over against his house' is the principle I desire to commend to you … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Broad Wall Divers Matters. Some Buildings in Acra. Bezeiha. Millo. The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3 Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam. Ezra-Nehemiah Links Nehemiah 3:15 NIVNehemiah 3:15 NLT Nehemiah 3:15 ESV Nehemiah 3:15 NASB Nehemiah 3:15 KJV Nehemiah 3:15 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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