King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 7:1 Mean?

“Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,”

Context

Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,

That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.

And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

VII. (1-4) Measures were taken for the security of the city, now made a complete fortress. The comparative thinness of the population taxed the governor’s resources, and the result appears at a later stage. (1) **Were appointed.**—*Placed in charge,* probably over all the walls. This was an extraordinary provision, to be explained by the fact that these organised bodies formed a large proportion of the inhabitants. The Levites had usually guarded only the Temple. (2) **Hanani.**—Who probably had returned from Susa with his brother. **Hananiah the ruler of the palace.**—*Commander of the fortress,* as in Nehemiah 2:8. He was in the immediate service of the Persian king, but his chief recommendation was his piety, which distinguished him from too many of the other rulers. (3) **Until the sun be hot.**—General directions were given that the gates should not be thrown open so early as sunrise; they were to be opened and barred again while the guard was present; and the inhabitants were to be divided for night-watches, part on the walls and part before their own houses. (4) **Large and great.**—Literally, *broad on both sides,* with large unoccupied spaces. **The houses were not builded.**—In sufficient numbers to provide the requisite population for the city of God. The emphasis is on the fact that the people were few.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 7:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.