And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.

NEHEMIAH 3:19KJV
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Nehemiah 3:19 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 3:19 mean?

Nehemiah 3:19 records that Ezer, the son of Jeshua and ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section of Jerusalem’s wall, specifically near the area leading up to the armory at a turning point in the wall. This verse highlights Ezer’s leadership and the specific location of his work during the rebuilding of the city’s defenses.

The book of Nehemiah describes how different leaders and groups took responsibility for repairing sections of Jerusalem’s wall after the Babylonian exile. In this verse, the focus is on Ezer, a local official, and the particular stretch he repaired, which was strategically important because it was near the armory and a bend in the wall. The verse is part of a detailed list showing the organized and communal effort to restore the city.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 3:19

  • "Repaired" (חָזַק, ḥāzaq): This word means to strengthen or make strong, emphasizing that Ezer was not just patching up the wall but reinforcing it, likely making it more secure than before.
  • "Piece" (מִדָּה, middāh): This term refers to a measured section or portion, showing that the work was divided into specific, manageable assignments for each leader or group.
  • "Armoury" (נֶשֶׁק, nesheq): This word points to a place where weapons were stored, highlighting the military importance of this part of the wall and why it needed careful attention.
  • "Turning" (מִקְצוֹעַ, miqtso'a): This refers to an angle or corner, indicating that Ezer’s work was at a bend in the wall, which would have been a structurally significant and possibly vulnerable spot.

Why Nehemiah 3:19 matters

  • This verse shows the careful organization and planning behind the wall’s reconstruction, with each leader responsible for a specific, strategic area.
  • By mentioning the armory and the turning of the wall, the verse highlights the practical concerns for the city’s defense, not just its appearance.
  • The verse connects to the larger narrative of Nehemiah 3, where the communal effort and cooperation of many individuals and groups are emphasized, showing the unity and determination of the returned exiles.

Where else these words appear

“Ezer” Hebrew H5829 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 4:4 And Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah. These are the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah, the father of Bethlehem.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:9 Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,
  • Nehemiah 12:42 And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer.

“armoury” Hebrew H5402 · used in 10 verses

  • 1 Kings 10:25 And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armour, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.
  • Job 20:24 He shall flee from the iron weapon, and the bow of steel shall strike him through.
  • Isaiah 22:8 And he discovered the covering of Judah, and thou didst look in that day to the armour of the house of the forest.

“turning” Hebrew H4740 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 26:24 And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.
  • Nehemiah 3:20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
  • Ezekiel 41:22 The altar of wood was three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, were of wood: and he said unto me, This is the table that is before the LORD.

“Jeshua” Hebrew H3442 · used in 29 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 24:11 The ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah,
  • Ezra 4:3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.
  • Nehemiah 9:4 Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God.