Nehemiah 3:1-32
3:1 The first portion of the wall the leaders of Israel undertook for repair was the Sheep Gate in the north of the kingdom. The high priest and his fellow priests were responsible for the Sheep Gate. In scripture, sheep are significant: not only is Jesus the sacrificial lamb, but God's children are symbolized as His flock of sheep. The Lord is our shepherd. For Jerusalem to thrive once again, it needed to focus on the protection of the sheep.
Moreover, Jerusalem needed to commit to sacrifice to God; in their day, sacrifice meant animal sacrifice. In our day, God asks for thankfulness, Psalm 50:14: a spirit and lifestyle of gratitude to God. Both Israel and Judah had fallen because the people neglected, opposed and eventually forgot God. They disposed their spirit of gratitude for all that He had provided and replaced Him with corrupt desires.
Each portion of the wall represents (protects) an aspect of the lifestyle lived within the kingdom.
3:6-7 The rebuilding of the Old Gate.
3:8-13 The rebuilding of the western portion Jerusalem's wall.
3:14 The rebuilding of the southern portion of Jerusalem's wall.
3:15-32 The rebuilding of the eastern portion of Jerusalem's wall.
The development of our faith is the development of a comprehensive border around our lives. Reparation is fortification; and when we arduously, steadfastly commit to spiritual reparation, God fortifies our lives.
1 Peter 5:10God resourcefully uses the details our journey to fortify us. Jerusalem was spiritually broken down but the faithful, righteous community of fellow-workers under God created a renewed atmosphere of impenetrable strength.
...may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
