v1-32: This chapter lists those who shared in the work if building the wall. This is more than just a list of names, but an insight into the people of God serving God.

The first man listed was Eliashib, the High Priest (v1); his name means, 'God will restore'. He certainly provided an example. His name perhaps provides a prophetic word for the whole work. Christ is the first born from the dead (Col 1.18); and we are fellow workers with Him (1 Cor 3.9); such is the privilege and responsibility for all Christians.

Notice also that Eliashib's house was in a different place (v20-21); he did not repair the wall next to his own house. It seems also that his house was actually part of the wall.

Men came from different places; Jericho (v2); Tekoa (v5); Gibeon and Mizpah (v7); Zanoah (v13); Ophel (v26).

The nobles did not work (v5); perhaps considering that such work was beneath them; compare Judg 5.14-15. Not only did the Tekoaites carry on without them, but they built another section (v27). Meremoth, son of Uriah also built two sections (v4, 21).

Many shared in the work whose gifts and skills lay elsewhere; priests (v1); goldsmiths (v8, 31); perfumers (v8); leaders (v14, 15); Levites (v17); Nethinim (temple servants) (v26); merchants (v32). Just because we are gifted in one area, we must not exclude ourselves from other service; we do need to be adaptable.

People already living in Jerusalem helped in the work; see v11, where the names match with those in Ezra 2.6, 32 and Ezra 10.30-31.

Shallum worked with his daughters (v12); as in Romans 16, women were involved in God's work.

The gates of the city; Sheep Gate (v1); Fish Gate (v3); Jeshanah (Old) Gate (v6); Valley Gate (v13); Dung (Refuse) Gate (v14); Fountain Gate (v15); Water Gate (v26); Horse Gate (v28); East Gate (v29); Inspection Gate (v31).