Nehemiah Inspects Jerusalem’s Walls

11 I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days(A) 12 I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.

13 By night I went out through the Valley Gate(B) toward the Jackal[a] Well and the Dung Gate,(C) examining the walls(D) of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. 14 Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate(E) and the King’s Pool,(F) but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; 15 so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. 16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.

17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire.(G) Come, let us rebuild the wall(H) of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.(I)

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Footnotes

  1. Nehemiah 2:13 Or Serpent or Fig

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