Nehemiah 3:26

“Moreover, the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, etc.] An high tower upon the wait, in this part of it, (see <142703>2 Chronicles 27:3), these were servants to the Levites, and repaired here, where their dwellings were: unto the place over against the water gate toward the east: and as one part of their work was to fetch water for the temple, they were here very properly situated; it led to the king’s garden, the valley of Jehoshaphat, and from thence a plain way to Bethany: and the tower that lieth out; from the wall.”

“the Nethinims--Not only the priests and the Levites, but the common persons that belonged to the house of God, contributed to the work. The names of those who repaired the walls of Jerusalem are commemorated because it was a work of piety and patriotism to repair the holy city. It was an instance of religion and courage to defend the true worshippers of God, that they might serve Him in quietness and safety, and, in the midst of so many enemies, go on with this work, piously confiding in the power of God to support them [BISHOP PATRICK]. Next: Nehemiah Chapter 4”

“The constant mention of “priests,” “Levites,” and Nethinims,” sufficiently indicates that the writer is here concerned with the sacerdotal quarter, that immediately about the temple. Nehemiah 3:18 Bavai - Or, “Binnui” Nehemiah 3:24; Nehemiah 10:9. The armoury at the turning of the wall - literally, “the armoury of the corner.” The northwestern corner of the special wall of the “city of David” seems to be intended. See Nehemiah 3:1 note. Nehemiah 3:20 The other piece - Rather, “another piece.” The notice of Baruch’s first piece, like that of Malchijah’s and Hashub’s Nehemiah 3:11, seems to have slipped out of the text. Nehemiah 3:22 The word here translated “plain” is applied in the rest of…”

“Nethinims: Neh 7:46-56, Neh 10:28; Ch1 9:2; Ezra 2:43-58 dwelt: etc. or, which dwelt in Ophel, repaired unto Ophel: or, the tower. Neh 3:27, Neh 11:21; Ch2 27:3, Ch2 33:14 the water: The water gate is supposed to have been that by which the Nethinim brought in water for the use of the temple. Neh 8:1, Neh 8:3, Neh 12:37 Nehemiah 3:27”

“Having now reached the place where the wall encloses Ophel, a remark is inserted, Neh 3:26, on the dwellings of Nethinim, i.e., of the temple servants. The Nethinim dwelt in Ophel as far as (the place) before the water-gate toward the east, and the tower that standeth out. הי המּגדּל still depends upon נגד עד. The water-gate towards the east, judging from Neh 12:37, lay beyond the south-eastern corner of the temple area. Bertheau, reasoning upon the view that the open space of the house of God, where Ezra spoke to the assembled people ( Ezr 10:9), is identical with the open place before the water-gate mentioned Neh 8:1, Neh 8:3, Neh 8:16, places it on the east side of the temple area, near…”