A Pisgah-sight of Palestine and the confines thereof with the history of the Old and New Testament acted thereon / by Thomas Fuller ...

CHAP. V. Observations on the repairers of the walls of Jerusalem, in the days of Nehemiah.

§ 1. MInisters ought to leade the Van,* 1.1 and be the first, and forwardest in all pious projects. Behold here Eliashib the high Priest, with the Priests his brethren, begin the work, and built the Sheep-gate. A gate ministeriall unto the Temple, (through which the sheep were brought intended for sacrifices) and therefore, as it was fit it should have the preheminence to be first repaired: so the Priests were the most proper persons to be imployed therein. Of this gate it is solely, and singularly said, that theya 1.2 sanctified it, which dedication speaks it set apart to holy service as introductory of the offerings into the house of God.

§ 2. Great is the influence of the Pastours example,* 1.3 on the peoples practise. Many hands make light work, behold a troop of buil∣ders cometh,

of all

• Professions, private persons, publick officers, whole families of all jointly, Levites, Merchants, Gold-smiths, Apothecaries &c.
• of all Places, from Iericho, Tekoa, Gibeon, Mizpah, Zanoah &c.
• Sexes, both men and women. Next repaired Shallion the son of Halloesh, the ruler of the half of Ierusalem, he,d 1.4 and his daughters.

What, had their tender hands any skill to carve stones, or weak shoulders any strength to carry morter? Or, was it sutable with the modesty of their sex, to clime ladders, clamber scaffolds, seeing there is no acting for any builders, but upon such stages? Surely they refused no pains pro∣portionable with decency to their power; and what was wanting in their persons, supplied with their purse, expending it (perchanc••) out of their own portions. And, if orphans money put into the Chamber of London, be accounted so sure; God (no doubt) did repay, what they laid out on the walls of Ierusalem.

§ 3. Now whereas Shallum their Father is styled ruler of the half part of Ierusalem,* 1.5 rather subtile then solid is the note of Tremelliuse 1.6 thereupon. For, saith he, Ierusalem being in two Tribes (Iudah and Benjamin) had therefore two rulers thereof. Not considering, how in the same Chapter, other smaller Cities, and those undoubtedly whole and entire in one Tribe, had notwithstanding two governours over them, and those be∣nefactours to the building of Ierusalem; As

• ...Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler off 1.7 part of Beth-haccarem. Shallum the son of Col-hozeh,* 1.8 the ruler of part of Mizpah. Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of theh 1.9 half part of Beth-zur. Hashabiah, the ruler of the halfi 1.10 part of Keilah. Banai the son of Henadad, the ruler of thek 1.11 half part of Keilah.

Now the dividing of the command of the City betwixt two Gover∣nours, so usuall at this very time, and no•• notably extant in Scripture, be∣fore, or after the days of Neh••miah, leads us to this probable opinion, that immediately upon the Iews return from Babylon, the Persian Empe∣rour (from whom all Commissions were derived) would not entrust any Iew with the sole rule of a strong City, but for the better security, parted it betwixt two, who had joint, but distinct dominion therein: That whilst they with mutuall jealousie observed the actions each of other, both might preserve the interest of their Master.

§ 4. In building the Old gate two co-founders were joined together,* 1.12 namely,

• 1 Iehoiada the son ofl 1.13 Paseah.
• 2 Meshullam the son of Besodaiah.

I will not say that as York Minster was built by Percym 1.14 and Vavasour, the one giving stone, the other timber to that structure: so the building of this gate was in like manner advanced betwixt them; but hence observe, that it is no shame for one to admit a partner in that weighty work, which he caunot weild by himself. Blame worthy their pride, or peevishness,

who will not have that good design done at all, which can not all be done by themselves.

§ 5. Whereas Malchiah the son of Rechah is recorded builder of the Dung-gate (no needless port in that City,* 1.15 seeing in populous places, Per∣fumers may be spared with less loss to the publick, then Scavangers) somen 1.16 conceive this Malchiah to have been a Rechabite by descent, and a ceremonious observer of their Ancestours instructions, not to drinko 1.17 wine, nor build house, but to live in tents, with other Canonicall obediences. Nor was this building of the wall of Ierusalem any breach of their vow; partly; because a publick, no private edifice; and partly, because those their ceremonious observances, probably terminated at the Babylonish captivity. This Malchiah they make heir of the family of the Rech••bites, according to the Propheticall promise, that one of that housep 1.18 should not fail to stand before God for ever. But, whether herein Interpreters doe not take more then the text tenders unto them, be it reported to others.

§ 6. It is signally observed,* 1.19 that Hanun theq 1.20 sixth son of Zalaph, re∣paired a piece of the wall. But, where were his five elder brethren? Were they dead, or absent, or idle, or impotent? The Scripture giveth no ac∣count of them, onely the sixth son is recorded for his forwardness here∣in. In matters of piety, there is no standing on useless (yea on dange∣rous) modesty. No breach of good manners, to goe before our betters in goodness, or for the younger brother in nature, to gain the birth-right in grace.

§ 7. It is said of Baruch the son of Zabbai verse 20.* 1.21 (and of him alone it is said) that he earnestlyr 1.22 repaired the other piece. What, did the others work but in jest, because this Accent earnestly, is onely put over the piece he re∣paired? Is not this mark of honour on him, a brand of infamy on the rest? No surely, though probably his zeal was paramount in the em∣ployment; and what if the word earnestly▪ (set there almost in the very midst, amongst all the builders) be to be taken 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, relating to all the rest, before, and behind it?

§ 8. It is observed,* 1.23 that many men repaired onely against their own s 1.24 houses. This, though at the first sight it may seem the fruit but of a nar∣row soul, and private spirit, yet effectually advanced the work. Yea, it is particularly recorded of Meshullam the son of Berechiah, who likely was but a lodger, and no house-keeper, that he repaired overt 1.25 against his Chamber. Oh, if order were observed for every one to mend his own heart, or house, how would personall amendment by degrees quickly produce family-city-countrey-kingdome-reformation? How soon are those streets made clean, where every one sweeps against his own door?

§ 9. Some doubled their files,* 1.26 as Merimoth the son of Urijah the son of Coz, who having formerly been a repairer (verse 4.) comes again the second time to build (verse 21.) out of doubt the same person, as having the

same name, father, and grand-father. Let him have double praise, for his double pains; who not being weary of well doing, dealt with the wall of Ierusalem, as the Philippians with Saint Paul,u 1.27 once and again relieving the necessity thereof.

§ 10. The nobles of Tekoah are taxed for not putting their necks to the work w 1.28 of their Lord.* 1.29 Strange that now they should discover such unseasonable pride. Had they not lately returned from Babylon? Could not seventy years banishment from their own, and captivity in a forein land, hum∣ble them to purpose? Me thinks, so long suffering should have broken (though not their hearts) their stomacks. But, oh the difference be∣twixt being low, and being lowly! No affictions, except seasoned, and sanctified, are sufficient to bring down mens naturall corruption. This negligence of the Tekoite nobility in Gods cause was so much the more con∣spicuous, because of the double diligence of the Tekoite commoners there∣in; for, they had two shares in this adventure, building, Nehem. 3. v. 5. and again they had verse 27. another bout in the same service. Except any will say, that by the Tekoites in the second mention of them, their nobility are intended; who, sensible of their own dishonour, for their former backwardness, played an after-game, to repair their credit; which is af∣firmed without any proof, and with little probability.

§ 11. Some here will demand,* 1.30 What did Nehemiah himselfe all the while? did he onely look on, work with his eyes, and command others to labour? Or was he like the Scribesx 1.31 and Pharisees, who bind heavy bur∣thens, and grievous to be born, and lay them on mens shoulders, but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers?

§ 12. It is answered,* 1.32 his zeal was active, and exemplary in Gods work, and therein expressed it self,

• 1 Privatively, in forbearing the salary of the Governour, which his predecessours did, and he might justly receive. In this re∣spect, one may truly say, that each gate, tower, and piece of wall in Ierusalem, was in part repaired with Nehemiah's money, because the builders thereof were the better enabled for that work, by his remitting unto them, the taxe due to him as Governour.
• 2 Positively, not onely forbearing his own right, but also bearing a large proportion in the work. He kept a daily Ordinary (thanks being the onely shot his guests were to pay) for an hundred and fifty Iews, and Rulers, besides strangers of the Heathen. How many attendants then dined on the reversion, at the waiters ta∣ble? and how many poor feasted on the fragments, at the Por∣ters lodge? It may be presumed many laborers at the wall had gone supperless to bed, had they not repaired to Nehemiah's house for their refection.

As for the opinion of Tremellius, that Nehemiah built the Kings palace at his own charge, grounding the same on his own translation of the text,

because I finde no other Authours to follow him therein, it is enough barely to mention his opinion.

§ 13. At the Sheep-gate they began to repaire,* 1.33 and thereat also they ended. The Gold-smiths and Merchants brought up the Rere of the work,y 1.34 betwixt the going up of the corner unto the sheep-gate.

§ 14. Within the circumference of the walls, lay much ground un∣inhabited,* 1.35 people being loth to live therein, exceptz 1.36 by lot compelled thereunto, and alla 1.37 blessed such as willingly offered themselves to dwell therein. Strange, that the chiefe City should run so low in generall reputation, the Gallants of our age being otherwise minded, all posting unto the principall place of the kingdome, as the fountain of fashions, and all delights. I read indeed of Histria a province under the Venetian Com∣mon-wealth, that they are fain tob 1.38 hire people to inhabit there. But the reason thereof is visible, because of the unwholsomeness of the aire, whereas no such pretence for any to decline the City of Ierusalem, whose elevated situation, conduced much to the purity, and wholsomeness thereof.

§ 15. But mens unwillingness to dwell therein,* 1.39 took the rise from other reasons▪ as namely,

• 1 The common enemy beheld it with most envious eyes, as the proper object of his malice.
• 2 The vast circuit of the City, put them to hard duty to guard it.
• 3 Trading was dead therein, and little wealth to be gotten at the new erection thereof.
• 4 All coveted the countrey, for the privacy, pleasure, and profit there∣of.

However in after ages, Ierusalem grew exceeding populous, and had all the vacuities thereof filled, yea crowded with inhabitants. Thus, as it is most easie and thrifty, to make childrens garments too big for their bo∣dies, because they will quickly grow up to their clothes: so providence advised Nehemiah, to make the circumference of Infant-Ierusalem the larger, as which, in process of time, would soon spread it self, to the re∣plenishing thereof.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The high Priest begins the building.
• a 1.2

  Nehem. 3. 1.
• * 1.3

  People of all sorts second them.
• d 1.4

  Nehem. 3. 12.
• * 1.5

  Why after the captivity, two governours to one city.
• e 1.6

  Vid•• ejus Annot. in Nehem. 3. 12.
• f 1.7

  Ibid. ver. 14.
• * 1.8

  Ibid. ver. 15.
• h 1.9

  Ibid. ver. 16.
• i 1.10

  Ibid. ver. 17.
• k 1.11

  Ibid. ver. 18.
• * 1.12

  The builders of one gate.
• l 1.13

  Nehem. 3. 6▪
• m 1.14

  Camd. B••it. in the descrip. of York-shire.
• * 1.15

  The founder of the Dung-gate conce••∣ved by so••e a R••chabite.
• n 1.16

  Villalpandus in locum.
• o 1.17

  Ier. 35. 6.
• p 1.18

  Ibid. ver. 19.
• * 1.19

  Younger be∣fore the elder in goodness.
• q 1.20

  Neh. 3. 30.
• * 1.21

  Baruch repai∣red earnestly.
• r 1.22

  Neh. 3. 20.
• * 1.23

  Persons repa••∣ring against their own houses.
• s 1.24

  Ibid. ver. 28. 29. &c.
• t 1.25

  Ibid. ver. 30.
• * 1.26

  Doublers with credit in the work.
• u 1.27

  Phil. 4. 16.
• w 1.28

  Nehem. 3. 5.
• * 1.29

  The degene∣rous nobles of Tekoah.
• * 1.30

  Quaere concer∣ning Nehemiah.
• x 1.31

  Mat. 23. 4.
• * 1.32

  Answer, with his privative and po••••tive bounty to this buil∣ding.
• * 1.33

  The conclusi∣on of the work.
• y 1.34

  Nehem. 3. 3••.
• * 1.35

  Ierusalem em∣ptied of inha∣bitants, when rebuilded by Nehemiah.
• z 1.36

  Neh. 11. 1.
• a 1.37

  Ibid. ver. 2.
• b 1.38

  B••terus.
• * 1.39

  Why men loth to live in Ie∣rusalem.