The Valley Gate was repaired by Hanun and the residents of Zanoah. They rebuilt it and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. They also repaired five hundred yards of the wall as far as the Dung Gate.
Nehemiah 3:13
Last time we saw a chunk of the wall being rebuilt by a wide variety of people. The collaboration, beginning with places near home for some, challenges me to rally with others for a singular kingdom cause.
Today we get to view another large section being tackled by one group and their leader: The residents of Zanoah and their leader, Hanun. Here’s our trusty map:
The section in our verses today stretches from the Tower of the Ovens (top middle) clear to the Dung Gate (top left). We first heard about the Dung Gate during Nehemiah’s covert wall inspection at night. Many scholars believe it refers to 2 Kings 23:10 and the babies which were sacrificed by fire to the false god of Molech under Manasseh, king of Judah. The word dung itself means ash, refuse.
And Hanun and the people of Zanoah built all the way to it. In a strictly practical sense, the Dung Gate led to the rubbish dump. Our rebuilders needed to secure such a gate with a wall around it. Because every time people gather, there is a need to put our garbage and waste somewhere.
What are we doing with the places of dung in our life? In our past, our nation’s history, our relationships, our own hearts? We have to deal with it, if only in a practical sense. It will stink up the place if we don’t. And fortunately, our Savior has done everything needed to deal with it.
Friends, let’s allow the God-Man Who walked a march of death outside the city wall to apply His light to our darkness. He can take what stinks and turn it into the aroma of His Spirit, a sweet offering rising like incense to the Most High.
Let’s let Him.