Nehemiah 3 · Grade 5

The Body at Work

Name Date

Read and Think

Nehemiah 3 reads like a construction roster, and that is its point. The chapter moves around the wall, gate by gate, naming who built each section. It begins with Eliashib the high priest, who with the priests built and sanctified the sheep gate. Spiritual leaders went first.

The list is remarkable for its variety. Goldsmiths and perfumers, men used to fine work, hauled stone. Rulers of half-districts labored beside common men. Shallum repaired with his daughters. Men came from Jericho, Tekoa, Gibeon, and Mizpah. Many repaired the portion across from their own houses, guarding what they loved most.

Not everyone joined. The nobles of the Tekoites did not put their necks to the Lord's work. Yet the ordinary Tekoites repaired a second section. Scripture remembers both. In the New Testament, Paul says the church is one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12:12). Nehemiah's wall is a picture of that truth.

Show What You Know

Who built the first section named?
What shows the variety of the builders?
What portion did many people repair?
What did the nobles of the Tekoites fail to do?
What New Testament picture fits this chapter?

Crossword

Across

Fixed up.
A gate named after something from the sea.
they built the ____ gate

Down

Eliashib and his brothers were these.
everyone across from his own ____

Think About It

Scripture records both those who worked and those who refused. What does that teach about how God values faithfulness?
Paul says each member of the body is needed. What part do you think God has given you in your church right now?

Memory Verse

“Above the horse gate, the priests made repairs, everyone across from his own house.”

Nehemiah 3:28 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for letting me help. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

How is the church like the builders of the wall?
Where can you help in God's work this week?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?