ELiashib the high priest] The nephew of Jehoshuah, chap. 12. 10.
they built the sheep-gate] Here is an exact description of the gates of Jerusalem in order as they stood. The sheep-gate here: the fish-gate next on the right-hand, v. 3. Then the old-gate, v. 6. Next was the valley-gate, v. 13. After that the dung-gate, v. 14. Then the fountain-gate, v. 15.
Next was the water-gate, v. 26. After that the horse-gate, v. 28. Then the east-gate, v. 29. Lastly, the gate Miphkad, which was the prison-gate, v. 31. chap. 12. 39. This appears to be the order for these reasons. First, when Nehemiah went to view them, chap. 2. v. 12, 13. those few gates there named, stand in the rank they do here.
Secondly, in repairing the wall in this third chapter, they begin and end at the sheep-gate. Thirdly, many of these stand in the same posture, chap. 12. 31. at the dedication of the wall: for one company goes on the right-hand to the dung-gate, the other on the left, and both meet at the prison-gate, chap. 12. 39.
they sanctified it] Dedicated it to the LORD by prayer, when they had finished it, Deuteronomy 20:5. desiring God to maintain it. Or, appointed it for the use of the temple, that sacrifices might be had there at hand in the market, and other things.
unto the tower of Meah] Heb. of Hammeah. Or, to the hundredth tower: or, it might have one hundred pinacles: or, be one hundred foot high. For Meah signifies an hundred.
unto the tower of Hananeel] Chap. 12. 39. Jerem. 31. 38. Zechariah 14:10.