Neh 3:3 | KingComments | STEP | The Fish Gate This is the second gate we encounter. The Fish Gate is known in the days of the first temple as one of the main entrances to Jerusalem ( ; ). It owes its name to the merchants who bring in their fish for the fish markets from Tyre or Lake Galilee ( ). The Fish Gate is reminiscent of the gospel. The Lord Jesus turns His disciples into “fishers of men” ( ). Through the preaching of the gospel, people are brought into the city of God through the Fish Gate. The gate speaks of supervision. Care must be taken to ensure that a biblical gospel is brought. Only through the preaching of a Biblical gospel people come to repentance and new life. If the preaching is adapted to people’s tastes, only feeling or reason is addressed. The conscience remains untouched. People who believe because of the benefit the gospel gives them (cf. ) do not belong in the city of God. Those who work at the Fish Gate must see to it (cf. ). There are also people who offer the gospel as merchandise. They suppose that “the fear of God is a profit [source]” ( ), a matter of financial gain. These are the bread preachers; they preach because it is their profession, not because the Spirit urges them to do so. Following a theological education is open to everyone. One does not have to be converted. On the basis of their diploma they moderate the right to participate in the building of the Fish Gate. The city of God is not waiting for such builders. They must be excluded from the building site. The sons of Hassenaah The sons of Hassenaah are mentioned among those who have returned from exile ( ; ). In number, it is the largest group that has returned from Babylon. They are rebuilding the Fish Gate. We do not hear how many sons are at work. However, it is mentioned that they meticulously finish every part of the gate. Of them it is mentioned that they provided the Fish Gate with beams and bolts and bars. This is what is neglected by Eliashib when building the Sheep Gate ( ).

‏ Nehemiah 3:3

The Fish Gate – the Sons of Hassenaah

The Fish Gate

This is the second gate we encounter. The Fish Gate is known in the days of the first temple as one of the main entrances to Jerusalem (Zep 1:10; 2Chr 33:14). It owes its name to the merchants who bring in their fish for the fish markets from Tyre or Lake Galilee (Neh 13:16).

The Fish Gate is reminiscent of the gospel. The Lord Jesus turns His disciples into “fishers of men” (Mk 1:17). Through the preaching of the gospel, people are brought into the city of God through the Fish Gate. The gate speaks of supervision. Care must be taken to ensure that a biblical gospel is brought. Only through the preaching of a Biblical gospel people come to repentance and new life.

If the preaching is adapted to people’s tastes, only feeling or reason is addressed. The conscience remains untouched. People who believe because of the benefit the gospel gives them (cf. Jn 6:26 ; Jn 2:23-25) do not belong in the city of God. Those who work at the Fish Gate must see to it (cf. Mt 13:47-48).

There are also people who offer the gospel as merchandise. They suppose that “the fear of God is a profit [source]” (1Tim 6:5), a matter of financial gain. These are the bread preachers; they preach because it is their profession, not because the Spirit urges them to do so. Following a theological education is open to everyone. One does not have to be converted. On the basis of their diploma they moderate the right to participate in the building of the Fish Gate. The city of God is not waiting for such builders. They must be excluded from the building site.

The sons of Hassenaah

The sons of Hassenaah are mentioned among those who have returned from exile (Ezra 2:35; Neh 7:38). In number, it is the largest group that has returned from Babylon. They are rebuilding the Fish Gate. We do not hear how many sons are at work. However, it is mentioned that they meticulously finish every part of the gate. Of them it is mentioned that they provided the Fish Gate with beams and bolts and bars. This is what is neglected by Eliashib when building the Sheep Gate (Neh 3:1).