Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.
Then Eliashib the high priest got up with his fellow priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it to God and put up its doors. They dedicated the whole section from the Tower of Meah to the Tower of Hananeel.
The writer is showing how the high priest and other priests took the lead in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, starting with the Sheep Gate and dedicating their work to God.
📚 Historical Context
This takes place around 445 BC when Nehemiah led the Jews in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls after they returned from exile in Babylon. The Sheep Gate was likely where sheep were brought into the city for temple sacrifices, making it fitting that the priests would rebuild this particular gate first. The dedication (sanctification) of their work shows they saw this rebuilding project as holy work for God.
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