The Wall Nehemiah Built: A Study of Its Size and Historical Context

One of the most significant achievements of the Hebrew leader and urban planner Nehemiah was the construction of a protective wall around the ancient city of Jerusalem. This wall, built in the aftermath of the Babylonian exile, not only provided security but also played a crucial role in restoring the morale of the returning Jewish community. This article explores the size, construction, and historical significance of this wall, drawing insights from various sources and biblical texts.

Size and Measurement of the Wall

According to historical and biblical accounts, the wall built by Nehemiah around Jerusalem was approximately 2.5 miles or 4 kilometers in length. More specifically, some more recent estimates have suggested the wall was approximately 4,018 meters long, with a height of around 12 meters and a thickness of about 2.5 meters. This staggering size and structure made it an imposing defensive fortification.

A notable feature of the wall is its height and thickness, which make it a formidable barrier against potential invaders. The wall included gates and towers for added defense. It is important to note that the exact measurements and layout of the wall can vary in interpretation, but it is generally noted that it had a height of around 8 to 10 meters in some areas, providing a formidable barrier.

Archaeological Evidence and Recent Discoveries

A model of the wall, regularly updated according to new excavations, is often displayed behind a large hotel in Jerusalem. This model helps modern visitors visualize the structure as it would have appeared during Nehemiah's time. Excavations have revealed that the main feature of the city was the Temple Mount, which Herod had significantly enlarged compared to the original size built by Solomon.

The Temple Mount was the largest man-made platform in the ancient world, measuring about 1,575 feet by 910 feet. Some of the building stones used in its construction weighed as much as 50 tons, with one even reaching close to 400 tons. These massive stones were "unequaled in size anywhere in the ancient world," according to one scholar.

Biblical texts provide further insight into the city's dimensions, describing how the early city was grand in scale, as grand as its historical reputation. However, it should be noted that the exact measurements from the time of Hezekiah might not be precisely known, with estimates of 11,000 feet (or about 2 miles) being a rough approximation based on images and measurements of archaeological models.

Construction and Historical Context

Nehemiah's wall-building efforts were significant in restoring the city's fortifications and bolstering the morale of the Jewish people. The wall-building project was a collaborative effort, with different groups working on repairing the pre-existing walls where necessary. One notable section of the wall, just above the steep Kidron Valley, was too damaged and too difficult to repair. Instead, the eastern wall was relocated higher up the slope, directly on top of a ruined wall from King David's palace.

The layout and construction of the wall are detailed in Nehemiah chapter 3, which includes information about the nine gates of Jerusalem. The account proceeds anticlockwise, starting and finishing at the 'Sheep Gate.' This chapter is particularly significant as it contains a wealth of topographical information about ancient Jerusalem more than any other biblical passage.

Conclusion

The wall built by Nehemiah around Jerusalem was a monumental undertaking that played a critical role in the city's defense and the restoration of Jewish cultural identity. Its size, construction, and historical context continue to fascinate modern scholars and historians, providing rich insights into the customs, architecture, and resilience of the ancient Jewish community.