Elul 19 – The Goldsmiths and Merchants

September 11, 2025

06 – Elul, Nehemiah, Sheep Gate, Zechariah

Hebrew

Elul 19, 5785; from sunset September 11, 2025, to sunset September 12, 2025

(The nineteenth day of the sixth month)

This is an image of a portion of the wall rebuilt by Nehemiah and company.

Today in the Bible, we’re wrapping up our look at the men and women who donated their time and labor to complete the restoration of the walls and gates of Jerusalem. About 45 days ago we began this study with the Sheep Gate, and today we’re finishing at the Sheep Gate. We’ve made a complete circuit around the city. The people actually did not complete the wall for another six days, on Elul 25 (Nehemiah 6:15), but we’re finishing up a little early in order to make room for other events. Thanks for sticking it out! We hope you’ve learned a little about the Hebrew language and are encouraged to start digging into the original text in your future studies. All in all, it took 52 days to complete the wall. Some people see a connection between that number and the 52 weeks that are in one year – a completion of the earth encircling the sun. A completion of the wall encircling Jerusalem.

And between the upper room at the corner, as far as the Sheep Gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs. – Nehemiah 3:32 (KJV)

שַׁעַר הַצֹּאן

Sha’ar Hatzon = Sheep Gate

The word “tzon” (צאן) means flock or sheep. It may occasionally refer to goats – but mainly it is used to refer to sheep. When we first started this study, we learned that the Sheep Gate was where the lambs entered the city to be brought into the Temple and sacrificed for sin. Our Father chose this gate to begin and end the story of His Holy City’s restoration. A restoration that could only be completed by those who had repented and returned to the Promised Land. May we remember “THE Lamb” (of God) who likely entered through this same gate to make His ultimate sacrifice for our sin, making it possible for us to be redeemed and restored. May we display the same repentance in our lives as the ones who completed this journey and focused the work of their hands upon the restoration of the Holy City.

הַצֹּרְפִים

Hatzorfim = The Goldsmiths

From the verb “tzaraf” (צרף) meaning “to smelt, refine, or test.” This term can refer to either goldsmiths or silversmiths. There are only a few versions of the Bible that do not translate this as goldsmiths. One translates as “smiths” and another as “refiners.” There is a famous silver company named Hazorfim which makes ritual silver Judaica items…Sabbath candlesticks, kiddush cups, Hanukkah menorahs, etc… This company obviously found its name in the Hebrew language.

Earlier this summer we pondered the possibility that the restoration of the wall mirrored the repentance of the people and the restoration of their holiness. If this point of view is indeed true, it seems fitting that the goldsmiths, the refiners, are included in the final verse of this chapter. The prophet Zechariah gave us a picture of what it means to be refined as silver and gold:

I will bring the one-third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, `This is My people’; and each one will say, `The LORD is my God.’” – Zechariah 13:9 (NKJ)

וְהָרֹכְלִים

Veharochlim = And the merchants

From the verb “rachal” (רכל) meaning “to go about (as in trading).” The word “markolet” (מַרְכּ֗לֶת) stems from this root, it means “marketplace.” Most Bible versions translate this word as merchants; a few render traders.

Thank you again for sticking with us in our study of Nehemiah’s wall builders. We’ve included a little certificate of completion to mark your learning acheivement!