The reconstruction of the northern and western walls is described in 3:1–15, starting at the Sheep Gate, near the northeastern corner of Jerusalem. Eliashib, grandson of Joshua (Neh. 12:10), who was the leader when the temple was rebuilt (Ezra 5:2), along with his fellow priests, rebuilds the Sheep Gate and the wall as far as the Tower of Hananel. There are two towers in the north wall; this is the only side of Jerusalem not defended by steep hills.

The fact that this part of the wall and the Tower of Hananel are the only parts dedicated here, apart from the entire dedication celebration (Nehemiah 12), may have theological significance. This tower is mentioned in only two Old Testament passages outside of Nehemiah (Jer. 31:38; Zech. 14:10), both in the context of the eschatological resto…