After arriving in Jerusalem and resting three days, the first thing Nehemiah does is survey the situation. No doubt, even in these three days, he is gathering information and getting acquainted with the leaders of the people. But he wisely does not yet tell them of his project. He needs time to survey the existing remains of the walls and their condition. He knows God has called him to this work but is careful to await the correct time to present the project to the leaders and all the people.

Nehemiah describes his secret (by night) inspection of the condition of the walls (2:13–16). The places he describes are in the southern part of the city, the part traditionally known as the City of David. He does not mention places around the northern parts of Jerusalem. The Valley Gate overlooks t…