Definition: And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 12:37. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising passage! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Nehemiah is telling us that after rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, he led a group of people up to a specific point – above the house of David – near the water gate. This was a significant and symbolic moment. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And at the fountain gate…” : This refers to the entrance to the city, specifically a large gate or entryway. “…which was over against them” : It’s positioned next to them, indicating it was a central location. “…they went up by the stairs of the city of David…” : This is where it gets interesting! The "city of David" refers to Jerusalem's ancient Jewish settlement and a very important place in Jewish history. The people were ascending up the steps leading to that area. “…at the going up of the wall, above the house of David…” : They were reaching a point where the wall was being built – essentially, a moment before it was completed. The "house of David" is a special place within Jerusalem, and it's where King David lived. “even unto the water gate eastward” : This is the most significant part! They reached a gate that led eastward towards the water. This meant they were approaching a point where the water flowed into the city, creating a natural barrier or boundary. What’s the Big Picture? This verse points to a time when the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem were being completed. It suggests that the people were celebrating and making a significant gesture – reaching a place above the house of David to signify completion and a renewed focus on the city's importance. Why is this important? It shows that the rebuilding wasn’t just about physical construction; it was also about honoring the history and significance of the people who came before, particularly King David. It symbolizes a time of renewal and remembrance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Give you a slightly different perspective on its meaning?