Nehemiah - Chapter 3

In this chapter we read of the rebuilding of the walls of the City of Jerusalem.  the work was divided up and different people were responsible for sections between the various gates.  The first section mentioned covers the area up to the sheep gate, and this work was done by the High Priest and the priests:

"Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors."

The sheep gate's name refers to the fact that through it the sheep were brought for sacrifice in the temple; the priests undertook this repair because the offerings of the Lord made by fire were their inheritance. This is the only part of the work where it is said that they consecrated it.

The sheep gate is linked to the sacrificial lambs that were brought through it; and Jesus, as the "lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" is the one this gate ultimately refers to.  It is therefore fitting that the High Priests worked on this area, representing Jesus, as our High Priest.  And the consecration of this work looks ahead to Jesus consecration of the world through his sacrifice on the cross.+