Day 42: All hands on deck!

Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces. And next to him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters. (Neh. 3:11-12)

Few of the older Bible commentators seem to have believed that Shallum’s actual daughters worked on the site. Typical was the sentiment of the old writer who said these women were “rich widows or heiresses, and employed men to build at their own expense…” Ironically, the views of these commentators probably stemmed from the same mindsets that caused people to be shocked when they saw women working construction in 445 B. C. The text is clear: Shallum’s daughters worked on the wall.

Let’s be smart enough not to discourage anyone who has a willing heart from giving himself – or herself – to the work of the Lord. The person who seems to you to be an unlikely candidate may possess important, even critical skills and abilities!

Lord, let none of Your people think themselves unqualified or unable to contribute their help to Your cause or to your work! Let each one be inspired by Your Spirit to do whatever he or she can!