The Man Who Rebuilt the Old Gate
Besaodeiah (Hebrew: Bĕsôdeyâ or Bĕsôdyâ) is a man known solely for his participation in one of the greatest collaborative efforts recorded in the Bible: the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem under the direction of Nehemiah.
The Meaning of the Name
The name Besaodeiah is a compound name that carries a profound spiritual meaning: “In the Secret of the LORD” or “In the Counsel of the LORD.” This name suggests that the man or his family recognized their existence and protection as being fully dependent on God’s hidden wisdom and sovereign plan.
The Restoration Context
Besaodeiah lived during the mid-5th century B.C., a period when the returned Jewish exiles, led by Nehemiah, dedicated themselves to reconstructing the city’s defenses, which had lain in ruin since the Babylonian destruction. Nehemiah 3 provides a meticulous, gate-by-gate, section-by-section account of who worked where, emphasizing the communal, coordinated effort of the people.
Besaodeiah is listed as the father of one of the men who took responsibility for rebuilding a critical section of the wall:
“The Old Gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.” (Nehemiah 3:6, KJV)
Besaodeiah’s son, Meshullam, repaired the area surrounding the Old Gate, a section often associated with the northern wall, which was a vital defense point for the city.
A Lesson in Hidden Service and Lineage
Besaodeiah himself did not swing the hammer, but his son was a principal figure in the rebuilding project. His name’s preservation provides a vital lesson in the nature of God’s work:
- The Legacy of Faith: Besaodeiah represents the parent who raises a son dedicated to the work of the Lord. His legacy is found in the faithfulness of his offspring, proving that the most important work done for God often occurs within the home, preparing the next generation for service.
- Serving in the Secret of God: His name, “In the Secret of the LORD,” is especially poignant in the context of Nehemiah’s project. The builders were constantly under threat of attack, yet they persevered, trusting that their labor was part of God’s hidden counsel to restore His people and city. Besaodeiah is a quiet reminder that those who labor in the counsel of the Lord will always see their work established.