Nehemiah 3:1 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Eliashib — Grand — child of Joshua, the first high — priest after their return from Babylon. Rose — Began the work. Ministers should be foremost in every good work, animating others by their example as well as doctrine. Sheep — gate — Which was next to the temple; so called, because the sheep were brought thro' it to be sacrificed. Sanctified — Or, they prepared or repaired it: for so the word sometimes signifies. But our translation seems best, both because that use of the word is most common, and because this is spoken only of this gate, which being built by the priests, and nighest to the temple, and with a special eye to the service of the temple, for which both men and things were most commonly brought in this way, and being also the first part of the building, might be in a peculiar manner sanctified by solemn prayer and sacrifice, whereby it was dedicated to God's service.