Malchiah (Son of Rechab)

Biblical Record

Malchiah appears only once, in Nehemiah 3:14. This chapter lists, in order, who was responsible for each section of the walls of Jerusalem when they were rebuilt under the leadership of Nehemiah after the return from exile. The text identifies him as the son of Rechab and the ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem. He repaired the Dung Gate, the gate through which refuse was carried out of the city. He rebuilt the gate, set up its doors, and fitted it with locks and bars. Scripture records nothing further about his life or other deeds.

Significance in the Bible

Nehemiah 3 names several district officials who took part in the work. Malchiah is one of them, which shows that local officials personally took charge of sections of the wall's reconstruction. The Dung Gate is also mentioned in Nehemiah 2:13 and 12:31 and is commonly described as a gate facing the Valley of Hinnom. The place name Beth-haccherem also appears in Jeremiah 6:1. The New Testament does not mention him.

Interpretation and Issues

• Beth-haccherem is thought to have been located a short distance south of Jerusalem, although scholars differ on its exact location.
• Some interpreters connect his father, Rechab, with the Rechabites of Jeremiah 35. The text, however, does not state any relationship between the two.
• Several people in the Bible bear this name. Within the same chapter alone, Malchijah the son of Harim (Nehemiah 3:11) and Malchiah the goldsmith (Nehemiah 3:31) appear separately, and they should be distinguished from this Malchiah.

In the Korean Church

Sermons or Sunday school lessons devoted specifically to Malchiah are rare. He is usually treated as one of the many names when the list of wall builders in Nehemiah 3 is read or expounded.